Via Villaggio victorious in G3 Railbird Stakes

Bernardini's three-year-old daughter Via Villaggio certainly earned her victory in the G3 Railbird Stakes at Hollywood Park on May 19. With the win, she becomes the 10th Graded/Group winner for her sire Bernardini.

Out of the gate in the 1400m event for fillies, Via Villaggio settled in third to stalk the pacesetters. Turning into the home straight and Via Villaggio slipped along the inside rail to challenge for the lead and then assert over her rivals, going on to score impressively.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer indicated that the G2 Hollywood Oaks on June 23 is next for Via Villaggio.

A US $300,000 yearling purchase, Via Villaggio is out of G2 winner Hoh Buzzard, who is also the dam of Stakes-placed Dr Smarty Jack. She is a half-sister to G3 winner Ashdown Express in England. The filly was bred by Michael Lynch.

An exciting young son of AP Indy, Bernardini has gotten off to the best start at stud by an American sire since 1973. Via Villagio joins Bernardini's 10 Graded Stakes winners, who include G1 winners Stay Thirsty and To Honor And Serve. He is the sire of four G1 winners to date and an incredible eight G1 horses.

In Australia Bernardini's oldest offspring are two-year-olds and include the G2 placed Meidung along with the city winners Boban and Toydini.

Bernardini will stand at Darley Kelvinside in 2012 at a fee of $55,000 (inc. GST).