Racing: Computer helps pick winners

Not everyone believes in selecting potential winning racehorses by identifying specific pedigree niches with a computer programme.

Louis Vieceli does.

If there was any doubt by the former Christchurch bar owner it was removed with Italia's dashing $500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique victory at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Vieceli became interested in pedigree research seven years ago. Using the system, he has purchased four yearlings:

* Classic Clare ($20,000), who has won five races, including two at stakes level and has been group placed.

* Goosen ($50,000) had to be put down after shattering a sesamoid and rupturing the suspensory following stakes placed performances.

* Italia ($60,000), who took her earnings to $329,125 with her win on Saturday, her third from four starts.

* And an O'Reilly filly for which he paid $15,000 from Waikato Stud's draft at the same sale last year from which Italia was purchased.

"She is due to go to the trials for the first time this week," said Vieceli.

The Italia win was definitely rugby, racing and champagne for co-trainer Shane Kennedy.

Before entering racing, the South Islander was passionate about his rugby, getting through to play for Canterbury B.

Kennedy and Vieceli married sisters and became involved in racing at the same time.

"My interest was originally sparked by my father Brian's involvement with the Canterbury Jockey Club and from going to the races on the [West] Coast when we lived there."

Vieceli sold his Christchurch bars only two weeks ago.

"I don't know that I'll get back into the hospitality industry.

"I've got a couple of small projects in property to follow and, to be honest, I want to spend more time with my racing interests."

He did not buy at last week's Karaka sales.

"We chased a couple of fillies, one in particular, but didn't get them.

"Next year we will definitely be buying a filly."

Kennedy and his training partner Ricky Carston have yet to map out an autumn plan for Italia.

"She has to have a break at some time, whether it's now and she races through the autumn, or whether we keep her going for the stakes at Matamata, we're not sure.

"A race like the Manawatu Sires Produce holds a lot of appeal."

Italia won the group two Wakefield Stakes at Trentham at her last start.

She settled in midfield for jockey Vinny Colgan on Saturday and hit the front 100m out before defying a late burst from Royal Pericles who was three-wide for much of the run.

In an extremely competitive finish, Redbreb fought hard for third, Miss Toffelees flew late for fourth with a real eye-catcher and closer in Solvini was right behind them after coming out of a wide gate.