Vosne Romanee Does It Again

Karaka graduate Vosne Romanee delivered at the highest level on Boxing Day
when he ran away with the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie.

As the winner of the Group 1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m), New Zealand's
finest weight for age contest in the spring, Vosne Romanee (Electronic Zone
x Madison Avenue, by Morcon) was let go by punters somewhat on Saturday
with the presence of four other Group 1 winners in the field including last
start Group 1 VRC Derby winner Monaco Consul (High Chaparral) and last
start Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes winner Ekstreme (Ekraar).

As a noted back marker is was surprising to see Vosne Romanee settle
midfield on the fence in the hands of Matthew Cameron who had the baldy
faced chestnut 'travelling' underneath him as the field, led out by
Mandela, galloped into the Ellerslie home stretch.

In a cleanly run race the gaps appeared for the seven-year-old one off the
fence and in an instant Vosne Romanee quickly established himself as
clearly New Zealand's best middle distance athlete when running away to
score by two and a quarter lengths.

His winning time was 2.00.60, the final 600m in 34.07, with fellow Karaka
graduate Red Ruler (Viking Ruler) filling second place, and Tell a Tale
(Tale Of The Cat) three lengths away in third.

Owned by Ian and Alana Smart who operate the Alana Estate vineyard in
Martinborough, Vosne Romanee has carried his distinctive yellow colours
with purple grapes to eight victories and over $1m in prize-money.