A rapidly deteriorating track at Kilmore proved the winning formula for the Irish import Cosmic Vega (IRE) and visiting English rider Saffie Osborne to open their Australian accounts in Sunday’s $200,000 Listed Bet365 Kilmore Cup (1600m).
Drifting back to the tail of the field on straightening, Osborne elected to stick to the rails before finding a narrow seam between Chattahoochee Magnaspin.
Relishing the conditions, the Ciaron Maher-trained son of Lope De Vega (IRE) defeated the topweight Zechariah (Nathaniel) by two lengths with a half-length back to the favourite Magnaspin (Magnus) in third.
A Listed winner at Naas the First Light Racing colour bearer advances his record to five wins, a second, and two thirds from 21 starts with earnings of $241,878.
Bred by Noreen Clibborn, Cosmic Vega (IRE) was a 100,000gns purchase for Ciaron Maher Racing / First Light Racing / JS Bloodstock from The Castlebridge Consignment at the 2023 Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale.
A half-brother to Group III-placed The X O (Zoffany), Cosmic Vega (IRE) is the best of is the best of three winners from four to race for the unraced Pivotal mare Pivotal Era, a sister to the Group III Prix Pénélope winner Humoresque and a half to Group II Flying Five Stakes winner Danehurst (Danehill), and Listed winner Rising Legend (Rock Of Gibraltar).
Cosmic Vega (IRE) is the one of 143 black-type winners for Ballylinch Stud’s Lope De Vega (IRE) who commands a fee of €175,000.
The son of Shamardal shuttled to Australia for four seasons, (2011-2014).
