BEL ESPRIT KICKS UP A STORM

I’m not too good at the tipping caper, but you wouldn’t be too far off the mark suggesting that Zenos Zintilis hails from Cyprus!
The owner/trainer of Cyprus Storm, Zenos notched up his first winner as a trainer with the victory of his Bel Esprit 5YO at Berrigan on Saturday (31 October).
Zenos has shown great persistence with Cyprus Storm, having purchased the colt at the 2006 Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sale for just $6,500 before passing him in at the Inglis Breeze Up the following year.
Although Cyprus Storm would win his first trial in November last year, the form since has been mixed with an ordinary debut effort at Wangaratta, followed by a third at Albury and a mediocre sixth at the Healesville Picnics. This was all in the space of 25 days.
Given a 42 week break, Cyprus Storm has bounced back better than ever and his win at Berrigan was performed with aplomb.
Well done Zenos!
Out of the Bluebird mare, Ucello, Cyprus Storm was bred by PE & PA Campbell Investment, Yarraman Park & E & J Rea.
The winner of four races in Melbourne, Ucello is a half sister to 2YO Group winner Ashkaleta and closely related to Sentimental Lady and Natural Tycoon.

Hoofnote: Cyprus is the Mediterranean’s third largest island and one of its most popular tourist destinations. One of the most advanced economies in the Middle East, there’s been human activity on Cyprus since around 10,000 BC and, on a sporting level, is best known of late for the prowess of tennis player Marcos Baghdatis, an Australian open finalist and Wimbledon semi finalist in 2006.