BEL’S ATTRACTION TO VAIN

The recent victories of Bel Sir and Vain Attraction – not to mention Black Caviar! – have highlighted the success of the Vain ‘nick’ in Bel Esprit runners.

Bel Esprit, of course, is out of the Vain mare Bespoken, but the doubling up of Vain in the female line of Bel Esprit progeny is proving to be hugely advantageous.

According to Arion Pedigrees 5 x 5 Nicks Report, there have been 47 Bel Esprit runners with Vain in the bottom half of their pedigree, with 33 of those (70.2%) being winners.

And although Black Caviar (whose third dam, Song of Norway is by Vain) is clearly the stand out, the boys actually hold sway over the fillies, with 77.3% winners to runners.

All up, four of the 33 winners are stakes winners – the full relations Bel Mer and Mooring, plus Belcentra – but there’s also Ibsen (9 wins), Perfect Sky (6 wins), Beau Esprit (6 wins) and Hangang Ruby (5 wins).

Anyone got a mare with Vain in the pedigree?