Vero Atleta (3c Gleneagles – Love Match, by Danehill Dancer) confirmed himself the top three-year-old colt in Italy when drawing clear to win the Italian 2,000 Guineas under Frankie Dettori.
Sold by Castletown Stud to Marco Bozzi at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale, the son of Gleneagles recorded a hat-trick of wins last season, including at Listed and Group 2 level. Grizzetti Galoppo’s charge was sent off joint-favourite for Monday’s Group 3 and tracked the leaders for much of the way. Making headway before the turn for home, he was driven to lead from the two furlong marker and was never challenged thereafter. The winning margin was four and a half lengths, with another six and a half lengths back to the third.
Dettori, who retires at the end of the season, was winning the Classic for the first time. “He was the best horse in the field,” said the jockey. “The last 400 metres were longer for me than for him. I think he could stay further and have a tilt at the Derby Italiano.”
Vero Atleta was consigned by Castletown Stud on behalf of breeder Corrin Stud, for whom Castletown Stud also sold Stakes performer Glorious Lover.