Vino scores in Monmouth debut . . . “in a sparkling performance”

When Poseidon’s Warrior gained his first winner at Monmouth Park in June, track announcer Frank Mirahmadi bellowed in deep stretch, “Firenze Fire wins from here to Florida.” Mirahmadi went one better on Friday as Vino was splashing through the mud toward his debut victory in a $36,000 maiden special at five furlongs, giving Treasure Beach his fourth winner. “It’s a one-horse race,” Mirahmadi roared. “Vino in a sparkling performance – he absolutely crushes.”

The colt owned and bred by Mr. Amore Stables broke on top from the No. 4 post, then held off four challengers through a quarter in :22.39 and a half in :45.96. At the top of the stretch, Paco Lopez had Vino in cruise control and the pair widened the margin through the lane, galloping under the wire 7 1/2 lengths in front while clocked in :57.80.

Vino collected $21,600 for the victory and lifted Treasure Beach’s progeny earnings to $160,132. The son of Galileo is running away with the Florida freshman sire race and has moved into fourth place nationally, just $6,187 away from Spendthrift Farm’s Jimmy Creed, who is second.