Vina Arana (IRE) storms home for Nassau score, earns first graded stakes badge

19/07/2026

TORONTO, July 19, 2026 – Vina Arana (IRE), under a patient ride from Adam Beschizza, rocketed away from her rivals down the lane to win the 1-mile, $200,000 Nassau (G2T) Stakes for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, Sunday afternoon at Woodbine.

Making her first appearance on the Woodbine inner turf, Vina Arana (IRE) sat last of six in the early going as Quadruple (GB) broke alertly and took the early lead, followed by Equitas and 7-5 mutuel choice Sultana into the first turn.

Quadruple (GB) held a two-length lead over Equitas through an opening quarter in :22.82 and held that same advantage after a half in :46.55. Beschizza and Vina Arana (IRE) remained sixth but were then on the move ahead of the turn for home, gliding up on the outside of the pacesetters and looming a major threat.

Vina Arana (IRE), making her fourth start of the campaign, took over the proceedings strides before straightening for the stretch drive and then powered away from her rivals with ease. Ahead by 3 ½ lengths at the stretch call, the 5-year-old bay mare crossed the wire four lengths clear of Equitas. Sultana was third, followed by Bessie Abott (IRE). Salty Senorita was scratched.

The final time over firm ground was 1:35.40.

It was the first graded stakes triumph for the bay, who is trained by Jack Sisterson for Sterling Stables LLC and MHM Stables LLC. She arrived at the Nassau off a third in the Old Forester Mint Julep Stakes (G3T) on May 30.

“She has a good handful of ability, and you know she deserves to win a race like this because she's more than capable,” said Beschizza. “I think the sky’s the limit.”

Added Sisterson, “You see an impressive performance this afternoon, which we thought she was well capable of. We always thought she had a performance like this in her, and Adam rode a great race.”

Bred by Funcheon Bloodstock Ltd, the daughter of Make Believe (GB) out of the Teofilo (IRE) mare Sunset Dazzle (IRE) is now 3-0-3 from 12 starts.

A €30,000 purchase at the 2022 Goffs Sportsman’s Yearling Sale, she paid $6.20 for the Nassau victory.

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Chris Lomon, Woodbine