Ninth Aussie 2YO Winner for Encosta
10th July 2007
The juvenile maiden over 1400 metres at Warwick Farm on Tuesday was won by dashing grey Encosta de Lago filly Fidele (2f Encosta de Lago - Truly Believe, by Kenmare), a $160,000 purchase from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud at the 2006 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Improving off a debut second when beaten a long head at the Kensington track on June 21, Fidele appreciated the step up to 1400 metres and rallied strongly in the heavy conditions to score a good tough win.
Trained by John Hawkes and ridden by Darren Beadman, Fidele still looked a touch green and will take plenty of improvement from the win.
Raced by a large group of 10 owners Fidele was knocked down to John Hawkes and is the second winner by Encosta de Lago to emerge from the Yarraman Easter draft in 2006, joining Group One winner Apercu who made $470,000.
Bred by Hilton Cope and the Mitchell family, Fidele was foaled and raised at Yarraman Park and is the fifth foal of the Kenmare (Fr) mare Truly Believe, a stakes-placed sister to Group Three winner Simply Believe, dam of the very smart Group Two winner Faith Hill.
All the good gallopers in this family are grey with Fidele boasting the same colouring as her Group One winning third dam Pure of Heart (IRE), notable as the dam of outstanding sire Lion Hunter (prematurely deceased) another famous grey.
Fidele becomes the ninth Australian juvenile winner for Encosta de Lago this season joining Group One winner Apercu, Group Two winner Press the Button and stakes-winner Cecconi.
