Via Villaggio victorious in G3 Railbird Stakes

Bernardini's three-year-old daughter Via Villaggio certainly earned her victory in the G3 Railbird Stakes at Hollywood Park May 19. With the win, she becomes the 10th Graded/Group winner for her sire Bernardini.

Out of the gate in the seven furlong race Via Villaggio settled in third to stalk the pacesetters. Entering the turn she slipped along the inside rail to challenge the lead and fought hard in the stretch to take the victory impressively.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer indicated that the G2 Hollywood Oaks on June 23 is next for Via Villaggio.

A $300,000 yearling purchase, Via Villaggio is out of G2 winner Hoh Buzzard, who is also the dam of Stakes-placed Dr Smarty Jack. She is a half-sister to G3 winner Ashdown Express in England. The filly was bred by Michael Lynch.

An exciting young son of AP Indy, Bernardini has gotten off to the best start at stud by an American sire since 1973. Via Villagio joins Bernardini's 10 Graded Stakes winners, who include G1 winners Stay Thirsty and To Honor And Serve. He is the sire of four G1 winners to date and an incredible eight G1 horses. This is the second G3 Railbird Stakes victory in a row for a Darley sire, as Rockport Harbor's May Day Rose took the race in 2011.

Bernardini stands for $150,000 at Darley USA.