WINNING BUDDIES

CASTELVECCHIO was trained by Richard Litt with 4 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds in 13 starts, winning distance from 1200M to 2000M. He was unbeaten on his first 2 attempts, then ran on for 3rd in ATC Sires' Produce Stakes and landed 1600M G1 Champagne Stakes under Joshua Parr. On his 3YO racing season, he finished 2nd in Spring Champion Stakes and battled with the seniors in Cox Plate that 1.5Ls behind Japanese star mare LYS GRACIEUX for a 2nd with Craig Williams, then he lifted Rosehill Guineas a few months later in Autumn. After finished 9th in Australian Derby, the son of DUNDEEL retired from racing and entered stud in 2020 at Arrowfield Stud with 6 black type contests winner including 2025 Australian Derby hero AELIANA. His fee in 2025 is AUD$ 49,500. WINNING BUDDIES was formerly known as ANDANTINO and trained by Cody Cole in New Zealand. After 2 barrier trials, he sat on-pace early and held off challenge to win an 1100M race as a favourite on his debut at Woodville. Same sire runners in Australia handle middle distance and stayer races well. His dam SISTER PHENOMENON is half-sister of former HK runner WASHINGTON HEIGHTS who collected 2 wins in sprint races in 4 HK attempts while the mare has had 7 winning foals. The chestnut should be able to handle up to mile or upper in distance that fine on soft going and no issue at Happy Valley.