Amore Vita – The Golden Girl

Victorian pacer Amore Vita (Art Major) secured her first Group 1 harness racing success in mares’ open class ranks when she got the verdict in a photo finish in the $150,000 The Golden Girl at Albion Park on Saturday night. 

AMORE VITA REPLAY

The daughter of Art Major launched a sustained three wide sprint without cover from last with 800 metres to travel and Amore Vita ($4.20) withstood a late sprint lane challenge from Manhattan to score by half a head in a slick mile rate of 1:50.5. 

The win provided champion reinsman Chris Alford with his 133rd Group 1 success in the sulky and he was suitably impressed after the race. 

“That was terrific as she had to do a lot of work and she was all out at the 400 but she was still digging in to the line, she’s always been fast but she is so strong now and just keeps on going,” Alford said. 

Alford admitted he was concerned mid race when Amore Vita settled down at the rear of the field. 

“She half dropped the bit early and then one got in front of me and we were a long way back but I was a bit happier when they went 25.8 for the first quarter and thought that they have to come back to me at some stage,” he said 

The win provided the Emma Stewart trained mare with her third Group 1 victory following on from wins in both the Vicbred Super Series 2YO and 3YO Fillies Finals. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink