The Wine Steward

Maybe opera is not as popular in the nomenclature of horses as classic ballet or theater, but Ohio multiple winner Alfio (Mucho Macho Man) carries a very solid and thoughtful operatic connection with his parents in his name. In the celebrated one-act opera "Cavalleria Rusticana" (1890), Alfio is the jealous husband who kills romantic rival "compare Turiddu" in a duel to the death. A possible translation of "Cavalleria Rusticana" could be "Rustic Gallantry." Some say that the opera is the solitary masterpiece of one-hit-wonder Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945). Still, some of...

Representing freshman sire Vino Rosso, The Wine Steward recorded that stallion's first stakes winner with a victory at Ellis Park in the Bashford Manor S. With a maiden-breaking score by 6 lengths against New York state-bred company May 28 at Belmont Park, the Mike Maker trainee shipped to Kentucky. Off at odds of 2-1, the bay colt chased leaders Go Otto Go (Bolt d'Oro) and Call Me Andy (Midshipman) to the outside of the second flight. Rounding the far turn, the $340,000 OBSMAR buy went three-wide with good energy and...

1st-Belmont, $75,000, (S), Msw, 5-28, 2yo, 5f, :58.68, ft, 6 lengths. THE WINE STEWARD (c, 2, Vino Rosso--Call to Service, by To Honor and Serve) brought a final bid of $340,000 from trainer Michael Maker at OBS March earlier this year after breezing in :10.2 to be the second-highest progeny of his freshman sire (by Curlin) at the sale. A popular choice at the window, the bay drew the inside gate at post-time odds of 2-5 and, despite a hesitant beginning, stayed in contention with a rail-skimming ride around the...