Expensive Encosta Makes Winning Debut

13th March 2008

Australia’s leading sire Encosta de Lago was represented by a stylish debut winner at Ballarat on Tuesday when the David Hayes trained two year-old filly Arms Wide Open (2f Encosta de Lago x Embraceable You, by Rodrigo de Triano) strolled home by a couple of lengths.

A touch easy in the betting having not trialled in public, Arms Wide Open relished the 1200 metres first up to win as she pleased.

A $725,000 purchase from the draft of Kia Ora Stud at the 2007 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Arms Wide Open was secured by BBA Ireland and runs for a syndicate that includes well known owners Mr and Mrs Tim Hughes, Keith Biggs and bookmaker Michael Sullivan.

She is the third foal of stakes-placed Embraceable You, a half-sister by Rodrigo de Triano to Group One AJC Epsom Handicap winer Allez Suez.

Encosta de Lago has stunning drafts of yearlings for upcoming sales with 40 for Magic Millions followed by 62 for Inglis Easter.