Costa Viva sent her potential broodmare value soaring when she gunned down the favourite to win today’s Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton.

A daughter of champion Coolmore Stud sire Encosta de Lago, Costa Viva sat back in the field in today’s feature race before coming with a perfectly timed run under Leith Innes to win by a widening three quarter length margin.

Aside from winning a cool $178,125 in prizemoney, connections secured a valuable Group One win on a filly with an impressive pedigree.

Costa Viva is the third individual Group One winner sourced by leading New Zealand bloodstock agent David Ellis for the Te Akau Racing operation.

Ellis had previously tasted success from the same sale with Princess Coup and Tell a Tale and Costa Viva joins that pair to have won at racing’s elite level.

Bred in Victoria on Tarcoola Stud by Ken Williams and Ken Biggins, Costa Viva was purchased by Ellis from the Tyreel Stud draft at the 2012 National Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast for an even $100,000.

While celebrated by the Te Akau Racing team in New Zealand including trainer Jason Bridgman, the success was a significant one for her Victorian breeders.

Tarcoola Stud will present a cracking half brother to Costa Viva at January’s 2014 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Lot 166, the colt by Golden Slipper winner Flying Spur, will be offered at the Gold Coast by Willow Park Stud for Tarcoola.

“He’s an outstanding colt,” Magic Millions Victorian representative Tim Brown said. “He is sure to have plenty of admirers on the Gold Coast.”

Brown said the colt’s outstanding and ever improving pedgiree page was equally matched by being a cracking type.

Costa Viva and the Gold Coast bound Flying Spur colt are both from the former top Melbourne based Bel Esprit mare Vivacious Spirit.

A three quarter sister to Brisbane stakes winner Audacious Spirit, Vivacious Spirit won the Group Three How Now Stakes at Caulfield before retiring to stud. Costa Viva is her first named foal.

Winner: Costa Viva
Breeding: Encosta de Lago-Vivacious Spirit (Bel Esprit)
Race: CJC New Zealand 1000 Guineas G1 (1600m)
Sold for: $100,000
Sale: 2012 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale
Vendor: Tyreel Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: David Ellis
Owner(s): Mrs J & RK Batten, Mrs D Ford & DP & Mrs NE Hurst
Trainer: Jason Bridgman