A $510,000 NZB Premier purchase from the Windsor Park draft for China Horse
Club/ Ciaron Maher Bloodstock, Grand Bernini is trained by Ciaron Maher and
David Eustace.After finishing midfield in an 800-metre Cranbourne trial on November 26, the son of Shamexpress stepped out in a 900-metre Stony Creek trial on Tuesday last week and shared the lead with Gennady before coasting to the line untouched to finish third, some three and a half lengths behind Gennady.
"He certainly trialled sharp enough and I think he’ll get over a bit more ground later on,” Ciaron Maher told Racing.com
"He was a bit keen in the trial so I didn’t want to start him over too far and see him do it all upside down.
"He’ll benefit from the experience, but I expect him to acquit himself well and I don’t think he’ll be too far away.”
Grand Bernini is the third foal to race from The Opera House, who has left one winner to date with her white High Chaparral (IRE) filly Casta Diva a winner in Japan at 2600m.
By champion sire Zabeel, The Opera House is a three-quarter sister-in-blood to champion racehorse Might and Power, winner of a Melbourne cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
After producing four white foals in a row, The Opera House produced a normal coloured foal this spring delivering the colt below by Rageese at Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand.
