BEL ESPRIT & DELAGO BROM IN SANDOWN DOUBLE
June 18 2008
Proven Eliza Park ‘headliners’ - Bel Esprit and Delago Brom - have had another successful day at the office with a double at Sandown.
Tassology got the ball rolling for Bel Esprit with an emphatic victory in the Ungar Super VOBIS 2YO Handicap over 1400m, while another of the Bel Esprit’s in Bel Estar (a last start winner) ran on well for fourth.
Raced by the highly successful Slade Bloodstock, Tassology was placed in town last campaign and has been knocking on the door since resuming in late April.Sold through the Eliza Park draft at last year’s Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Tassology was eventually knocked down to Slade Bloodstock for $100,000.
Tassology is out of the Mystery Storm (by Storm Bird) mare, In a Teacup, a half sister to multiple Group One winner Heroicity. Tassology is Bel Esprit’s 33rd winner and eighth 2YO winner for the season.
Meanwhile, Erupts was at it again two races later when the Delago Brom filly captured the Magic Flute Handicap over 1200m. Trained by John Hawkes, she’s certainly some filly with four wins from her only five outings.
Well named (Erupts is out of the Pompeii Court mare Versuvia), this was her first run back in four months and she looks to have a very big future.
With 24 winners for the season, Delago Brom has produced five in just over a week.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Spirited Halo 10/10/2003,5/1/08,30/8/08,26/11/08(2)
Spirited Halo is born
One fine sunny morning on Sunday 10th October 2003, Brian and Lorraine Donohoe together with Peter and Julie Donohoe and their children, Thomas and Hayley and Julie’s Father, Pat Kennedy ventured off for a barbeque and an inspection of the Bel Esprit–Blazing Aura colt, born four days earlier at Yungaburra Stud, 80k from Melbourne at Newham, north of Mount Macedon.
Before arriving at Yungaburra “Place of the happy spirit”, we called at Eliza Park, one of the fastest and most progressive thoroughbred breeding and racing nurseries in Australia, where an appointment had been made with the manager, Shane McGrath, to visit our Stallion Bel Esprit (Brian and Peter had raced Bel Esprit and still retained a small interest in him).
Bel Esprit, who is one of nine stallions on the farm, was paraded and Julie and Tom (pictured right) got close enough to pat him. Tom gave him a carrot to reward him for all his good work. He had served 122 mares in his 1st season and had nearly completed serving 152 mares in his 2nd season.
We were then taken to the foaling paddock where there were a few foals, all by Bel Esprit, running around with their Mothers. Some came up close and Hayley mustered enough courage to pat the Bel Esprit-Carbonated foal.
Leaving Eliza Park, we drove to Yungaburra, a property owned by David and Jenny Moodie. where the homestead was built on top of a hill in the middle of the property with a magnificent view of all 1100 acres.
The Moodies have been one of racing’s biggest investors for many years under the banner of his Contract Racing syndicate that retains Matthew Ellerton as his Melbourne-based trainer.
David and Jenny put on a traditional Australian barbeque where we discussed the merits of Bel Esprit as a stallion. We also talked about the history of the farm, David’s venture in breeding and racing (Rarcamba had a big influence on his success) and the importing of Distorted Humor to Australia for two seasons as a stallion.
Pat and David tested their memory about whether Paint (owned by David and Jenny) won the last race on Cox Plate day when Might and Power won the big
race.
The children, Tom and Hayley were entertained by the Moodie children, Kate, Victoria and Jessica by riding mini tractors around the yard.
After lunch we all jumped into the one-tonner and drove down to the breeding stable for a look at our colt. It was very exciting to see a gangly baby foal snuggling up to his mother and trying to hide away from our view, especially when we own him! Hard to imagine that one day he might be racing up the straight at Flemington and winning???.
Later in the afternoon, we went for a tour around the farm and saw where our foal would grow up (which happened to be the best paddock). Horses in the paddocks included Cosmic Dust (pictured right, she had foals to Bel Esprit in his 2nd and 3rd year and we have shares in both colts), River Dove who won an Oakleigh Plate beating Bel Esprit, Distorted Halo, winner of Group 1 races in Hong Kong and is a half brother to our colt, Casual Pass who won a MacKinnon Stakes, Polar Rose(Dam of Arctic Scent, winner of
1996 G1 Caulfield Cup) and Artic Scent .
We journeyed home at the end of the day with great expectations that we had made a very successful foal share and hoped to have more fun at owners.
Spirited Halo wins at Sandown.
January 5th, 2008
Saturday at Sandown was another gold star in the book of young rider Sebastian Murphy, who celebrated his 18th birthday on New Year's Day with a double at Flemington that included the Group 3 Standish Hcp, when he rode a race-to-race double on the card.
Trainer Matt Ellerton made the most of Murphy's one-and-a-half kilo claim to offset the top weight of 58kilos allocated to Spirited Halo (ex Blazing Aura by Blazing Sword) in the New Gleam Super VOBIS Hcp (1400m).
The three-year-old son of Bel Esprit jumped away from barrier 12 in the 13-strong field best and Murphy sent him straight to the front when he dominated the tempo. Given a breather coming down the hill, Murphy, asked Spirited Halo for another effort at the 300m and they proved too strong for El Poderoso (Tobougg - Olympic Halo by Danewin) by a neck.
The way Spirited Halo claimed his second win from seven starts suggests he's capable to improve off the win.Ellerton told TVN, "I thought with the claim he (Spirited Halo) would be able to chalk up his second win and ... Sebastian gave him a heady ride." Bel Esprit is by Royal Academy from a daughter of the Group I Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes winner, Vin D'Amour (by Adios).
He was rated Australia's Champion Three-Year-Old in 2002 and sofar this season his progeny have won 14 races and more than $800,000. Bel Esprit is well represented by three youngsters at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale at Karaka, January 30th until February 1st, he has another seven on offer at the WA Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale (Feb 15-22nd) and a big draft of 30 at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale (March 1st-6th).
Utterly Fantastic
The Ricky Maund trained Utterly Fantastic proved exactly that for owners Kevin and Tanith O'Brien by winning at Caulfield today.
Unfortunately for punters it started at $41, meaning the cheers upon returning to scale were distinctly muted.
Coming from well back in the field on the turn, Utterly Fantastic ($31-$41) came home strongly under Dean Yendall to win by three quarters of a length from Marwin Gold ($31-$41) with another three quarters of a length to Spirited Halo ($26-$31).
The run of the race was Spirited Halo who drew the outside barrier, dropped back to last and had to come round the field,10 wide on the turn and flash down the middle of the track.
Considering Spirited Halo was rated 74 and Live In Vain 102, Marwin Gold 98, Royal Asscher 99, Monahan Tweed 95 and Straight Legs 94, a bright future is assured.
With a city win under his belt, Utterly Fantastic takes his prizemoney earnings over the $113,000 mark, with 6 wins and 8 placings from his 29 starts.
SPIRITED PERFORMANCE
There was some very excited owners following the victory of Spirited Halo at Sandown on Wednesday (26 November) … especially those who snaffled the ‘10s’.Part-owner Brian Donohoe has written a terrific piece on the Bel Esprit blog and all we can basically add is to say that he didn’t race like a $10 shot.Lobbing into third for the run home, Spirited Halo raced to the front on turning for home and it was all over, Red Rover.
Spirited Halo obviously has a keen appreciation of Sandown (now Betfair Park), having won there in January and run fourth at two previous visits. All up, Spirited Halo has posted three wins and four placings from 14 outings.
Bred by the Donohoes, the Moodies and the Goods (who also race the 4YO), Spirited Halo is trained by Matty Ellerton and is a half brother to multiple Hong Kong Group winner Distorted Halo from the stakesplaced mare, Blazing Aura.
Spirited Halo 26/11/2008
A happy owner's story
Tuesday morning, I ventured up to Eliza Park to meet Greg Tobin, Eliza Park's Marketing Manager, to discuss setting up a Web site with all of Bel Esprit's newspaper and Web articles displayed on the site.
Greg suggested that we should start with a blogger site and here it is. Maybe the name might change and be called the Bel Esprit Owners Club with a collection of stories that are available, dating back till when Gabbidon became Bel Esprit's 1st progeny to win a race.
At the conclusion of the meeting I went to the Stallion barn where Bel Esprit was resting after earning his keep earlier in the morning. Brent Grayling, who is Stud Manager, brushed the stallion up and took him out to the viewing area where he pranced around like he did in his racing days.
He is a 670lb ball of muscle, how could any mare resist him.
Wednesday morning, I bought the paper and saw that Spirited Halo,by Bel Esprit, a horse that my Wife and I have a share in, was 10/1 in the betting at Betfair Park at 4.00 in the afternoon.
A phone call was made to other owners and Julie, our Daughter-in-Law and co-owner, said that her father, Pat Kennedy would love to come with me.
The horse had raced at Flemington on Emirites Stakes Day and finished 6th, a crebible performance considering he had drawn the inside barrier and there was a strong head wind which forced him to race back a bit futher than was expected.
The weather was fine when we arrived but as the prior race to ours was run, the skies opened up. Thunder and lightning and heavy rain descended upon the course with lightning striking the running rail near where the horses and Craig Newett were. In his own words in the Sun Newspaper "I s--t myself". Our race was delayed and our good track quickly turned into a dead track.Pat and I, a couple of old Football addicts, agreed that it always rained at AFL Park Waverly, only a mile away, in the 3rd quarter and nothing has changed.
Anyway back to the races, our race was run, Chris Symons dropped Spirited Halo into 3rd place after they jumped, raced to the front in the straight and, like when he raced at Sandown earlier in the year, nothing could catch him.
Into the Winners room, watched the replay, drank the Champagne, ate the sandwiches, collected the trophy, the video, the photo and lets not forget the 10/1.
Who said there is a financial crisis?
Pictured left are, strapper Chloe, who had her 1st day at the races as a strapper and Sharnee who filled in for Matty Ellerton, the trainer, for the day.
Congratulations to all involved.
One fine sunny morning on Sunday 10th October 2003, Brian and Lorraine Donohoe together with Peter and Julie Donohoe and their children, Thomas and Hayley and Julie’s Father, Pat Kennedy ventured off for a barbeque and an inspection of the Bel Esprit–Blazing Aura colt, born four days earlier at Yungaburra Stud, 80k from Melbourne at Newham, north of Mount Macedon.
Before arriving at Yungaburra “Place of the happy spirit”, we called at Eliza Park, one of the fastest and most progressive thoroughbred breeding and racing nurseries in Australia, where an appointment had been made with the manager, Shane McGrath, to visit our Stallion Bel Esprit (Brian and Peter had raced Bel Esprit and still retained a small interest in him).
Bel Esprit, who is one of nine stallions on the farm, was paraded and Julie and Tom (pictured right) got close enough to pat him. Tom gave him a carrot to reward him for all his good work. He had served 122 mares in his 1st season and had nearly completed serving 152 mares in his 2nd season.
We were then taken to the foaling paddock where there were a few foals, all by Bel Esprit, running around with their Mothers. Some came up close and Hayley mustered enough courage to pat the Bel Esprit-Carbonated foal.
Leaving Eliza Park, we drove to Yungaburra, a property owned by David and Jenny Moodie. where the homestead was built on top of a hill in the middle of the property with a magnificent view of all 1100 acres.
The Moodies have been one of racing’s biggest investors for many years under the banner of his Contract Racing syndicate that retains Matthew Ellerton as his Melbourne-based trainer.
David and Jenny put on a traditional Australian barbeque where we discussed the merits of Bel Esprit as a stallion. We also talked about the history of the farm, David’s venture in breeding and racing (Rarcamba had a big influence on his success) and the importing of Distorted Humor to Australia for two seasons as a stallion.
Pat and David tested their memory about whether Paint (owned by David and Jenny) won the last race on Cox Plate day when Might and Power won the big
race.
The children, Tom and Hayley were entertained by the Moodie children, Kate, Victoria and Jessica by riding mini tractors around the yard.
After lunch we all jumped into the one-tonner and drove down to the breeding stable for a look at our colt. It was very exciting to see a gangly baby foal snuggling up to his mother and trying to hide away from our view, especially when we own him! Hard to imagine that one day he might be racing up the straight at Flemington and winning???.
Later in the afternoon, we went for a tour around the farm and saw where our foal would grow up (which happened to be the best paddock). Horses in the paddocks included Cosmic Dust (pictured right, she had foals to Bel Esprit in his 2nd and 3rd year and we have shares in both colts), River Dove who won an Oakleigh Plate beating Bel Esprit, Distorted Halo, winner of Group 1 races in Hong Kong and is a half brother to our colt, Casual Pass who won a MacKinnon Stakes, Polar Rose(Dam of Arctic Scent, winner of
1996 G1 Caulfield Cup) and Artic Scent .We journeyed home at the end of the day with great expectations that we had made a very successful foal share and hoped to have more fun at owners.
Spirited Halo wins at Sandown.
January 5th, 2008
Saturday at Sandown was another gold star in the book of young rider Sebastian Murphy, who celebrated his 18th birthday on New Year's Day with a double at Flemington that included the Group 3 Standish Hcp, when he rode a race-to-race double on the card.
Trainer Matt Ellerton made the most of Murphy's one-and-a-half kilo claim to offset the top weight of 58kilos allocated to Spirited Halo (ex Blazing Aura by Blazing Sword) in the New Gleam Super VOBIS Hcp (1400m).
The three-year-old son of Bel Esprit jumped away from barrier 12 in the 13-strong field best and Murphy sent him straight to the front when he dominated the tempo. Given a breather coming down the hill, Murphy, asked Spirited Halo for another effort at the 300m and they proved too strong for El Poderoso (Tobougg - Olympic Halo by Danewin) by a neck.
The way Spirited Halo claimed his second win from seven starts suggests he's capable to improve off the win.Ellerton told TVN, "I thought with the claim he (Spirited Halo) would be able to chalk up his second win and ... Sebastian gave him a heady ride." Bel Esprit is by Royal Academy from a daughter of the Group I Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes winner, Vin D'Amour (by Adios).
He was rated Australia's Champion Three-Year-Old in 2002 and sofar this season his progeny have won 14 races and more than $800,000. Bel Esprit is well represented by three youngsters at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale at Karaka, January 30th until February 1st, he has another seven on offer at the WA Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale (Feb 15-22nd) and a big draft of 30 at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale (March 1st-6th).
Utterly Fantastic
The Ricky Maund trained Utterly Fantastic proved exactly that for owners Kevin and Tanith O'Brien by winning at Caulfield today.
Unfortunately for punters it started at $41, meaning the cheers upon returning to scale were distinctly muted.
Coming from well back in the field on the turn, Utterly Fantastic ($31-$41) came home strongly under Dean Yendall to win by three quarters of a length from Marwin Gold ($31-$41) with another three quarters of a length to Spirited Halo ($26-$31).
The run of the race was Spirited Halo who drew the outside barrier, dropped back to last and had to come round the field,10 wide on the turn and flash down the middle of the track.
Considering Spirited Halo was rated 74 and Live In Vain 102, Marwin Gold 98, Royal Asscher 99, Monahan Tweed 95 and Straight Legs 94, a bright future is assured.
With a city win under his belt, Utterly Fantastic takes his prizemoney earnings over the $113,000 mark, with 6 wins and 8 placings from his 29 starts.
SPIRITED PERFORMANCE
There was some very excited owners following the victory of Spirited Halo at Sandown on Wednesday (26 November) … especially those who snaffled the ‘10s’.Part-owner Brian Donohoe has written a terrific piece on the Bel Esprit blog and all we can basically add is to say that he didn’t race like a $10 shot.Lobbing into third for the run home, Spirited Halo raced to the front on turning for home and it was all over, Red Rover.
Spirited Halo obviously has a keen appreciation of Sandown (now Betfair Park), having won there in January and run fourth at two previous visits. All up, Spirited Halo has posted three wins and four placings from 14 outings.
Bred by the Donohoes, the Moodies and the Goods (who also race the 4YO), Spirited Halo is trained by Matty Ellerton and is a half brother to multiple Hong Kong Group winner Distorted Halo from the stakesplaced mare, Blazing Aura.
Spirited Halo 26/11/2008
A happy owner's story
Tuesday morning, I ventured up to Eliza Park to meet Greg Tobin, Eliza Park's Marketing Manager, to discuss setting up a Web site with all of Bel Esprit's newspaper and Web articles displayed on the site.
Greg suggested that we should start with a blogger site and here it is. Maybe the name might change and be called the Bel Esprit Owners Club with a collection of stories that are available, dating back till when Gabbidon became Bel Esprit's 1st progeny to win a race.
At the conclusion of the meeting I went to the Stallion barn where Bel Esprit was resting after earning his keep earlier in the morning. Brent Grayling, who is Stud Manager, brushed the stallion up and took him out to the viewing area where he pranced around like he did in his racing days.
He is a 670lb ball of muscle, how could any mare resist him.
Wednesday morning, I bought the paper and saw that Spirited Halo,by Bel Esprit, a horse that my Wife and I have a share in, was 10/1 in the betting at Betfair Park at 4.00 in the afternoon.
A phone call was made to other owners and Julie, our Daughter-in-Law and co-owner, said that her father, Pat Kennedy would love to come with me.
The horse had raced at Flemington on Emirites Stakes Day and finished 6th, a crebible performance considering he had drawn the inside barrier and there was a strong head wind which forced him to race back a bit futher than was expected.
The weather was fine when we arrived but as the prior race to ours was run, the skies opened up. Thunder and lightning and heavy rain descended upon the course with lightning striking the running rail near where the horses and Craig Newett were. In his own words in the Sun Newspaper "I s--t myself". Our race was delayed and our good track quickly turned into a dead track.Pat and I, a couple of old Football addicts, agreed that it always rained at AFL Park Waverly, only a mile away, in the 3rd quarter and nothing has changed.
Anyway back to the races, our race was run, Chris Symons dropped Spirited Halo into 3rd place after they jumped, raced to the front in the straight and, like when he raced at Sandown earlier in the year, nothing could catch him.
Into the Winners room, watched the replay, drank the Champagne, ate the sandwiches, collected the trophy, the video, the photo and lets not forget the 10/1.
Who said there is a financial crisis?
Pictured left are, strapper Chloe, who had her 1st day at the races as a strapper and Sharnee who filled in for Matty Ellerton, the trainer, for the day.
Congratulations to all involved.
Belcentra 30/09/07, 6/11/2007 (1,2,3)
Belcentra at the Valley.
September 30th, 2007
Eliza Park's young stallion, Bel Esprit, continues to roll out the winners and at Moonee Valley on Friday night his daughter Belcentra easily won the NHP Electrical Hcp (1200m).Trainer Lee Freedman said the three-length plus win over Beaming (Canadian Silver - Tough Assignement bo Covetous) and Falvelon's Dream (Falvelon - She's a Pipe Dream by Jackson Square) came as no surprise and he predicted even further improvement from the Bel Esprit three-year-old."She (Belcentra) beat a handy field tonight", Freedman told TVN."She showed us plenty as a two-year-old. We thought she had a great chance in the Inglis Classic won by Incumbent, but, she chipped a bone in her knee. So we looked after that problem and her work this preparation has been first rate. Her win at Bendigo was very sound - and tonight showed us she's got more to give. Corey was very kind to her."Jockey Corey Brown said he expects a lot more from the brown filly.Belcentra is gathering a handy record with two wins, a second on her five start card, with earnings topping $98,000, already providing her owners' with a small profit as Rob Slade purchased her at the Inglis Premier Yearling sale last year for $50,000 from the draft of the Erinvale Thoroughbreds as agent.Slade runs a successful syndication business and all of his horses are prepared by Lee Freedman.Belcentra's dam Centra Rainbeam (by Centaine), was a moderate racemare with only three starts to her credit, she is a three-quarter-sister-in-blood to the Group 2 2YO Classic winner, Fleur de Chine (by Centaine) who in turn is the dam of the Group I SAJC Australasian Oaks winner, Tully Thunder (by Thunder Gulch).
Slade success continues with Belcentra stakes win
Story By Jason Hickson
Tuesday, 6 November 2007:
A plan to target today's Listed Lexus Stakes with talented filly Belcentra paid dividends with the easiest of wins at Flemington today.Trainer Lee Freedman decided to bypass the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield last month and aim the filly at today's black-type race to ensure she added a stakes win to her record.It was a planning masterstoke as the Bel Esprit filly, who started an even-money favourite, cruised to a five length win.Pleasantsundaygirl, unbeaten in two runs coming into the race, tasted defeat for the first time finishing second while another in-form filly Aceland Street held third.But they weren't in the same league as Belcentra gave jockey Corey Brown an armchair ride and a consolation prize after his mount Maybe Better was scratched from the Melbourne Cup only an hour earlier.The filly was tackling 1400m for the first time today and will now step up to a mile on Saturday week in the Sandown Guineas.She was a $50,000 bargain bought by Slade Bloodstock's Rob and Corinna Slade and syndicated to a big group of owners.The filly is a daughter of dual Group 1 winner Bel Esprit but has some stoutness on her dams side, being by the Centaine mare Centra Rainbeam, who is a three-quarter sister to Group 2 winner Fleur De Chine, who in turn has produced Australasian Oaks winner Tully Thunder.
Belcentra bounces back
November 7, 2007
TRAINER Lee Freedman will send his improving filly Belcentra to the group 1 Sandown Guineas on Saturday week after she won her first black-type race by thrashing fellow fillies in the listed Lexus Stakes to record the day's easiest win.Freedman said a joint operation for the filly earlier this spring had put her behind in her preparation for the group 1 Thousand Guineas but said she deserved a shot at a good race before she is spelled for the feature filly's races in Melbourne next autumn."She was always a week or two behind and so rather push on towards the Thousand Guineas, we took a step back and went for a smaller race. She's had no racing this preparation, really, so we'll aim her for the Sandown Guineas. She's been looking for the 1400 metres for a while now …"
Black Type For Belcentra.
November 7th, 2007
Promising filly Belcentra made the Listed VRC Lexus Stakes over 1400 metres at Flemington on Cup Day her own, when she annihilated her rivals to claim her first black type victory by five-and-a-half lengths.Trained by Lee Freedman, the daughter of Bel Esprit was sent out a short priced favourite after finishing third in a Group Three event at her previous start and on Tuesday she never looked in danger as she settled behind the early pacemaker in third spot. Rounding the home turn, rider Corey Brown, waited until she was balanced and gave Belcentra a little more rein and she went straight past Pleasantsundaygirl (Cape Cross - Thunder Nights by Thunder Gulch) like she was tied to a post to score as she liked.Aceland Street (Street Cry - Masseera by Alzao) held on for third.Belcentra was originally being set for the Group One MRC Thousand Guineas, but her preparation got behind with a couple of injury concerns, after an impressive Maiden win at Bendigo on September 9th she's continued to thrive and she has subsequently won at the stiff Moonee Valley course along with a sold third behind Gamble Me in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, leading up to her start at Flemington on Tuesday.“I was just that a week or two behind with it all the way so I thought rather than pushing on, I'd rather just go to the smaller race and come here," Freedman said. "We did that with Flame Of Sydney last year and she won probably just as easily."Belcentra becomes the third individual stakes-winner for young Eliza Park based sire Bel Esprit, with her overall record now standing at three wins and two placings from seven starts with prizemoney of $200,000. She is owned by a large syndicate put together by Slade Bloodstock, run by Rob and Corinna Slade, they purchased her for a modest $50,000 at the 2006 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of Erinvale Thoroughbreds. Belcentra is the second foal of the Centaine mare Centra Rainbeam, who comes from the family of Group One Oaks winners Tully Thunder and Sandy’s Pleasure.
Blue Sky, Belabor, Vigneron 22/10/2007
Blue Skys for Bel
22 October 2007
Bel Esprit has enhanced an already memorable spring with continued success throughout the past week and is bound to firm up his top 20 position on the sires’ table with a host of progeny waiting in the wings.Despite receiving a blow when Gary Kennewell’s Caulfield Guineas hope, Gabbidon, was injured in a paddock accident (“set to dominate the spring” according to commentator Alf Mathews), Bel Esprit has shown there’s plenty of depth with Belcentra grabbing third in the MRC Thoroughbred Club Stakes-G3 on 13 October and Blue Sky running a huge second in Saturday’s Winning Edge Presentations Stakes-LR.Blue Sky became black typer No. 5 for Bel Esprit in the Winning Edge, moving out from behind the leaders to make his push but unable to peg back Vandalo, falling shy by a neck. A $200,000 yearling purchased by Clinton McDonald at the 2006 Gold Coast Magic Millions, from the Eliza Park draft, Blue Sky has now raced on six occasions for a win, 3 seconds and a third.Blue Sky is out of the Supremo mare Aquatint, a half sister to the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes-G1 winner Rhythmic Charm.Also prominent through the week were Bel Esprit pair Belabor and Vigneron, with the former running a tremendous second on debut at Hastings in New Zealand, while the latter grabbed a solid third at Moe.Belabor, from the Coronation Day mare Nezzie, was sold by Eliza Park at the 2006 Melbourne Premier for $77,500 and is clearly a huge prospect: particularly based on his first outing which saw fly home on a dead track for a long neck second.Vigneron, a $95,000 purchased at the 2006 Gold Coast Magic Millions, was equally impressive with his placing at Moe and a win doesn’t appear too far in the offing.
22 October 2007
Bel Esprit has enhanced an already memorable spring with continued success throughout the past week and is bound to firm up his top 20 position on the sires’ table with a host of progeny waiting in the wings.Despite receiving a blow when Gary Kennewell’s Caulfield Guineas hope, Gabbidon, was injured in a paddock accident (“set to dominate the spring” according to commentator Alf Mathews), Bel Esprit has shown there’s plenty of depth with Belcentra grabbing third in the MRC Thoroughbred Club Stakes-G3 on 13 October and Blue Sky running a huge second in Saturday’s Winning Edge Presentations Stakes-LR.Blue Sky became black typer No. 5 for Bel Esprit in the Winning Edge, moving out from behind the leaders to make his push but unable to peg back Vandalo, falling shy by a neck. A $200,000 yearling purchased by Clinton McDonald at the 2006 Gold Coast Magic Millions, from the Eliza Park draft, Blue Sky has now raced on six occasions for a win, 3 seconds and a third.Blue Sky is out of the Supremo mare Aquatint, a half sister to the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes-G1 winner Rhythmic Charm.Also prominent through the week were Bel Esprit pair Belabor and Vigneron, with the former running a tremendous second on debut at Hastings in New Zealand, while the latter grabbed a solid third at Moe.Belabor, from the Coronation Day mare Nezzie, was sold by Eliza Park at the 2006 Melbourne Premier for $77,500 and is clearly a huge prospect: particularly based on his first outing which saw fly home on a dead track for a long neck second.Vigneron, a $95,000 purchased at the 2006 Gold Coast Magic Millions, was equally impressive with his placing at Moe and a win doesn’t appear too far in the offing.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Apparitions 26/7/2008
Maybe I Steals Show From De Lightning Ridge
Story By Alex Steedman
Saturday, 26 July 2008: Gai Waterhouse trained filly Maybe I has won on debut in the Sky Chase Handicap (1200m) today at Canterbury with much talked about De Lightning Ridge unable to show her best.
De Lightning Ridge
Maybe I was positioned for most of the race midfield on the rail behind leader Trigon. At the top of the short Canterbury straight, jockey Nash Rawiller had no trouble in finding a clear run and proceeded to chase Elusive Gift who'd just kicked to a two-length lead over the rest of the field.Maybe I made up ground on the leader at a rapid rate from just inside the 200m and was driven past Elusive Gift in the final 20m to win by three-quarters of a length. Elusive Gift held on for second in what was her first run in town.Another who put in a huge run was Apparitions. The Bel Esprit filly came from last at the turn and carved her way through the field to finish two lengths behind in third.
Story By Alex Steedman
Saturday, 26 July 2008: Gai Waterhouse trained filly Maybe I has won on debut in the Sky Chase Handicap (1200m) today at Canterbury with much talked about De Lightning Ridge unable to show her best.
De Lightning Ridge
Maybe I was positioned for most of the race midfield on the rail behind leader Trigon. At the top of the short Canterbury straight, jockey Nash Rawiller had no trouble in finding a clear run and proceeded to chase Elusive Gift who'd just kicked to a two-length lead over the rest of the field.Maybe I made up ground on the leader at a rapid rate from just inside the 200m and was driven past Elusive Gift in the final 20m to win by three-quarters of a length. Elusive Gift held on for second in what was her first run in town.Another who put in a huge run was Apparitions. The Bel Esprit filly came from last at the turn and carved her way through the field to finish two lengths behind in third.
Princess Sparkle 25/7/2008
Robert's filly Sparkles
Friday, 25 July 2008:
The Robert Smerdon-trained Princess Sparkle, owned by Nick Moraitis, broke through for her first career victory at Geelong this afternoon on the Thoroughtrack.
Robert SmerdonPhoto by Racing and Sports
The daughter of Bel Esprit who was having her sixth racetrack appearance had been working up to win finishing a handy third last time out over the same track and distance when ridden for speed early.However this afternoon, race rider Casey Bruce under strict instructions from Smerdon allowed the filly to settle and relax before putting her into the race.“Last start she went hard early and raced forward for a majority of the race, but she did not finish it off as well as we had expected,” Smerdon said.“So today we decided to revert to letting her settle early and endeavored to ride her back in the field. As we have seen riding her more patiently has paid dividends and that seems to be the key to her.”The mount on Princess Sparkles was reward for Casey Bruce who does a lot of Smerdon's stable trackwork and she did not let anyone down.“I went out with a plan to follow the main chances but she was traveling so well mid race that I had no option but to let he slide forward,” an excited Bruce said.“She really won quite easily at the finish and I expect she will have no trouble handling longer distances.”Smerdon also shares the view about Princess Sparkles ability to possibly handle further, pointing out she is bred to get at least a mile.
Friday, 25 July 2008:
The Robert Smerdon-trained Princess Sparkle, owned by Nick Moraitis, broke through for her first career victory at Geelong this afternoon on the Thoroughtrack.
Robert SmerdonPhoto by Racing and Sports
The daughter of Bel Esprit who was having her sixth racetrack appearance had been working up to win finishing a handy third last time out over the same track and distance when ridden for speed early.However this afternoon, race rider Casey Bruce under strict instructions from Smerdon allowed the filly to settle and relax before putting her into the race.“Last start she went hard early and raced forward for a majority of the race, but she did not finish it off as well as we had expected,” Smerdon said.“So today we decided to revert to letting her settle early and endeavored to ride her back in the field. As we have seen riding her more patiently has paid dividends and that seems to be the key to her.”The mount on Princess Sparkles was reward for Casey Bruce who does a lot of Smerdon's stable trackwork and she did not let anyone down.“I went out with a plan to follow the main chances but she was traveling so well mid race that I had no option but to let he slide forward,” an excited Bruce said.“She really won quite easily at the finish and I expect she will have no trouble handling longer distances.”Smerdon also shares the view about Princess Sparkles ability to possibly handle further, pointing out she is bred to get at least a mile.
Bel Esprit-Fleetness filly 30/7/2008
Stallion in dash to stud
-->-->30th July 2008, 10:00 WST -->
But auctioneers often struggled to tempt reasonable bids when broodmares were sold on Sunday. The five-year-old Grand Lodge mare Fleetness, in foal to Bel Esprit, topped prices when purchased by local buyer Elizabeth Kirwan for $29,000. Top trainer Fred Kersley was the underbidder on Fleetness. “I’m looking for mares to send to Cape North,” Kersley said. “He was a good WA Guineas winner for me and we never saw the best of him. I’ve sent four mares to Cape North. He was mated to 60 mares in his first stud season, last spring.” Magic Millions managing-director David Chester, of Queensland, who shared auctioneering at the Perth sale, was philosophical about a string of low prices. “The top and middle sections of the market remained strong,” Chester said. “But it was a battle to sell horses from the lower scale. A lot of buyers got bargains. But I’m sure prices will be up again at next year’s WA yearling sale. Perth racing’s prizemoney is very good.”
-->-->30th July 2008, 10:00 WST -->
But auctioneers often struggled to tempt reasonable bids when broodmares were sold on Sunday. The five-year-old Grand Lodge mare Fleetness, in foal to Bel Esprit, topped prices when purchased by local buyer Elizabeth Kirwan for $29,000. Top trainer Fred Kersley was the underbidder on Fleetness. “I’m looking for mares to send to Cape North,” Kersley said. “He was a good WA Guineas winner for me and we never saw the best of him. I’ve sent four mares to Cape North. He was mated to 60 mares in his first stud season, last spring.” Magic Millions managing-director David Chester, of Queensland, who shared auctioneering at the Perth sale, was philosophical about a string of low prices. “The top and middle sections of the market remained strong,” Chester said. “But it was a battle to sell horses from the lower scale. A lot of buyers got bargains. But I’m sure prices will be up again at next year’s WA yearling sale. Perth racing’s prizemoney is very good.”
Court Bell 27/8/2008
Murray Bridge Races Report
Backers of favourites had their first collect when the Kylie Huxtable trained Simon Price ridden Court Bell $1.20 recorded an all the way one length win in the second race which was contested 1006 metres.
Sired by Bel Esprit out of Fonnix, a Blevic mare, Court Bell beat the Paul Seater prepared Jason Lyon guided Bella Leah $20 giving the Murray Bridge track the quinella. A farther seven and a half-lengths away filling the minor placing was Beech Close $81 for Sharyn Ratch and apprentice Samantha Rowley.
Backers of favourites had their first collect when the Kylie Huxtable trained Simon Price ridden Court Bell $1.20 recorded an all the way one length win in the second race which was contested 1006 metres.
Sired by Bel Esprit out of Fonnix, a Blevic mare, Court Bell beat the Paul Seater prepared Jason Lyon guided Bella Leah $20 giving the Murray Bridge track the quinella. A farther seven and a half-lengths away filling the minor placing was Beech Close $81 for Sharyn Ratch and apprentice Samantha Rowley.
Bel Esprit 7/9/2008
A new role in the hay: stud earns a lazy $5m
Tom ReillySeptember 7, 2008
THE small brick barn tucked away in the rolling hills near Romsey seems an unlikely place to make the big bucks in horseracing this spring. The wood shavings on the floor and corrugated iron roof seem a million miles from the glamour of Flemington's Cup carnival.
But this is where Bel Esprit, a champion on the track and now a champion in the breeding shed, gets down to business. And what a business it is.
Last year he set an Australian record when he covered 264 mares, and when the breeding season began last Monday he wasted no time in trying to better that mark.
His first cover was at 6am. Strutting out of his stable he looks half horse, half bull as he readies himself for the job ahead. A bay without a fleck of white, his deep mahogany coat gleams like a well-oiled pair of riding boots.
Awaiting the champ is Let's Rock Again, a mare who was no slouch on the track herself.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, her career peaked when she won the prestigious Reisling Stakes as a $41 roughie.
Standing patiently with thick padded boots on her hind feet, she seems poised despite the indignities of being scrubbed and sanitised for her man. With seven foals already, she knows what's coming next.
Before Bel Esprit, though, comes Habib, the teaser. He's like the king's food taster who never gets to sample the banquet.
"His job is to make sure the mare is receptive and won't lash out when it's time for the real stallion," explains Brent Grayling, stallion manager at Eliza Park stud.
It's a task Habib takes to with the delight of a teenage boy. Within seconds of entering the barn his front legs are straddling Let's Rock Again and he's frantically thrusting away. It doesn't seem to bother him that he's actually poking the underside of her belly and is at least a metre away from where he should be.
For the well-schooled stallion team it's indication enough that the 12-year-old mare is ready for the real deal. Habib is dragged off the mare and led away. If a horse could shrug, he would.
For Bel Esprit there won't be such disappointment. For every mare he impregnates, his owners get $33,000 — a fee which makes him one of Victoria's most prized bloodstock commodities.
His record tally last year — more than $5 million, derived from a service fee of $20,000 — was more than twice his earnings from 19 starts on the track and more than the combined total stakes won by current champions Weekend Hussler and Light Fantastic.
Not a bad result for a bargain-basement horse that cost his original owners just $9000 as a yearling.
"The equine influenza crisis last year was terrible for most of the industry but good for Bel Esprit," says Grayling.
"You couldn't transport mares across state borders so lots of Victorian mares booked to stallions in NSW had to come to him instead.
"He enjoyed himself."
Unlike Habib, Bel Esprit takes his time. Perhaps he knows he won't be disturbed.
Starting at her left shoulder he slowly nuzzles his way along her back before performing a quick jig with his front feet. It's his signal for action.
He curves his body around Let's Rock Again and in no time he's finished what Habib never got to. Not quite the most expensive 30 seconds in sport, but close.
Tom ReillySeptember 7, 2008
THE small brick barn tucked away in the rolling hills near Romsey seems an unlikely place to make the big bucks in horseracing this spring. The wood shavings on the floor and corrugated iron roof seem a million miles from the glamour of Flemington's Cup carnival.
But this is where Bel Esprit, a champion on the track and now a champion in the breeding shed, gets down to business. And what a business it is.
Last year he set an Australian record when he covered 264 mares, and when the breeding season began last Monday he wasted no time in trying to better that mark.
His first cover was at 6am. Strutting out of his stable he looks half horse, half bull as he readies himself for the job ahead. A bay without a fleck of white, his deep mahogany coat gleams like a well-oiled pair of riding boots.
Awaiting the champ is Let's Rock Again, a mare who was no slouch on the track herself.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, her career peaked when she won the prestigious Reisling Stakes as a $41 roughie.
Standing patiently with thick padded boots on her hind feet, she seems poised despite the indignities of being scrubbed and sanitised for her man. With seven foals already, she knows what's coming next.
Before Bel Esprit, though, comes Habib, the teaser. He's like the king's food taster who never gets to sample the banquet.
"His job is to make sure the mare is receptive and won't lash out when it's time for the real stallion," explains Brent Grayling, stallion manager at Eliza Park stud.
It's a task Habib takes to with the delight of a teenage boy. Within seconds of entering the barn his front legs are straddling Let's Rock Again and he's frantically thrusting away. It doesn't seem to bother him that he's actually poking the underside of her belly and is at least a metre away from where he should be.
For the well-schooled stallion team it's indication enough that the 12-year-old mare is ready for the real deal. Habib is dragged off the mare and led away. If a horse could shrug, he would.
For Bel Esprit there won't be such disappointment. For every mare he impregnates, his owners get $33,000 — a fee which makes him one of Victoria's most prized bloodstock commodities.
His record tally last year — more than $5 million, derived from a service fee of $20,000 — was more than twice his earnings from 19 starts on the track and more than the combined total stakes won by current champions Weekend Hussler and Light Fantastic.
Not a bad result for a bargain-basement horse that cost his original owners just $9000 as a yearling.
"The equine influenza crisis last year was terrible for most of the industry but good for Bel Esprit," says Grayling.
"You couldn't transport mares across state borders so lots of Victorian mares booked to stallions in NSW had to come to him instead.
"He enjoyed himself."
Unlike Habib, Bel Esprit takes his time. Perhaps he knows he won't be disturbed.
Starting at her left shoulder he slowly nuzzles his way along her back before performing a quick jig with his front feet. It's his signal for action.
He curves his body around Let's Rock Again and in no time he's finished what Habib never got to. Not quite the most expensive 30 seconds in sport, but close.
Belle Society 22/10/2008
Hibbs, Moor Double at Ballarat
Trainer Michael Hibbs and jockey Daniel Moor had a reason to smile after Belle Society and Keeping Score both recorded wins at Ballarat this afternoon.
For the Cranbourne based trainer, today's modest provincial meeting could have uncovered a couple of stars for the future with Belle Society winning the Ballarat Come To Life Maiden (1200m) at her first outing.
Belle Society ($26 - $21) piloted by lightweight jockey Daniel Moor, finished over the top of Ossie Embrace ($5-$4.60) to secure victory by one and a quarter lengths ahead of massive betting ring drifter Miss Bianco ($9-$18) a further two and a quarter lengths back
The debutant didn't have it all her way after covering ground from barrier nine, sitting five wide with cover just off the speed.
However Moor wasn't concerned with the extra ground covered by Belle Society.
"There's only one turn here at Ballarat so I wasn't extremely worried about being wide. Just as long as my filly was happy, and she was, everything was going well," Moor said.
When taken to the extreme outside Belle Society, no relation to 2004 Thousand Guineas placegetter Ballet Society, sprinted quickly to stop the clock at 1:11.11 for six furlongs.
Moor was surprised with the ease in which Belle Society prevailed.
"To be perfectly honest, she impressed actually."
"She shown me a little bit on the track and a little bit in trials but I didn't expect her to put pay to them like she did today," Moor said.
Belle Society is bred by a Bel Esprit mare, and is the first of her progeny.
For the dam Tendency, the fillies and mares program at Ballarat proved one to remember with youngest sister Ta Ta For Now greeting the judge first in the fourth event on the card, Mantra Hotels Maiden Plate (1600m).
Tendency's siblings include the stakes placed Sipowitz, which boasts $106,230 in prizemoney from 27 starts.
Keeping Score completed the double for the Hibbs and Moor combination after tasting triumph for the second time this preparation in the Ustinov Standing At Milford Thoroughbreds (0-78) Handicap.
Trainer Michael Hibbs and jockey Daniel Moor had a reason to smile after Belle Society and Keeping Score both recorded wins at Ballarat this afternoon.
For the Cranbourne based trainer, today's modest provincial meeting could have uncovered a couple of stars for the future with Belle Society winning the Ballarat Come To Life Maiden (1200m) at her first outing.
Belle Society ($26 - $21) piloted by lightweight jockey Daniel Moor, finished over the top of Ossie Embrace ($5-$4.60) to secure victory by one and a quarter lengths ahead of massive betting ring drifter Miss Bianco ($9-$18) a further two and a quarter lengths back
The debutant didn't have it all her way after covering ground from barrier nine, sitting five wide with cover just off the speed.
However Moor wasn't concerned with the extra ground covered by Belle Society.
"There's only one turn here at Ballarat so I wasn't extremely worried about being wide. Just as long as my filly was happy, and she was, everything was going well," Moor said.
When taken to the extreme outside Belle Society, no relation to 2004 Thousand Guineas placegetter Ballet Society, sprinted quickly to stop the clock at 1:11.11 for six furlongs.
Moor was surprised with the ease in which Belle Society prevailed.
"To be perfectly honest, she impressed actually."
"She shown me a little bit on the track and a little bit in trials but I didn't expect her to put pay to them like she did today," Moor said.
Belle Society is bred by a Bel Esprit mare, and is the first of her progeny.
For the dam Tendency, the fillies and mares program at Ballarat proved one to remember with youngest sister Ta Ta For Now greeting the judge first in the fourth event on the card, Mantra Hotels Maiden Plate (1600m).
Tendency's siblings include the stakes placed Sipowitz, which boasts $106,230 in prizemoney from 27 starts.
Keeping Score completed the double for the Hibbs and Moor combination after tasting triumph for the second time this preparation in the Ustinov Standing At Milford Thoroughbreds (0-78) Handicap.
Esprit de Roses 4/11/2008
Morphettville Races Report
After failing at her last start the Bel Esprit four-year-old mare Esprit De Roses was the two length winner of the 1200 metre eighth race.
A $7 chance out of the Rubiton mare Coming Up Roses and being under the care of Phillip Stokes who had Amy Herrmann ride his charge, Esprit De Rose was mid field for most of the race before going to the front and beating Monfils $6 for mentor David Balfour and rider Damien Robinson. A farther long head away third was Call To Mind $26 for Ken Sweeney and Ben Hoppo.
After failing at her last start the Bel Esprit four-year-old mare Esprit De Roses was the two length winner of the 1200 metre eighth race.
A $7 chance out of the Rubiton mare Coming Up Roses and being under the care of Phillip Stokes who had Amy Herrmann ride his charge, Esprit De Rose was mid field for most of the race before going to the front and beating Monfils $6 for mentor David Balfour and rider Damien Robinson. A farther long head away third was Call To Mind $26 for Ken Sweeney and Ben Hoppo.
Royal Esprit 11/8/2008
ROYAL WINNER FOR BEL ESPRIT
11 August 2008
The 1200 metre welter at Rosehill on Saturday was won by progressive Bel Esprit four year-old Royal Esprit, a $160,000 purchase from the draft of Huntworth Stud at the 2006 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Transferred to John Hawkes at the start of this preparation, Royal Esprit has blossomed winning four of his five starts since resuming with a win on May 31.
The powerful bay stormed home to win for in-form jockey Glyn Schofield and can doubtless be placed to further advantage in coming weeks, his overall record now standing at five wins and $128,500 from 13 starts.
Royal Esprit is an interesting horse as he won an early season barrier trial as a two year-old and looked a good horse in the making when fourth to Murtajill in the Listed AJC Breeders Plate, but it has taken until now for him to fulfil that early potential.
Bred and offered for sale by Peter Stewart and Bridget-Woodford-Smith of Huntworth Stud, Royal Esprit is the first foal of the Brief Truce (USA) mare Floribunda, a half-sister to Group Three winning sprinter Stormy Regent.
He is one of a number of smart gallopers sired by Eliza Park’s Bel Esprit , who covered a record 266 mares last spring at a fee of $20,000.
This spring his fee has been raised to $33,000 and one mare definitely going to visit him is the John Symons trained Danehill (USA) mare Admiral’s Lady who won the last race at Flemington on Saturday.
11 August 2008
The 1200 metre welter at Rosehill on Saturday was won by progressive Bel Esprit four year-old Royal Esprit, a $160,000 purchase from the draft of Huntworth Stud at the 2006 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Transferred to John Hawkes at the start of this preparation, Royal Esprit has blossomed winning four of his five starts since resuming with a win on May 31.
The powerful bay stormed home to win for in-form jockey Glyn Schofield and can doubtless be placed to further advantage in coming weeks, his overall record now standing at five wins and $128,500 from 13 starts.
Royal Esprit is an interesting horse as he won an early season barrier trial as a two year-old and looked a good horse in the making when fourth to Murtajill in the Listed AJC Breeders Plate, but it has taken until now for him to fulfil that early potential.
Bred and offered for sale by Peter Stewart and Bridget-Woodford-Smith of Huntworth Stud, Royal Esprit is the first foal of the Brief Truce (USA) mare Floribunda, a half-sister to Group Three winning sprinter Stormy Regent.
He is one of a number of smart gallopers sired by Eliza Park’s Bel Esprit , who covered a record 266 mares last spring at a fee of $20,000.
This spring his fee has been raised to $33,000 and one mare definitely going to visit him is the John Symons trained Danehill (USA) mare Admiral’s Lady who won the last race at Flemington on Saturday.
Rich Esprit, Beau Desert 13/10/2008
BELS ON TRIAL
Rich Esprit certainly lived up to her pedigree in her first public showing on Monday (13 October).
Stepping out over 800m in a Cranbourne trial, the Bel Esprit filly won with plenty in hand and looks poised for a prosperous spring.
Trained at Caulfield by Peter Moody, Rich Esprit is out of the Group winning 2YO, Millrich, and is a half brother to the multiple stakeswinning Danehill stallion Danerich.
Rich Esprit’s year old half brother (by Encosta de Lago) was sold by Eliza Park at the Gold Coast Magic Millions to Robbie Laing for $725,000.
The Shane Nichols trained Beau Desert (by Bel Esprit from Straight Strike mare Desert Strike) was also appearing for the first time at the Cranbourne trials and, although finishing a neck second, wasn’t pushed at any stage and is another who should show up before spring has fully sprung.
Beau Desert is a half brother to three winners including the Desert Sun stakeswinner Real Time. It’s certainly been a big week for the Bel Esprits.
Rich Esprit certainly lived up to her pedigree in her first public showing on Monday (13 October).
Stepping out over 800m in a Cranbourne trial, the Bel Esprit filly won with plenty in hand and looks poised for a prosperous spring.
Trained at Caulfield by Peter Moody, Rich Esprit is out of the Group winning 2YO, Millrich, and is a half brother to the multiple stakeswinning Danehill stallion Danerich.
Rich Esprit’s year old half brother (by Encosta de Lago) was sold by Eliza Park at the Gold Coast Magic Millions to Robbie Laing for $725,000.
The Shane Nichols trained Beau Desert (by Bel Esprit from Straight Strike mare Desert Strike) was also appearing for the first time at the Cranbourne trials and, although finishing a neck second, wasn’t pushed at any stage and is another who should show up before spring has fully sprung.
Beau Desert is a half brother to three winners including the Desert Sun stakeswinner Real Time. It’s certainly been a big week for the Bel Esprits.
Vivacious Spirit 20/9/2008
BEL SHOWS SPIRIT
Honouring the past … Celebrating the present … and founding the future
Bel Esprit snapped up his second stakeswinner for the season with the emphatic victory of Vivacious Spirit in the Hocking Stuart South Yarra Stakes-G3 at Caulfield on Saturday (20 September), securing a black type double for Eliza Park stallions at the Heath. It was a much deserved win for Vivacious Spirit who, prior to Caulfield, had won two and placed in six from 10 starts. This includes seconds in the Yallambee Classic-G2, Perri Cutten-G2 and Thoroughbred Club-G3, plus a third in the Kevin Hayes-LR. Indeed, Vivacious Spirit has only been out of the money once when she had no luck in this year’s Group One Goodwood Handicap in Adelaide. ANZ Bloodstock News commented: “After being ridden off the pace and and sprinting way too well for rivals in the straight, (it was) a very impressive performance. Now that connections have worked out that this mare can be ridden more quietly to good effect, this very talented mare could go right on with it”. As it was only Vivacious Spirit’s third run back from a spell, let’s hope she figures prominently throughout the rest of the spring. There’s certainly some rich pickings.
Honouring the past … Celebrating the present … and founding the future
Bel Esprit snapped up his second stakeswinner for the season with the emphatic victory of Vivacious Spirit in the Hocking Stuart South Yarra Stakes-G3 at Caulfield on Saturday (20 September), securing a black type double for Eliza Park stallions at the Heath. It was a much deserved win for Vivacious Spirit who, prior to Caulfield, had won two and placed in six from 10 starts. This includes seconds in the Yallambee Classic-G2, Perri Cutten-G2 and Thoroughbred Club-G3, plus a third in the Kevin Hayes-LR. Indeed, Vivacious Spirit has only been out of the money once when she had no luck in this year’s Group One Goodwood Handicap in Adelaide. ANZ Bloodstock News commented: “After being ridden off the pace and and sprinting way too well for rivals in the straight, (it was) a very impressive performance. Now that connections have worked out that this mare can be ridden more quietly to good effect, this very talented mare could go right on with it”. As it was only Vivacious Spirit’s third run back from a spell, let’s hope she figures prominently throughout the rest of the spring. There’s certainly some rich pickings.
Alesprit, Genuine Stunner 20/10/2008
100% TRIAL RECORD FOR BEL & SUN
Victoria’s Champion Sire, Bel Esprit and barnmate/runnerup, Desert Sun, have already got the ball rolling with their current crops of 2YOs showing plenty of dash at official trials.
Bel Esprit has weighed in with ‘two for three’ and boasts a 100% record with Alesprit (ex Rory’s Babe) taking out trials on 24 September and 20 October, while the Kiwi bred Genuine Stunner (ex Brief Moment) won a trial for Stuart Gower on 20 October as well.
Trained by Victor Vagg at Rockhampton, Alesprit was bred in Queensland by Neville Stewart and sold at the Capricorn Yearling Sale for only $35,000. Looks like a real bargain buy.
On the same day Alesprit won her second trial, two states away Genuine Stunner stunned her rivals with a convincing performance over 800m at Cheltenham.
Genuine Stunner is a half sister to one winner from a multiple winning half sister to the dam of Sydney stakeswinner Troon, while other close relations include the dual stakeswinner Hollydoll Girl.
Meanwhile, Desert Sun was determined not to be left out of the action and kicked in with his own winner at Bendigo on 20 October (an Eliza Park treble!) when the Darren Weir trained Tanami Lady won her first public showing over 800m. Could well be next on the list to add to Desert Sun’s sizeable band of juvenile winners.
Victoria’s Champion Sire, Bel Esprit and barnmate/runnerup, Desert Sun, have already got the ball rolling with their current crops of 2YOs showing plenty of dash at official trials.
Bel Esprit has weighed in with ‘two for three’ and boasts a 100% record with Alesprit (ex Rory’s Babe) taking out trials on 24 September and 20 October, while the Kiwi bred Genuine Stunner (ex Brief Moment) won a trial for Stuart Gower on 20 October as well.
Trained by Victor Vagg at Rockhampton, Alesprit was bred in Queensland by Neville Stewart and sold at the Capricorn Yearling Sale for only $35,000. Looks like a real bargain buy.
On the same day Alesprit won her second trial, two states away Genuine Stunner stunned her rivals with a convincing performance over 800m at Cheltenham.
Genuine Stunner is a half sister to one winner from a multiple winning half sister to the dam of Sydney stakeswinner Troon, while other close relations include the dual stakeswinner Hollydoll Girl.
Meanwhile, Desert Sun was determined not to be left out of the action and kicked in with his own winner at Bendigo on 20 October (an Eliza Park treble!) when the Darren Weir trained Tanami Lady won her first public showing over 800m. Could well be next on the list to add to Desert Sun’s sizeable band of juvenile winners.
Ejercito 9/11/2008
EJERCITO GRIPPER AT CRANBOURNE
Enormous performance yesterday (9 November) by Ejercito to win the Browns Sawdust & Shavings over 1400m at Cranbourne.
The son of Bel Esprit missed the kick by a long way and was left chewing dust for a good part of the journey. Wound right up in the straight by Matthew Allen though, the 4YO flew home to grab his win right on the wire.
Raced by leading owner, Johnathon Munz, Ejercito recorded his third win from 11 starts – his second from his past three outings.
Bred by John Richards and purchased at the 2006 Melbourne Premier by Dean Hawthorne, Ejercito is from the Vite Cheval mare Mamzelle Perdita, a sister to multiple stakeswinner Mamzelle Perdu (also dam of Oamaru Storm) and closely related to brilliant sprinter and sire Sequalo.
Enormous performance yesterday (9 November) by Ejercito to win the Browns Sawdust & Shavings over 1400m at Cranbourne.
The son of Bel Esprit missed the kick by a long way and was left chewing dust for a good part of the journey. Wound right up in the straight by Matthew Allen though, the 4YO flew home to grab his win right on the wire.
Raced by leading owner, Johnathon Munz, Ejercito recorded his third win from 11 starts – his second from his past three outings.
Bred by John Richards and purchased at the 2006 Melbourne Premier by Dean Hawthorne, Ejercito is from the Vite Cheval mare Mamzelle Perdita, a sister to multiple stakeswinner Mamzelle Perdu (also dam of Oamaru Storm) and closely related to brilliant sprinter and sire Sequalo.
La Bella Roo 27/11/2008
Roo boys in raptures
ADAM BOURKE
28/11/2008 8:50:00 AM
KANGAROO Flat Bowls Club members will have an extra spring in their step when they take to greens around central Victoria tomorrow.
A group of pennant and social bowlers from the club own smart filly La Bella Roo which won its second race from as many starts at the Bendigo Jockey Club yesterday.
Trained on the track by Peter Boynton, La Bella Roo looks to have a smart future for the Roo Bowlers Racing Syndicate.
Winning jockey Dean Holland sported the Kangaroo Flat green and white silks as the three-year-old filly won the McKern Steel 0-68 Handicap (1100m) impressively from Johnny Fiasco and Swirly Dream.
Prominent Bendigo businessman and long-time horse owner Terry Hurford purchased the daughter of Bel Esprit for the bargain price of $2200.
“I thought the horse would be $15-20,000 and would be too much for what these guys wanted,’’ Hurford admitted yesterday.
“But we got her for $2200 (from Glenfern Park Stud) and she’s showing a lot of promise.
“The horse had been in work for Colin Little, but he’d told the owner that she’d never win a group race.
“The owner decided to sell her and I bought her sight unseen.
“She was very small when we got her, but she’s filled out with the work Peter has given her.
“There’s about 15 of us in the syndicate and for a lot of the guys it’s the first horse they’ve ever owned.
“They think this horse owning caper is easy. It just shows how lucky you can be with such a cheap buy.’’
La Bella Roo won on debut at Echuca by five lengths and Boynton was hopeful the filly would handle the step up in class yesterday.
“I thought she did a great job because she probably hit the front too soon and she was left a sitting duck for something to run over the top of her,’’ he said.
“I thought it was a strong field, so for her to take care of them is impressive.’’
Boynton and the Roo Bowlers Racing Syndicate will now head to Melbourne with La Bella Roo.
“There’s a race at the night meeting at Moonee Valley (December 12) and one the next day (at Flemington) that we’ll have a look at,’’ he said.
Boynton stopped short of comparing La Bella Roo with his smart sprinter Spectacular Saint.
“They’re totally different horses,’’ Boynton said.
“He (Spectacular Saint) is still the stable star.’’
ADAM BOURKE
28/11/2008 8:50:00 AM
KANGAROO Flat Bowls Club members will have an extra spring in their step when they take to greens around central Victoria tomorrow.
A group of pennant and social bowlers from the club own smart filly La Bella Roo which won its second race from as many starts at the Bendigo Jockey Club yesterday.
Trained on the track by Peter Boynton, La Bella Roo looks to have a smart future for the Roo Bowlers Racing Syndicate.
Winning jockey Dean Holland sported the Kangaroo Flat green and white silks as the three-year-old filly won the McKern Steel 0-68 Handicap (1100m) impressively from Johnny Fiasco and Swirly Dream.
Prominent Bendigo businessman and long-time horse owner Terry Hurford purchased the daughter of Bel Esprit for the bargain price of $2200.
“I thought the horse would be $15-20,000 and would be too much for what these guys wanted,’’ Hurford admitted yesterday.
“But we got her for $2200 (from Glenfern Park Stud) and she’s showing a lot of promise.
“The horse had been in work for Colin Little, but he’d told the owner that she’d never win a group race.
“The owner decided to sell her and I bought her sight unseen.
“She was very small when we got her, but she’s filled out with the work Peter has given her.
“There’s about 15 of us in the syndicate and for a lot of the guys it’s the first horse they’ve ever owned.
“They think this horse owning caper is easy. It just shows how lucky you can be with such a cheap buy.’’
La Bella Roo won on debut at Echuca by five lengths and Boynton was hopeful the filly would handle the step up in class yesterday.
“I thought she did a great job because she probably hit the front too soon and she was left a sitting duck for something to run over the top of her,’’ he said.
“I thought it was a strong field, so for her to take care of them is impressive.’’
Boynton and the Roo Bowlers Racing Syndicate will now head to Melbourne with La Bella Roo.
“There’s a race at the night meeting at Moonee Valley (December 12) and one the next day (at Flemington) that we’ll have a look at,’’ he said.
Boynton stopped short of comparing La Bella Roo with his smart sprinter Spectacular Saint.
“They’re totally different horses,’’ Boynton said.
“He (Spectacular Saint) is still the stable star.’’
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Spirited Halo 26/11/2008
A happy owner's story
The horse had raced at Flemington on Emirites Stakes Day and finished 6th, a crebible performance considering he had drawn the inside barrier and there was a strong head wind which forced him to race back a bit futher than was expected.
Anyway back to the races, our race was run, Chris Symons dropped Spirited Halo into 3rd place after they jumped, raced to the front in the straight and, like when he raced at Sandown earlier in the year, nothing could catch h
im.
Into the Winners room, watched the replay, drank the Champagne, ate the sandwiches, collected the trophy, the video, the photo and lets not forget the 10/1.
Tuesday morning, I ventured up to Eliza Park to meet Greg Tobin, Eliza Park's Marketing Manager, to discuss setting up a Web site with all of Bel Esprit's newspaper and Web articles displayed on the site.
Greg suggested that we should start with a blogger site and here it is. Maybe the name might change and be called the Bel Esprit Owners Club with a collection of stories that are available, dating back till when Gabbidon became Bel Esprit's 1st progeny to win a race.
At the conclusion of the meeting I went to the Stallion barn where Bel Esprit was resting after earning his keep earlier in the morning. Brent Grayling, who is Stud Manager, brushed the stallion up and took him out to the viewing area where he pranced around like he did in his racing days.
He is a 670lb ball of muscle, how could any mare resist him.
Wednesday morning, I bought the paper and saw that Spirited Halo,by Bel Esprit, a horse that my Wife and I have a share in, was 10/1 in the betting at Betfair Park at 4.00 in the afternoon.
A phone call was made to other owners and Julie, our Daughter-in-Law and co-owner, said that her father, Pat Kennedy would love to come with me.
The horse had raced at Flemington on Emirites Stakes Day and finished 6th, a crebible performance considering he had drawn the inside barrier and there was a strong head wind which forced him to race back a bit futher than was expected.The weather was fine when we arrived but as the prior race to ours was run, the skies opened up. Thunder and lightning and heavy rain descended upon the course with lightning striking the running rail near where the horses and Craig Newett were In his own words in the Sun Newspaper "I s--t myself". Our race was delayed and our good track quickly turned into a dead track.
Pat and I, a couple of old Football addicts, agreed that it always rained at AFL Park Waverly, only a mile away, in the 3rd quarter and nothing has changed.
Pat and I, a couple of old Football addicts, agreed that it always rained at AFL Park Waverly, only a mile away, in the 3rd quarter and nothing has changed.
Anyway back to the races, our race was run, Chris Symons dropped Spirited Halo into 3rd place after they jumped, raced to the front in the straight and, like when he raced at Sandown earlier in the year, nothing could catch h
im.
Into the Winners room, watched the replay, drank the Champagne, ate the sandwiches, collected the trophy, the video, the photo and lets not forget the 10/1.Who said there is a financial crisis?
Pictured left are, strapper Chloe, who had her 1st day at the races as a strapper and Sharnee who filled in for Matty Ellerton, the trainer, for the day.
Congratulations to all involved.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Bel Said 21/4/2008
Bargains Abound At Scone Sale
Monday, 21 April 2008: Unbeaten country filly Bel Said is another great advertisement for the remarkable bargains that regularly emerge from the Inglis Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeders Sale at Scone.
With two wins from two starts Bel Said is highly fancied for the $100,000 Inglis Challenge to be run on Scone Cup day on May 23.
She is a daughter of Royal Academy's champion sprinter Bel Esprit and I Say, a winning half-sister by Quest For Fame to another brilliant performer Keltrice.Yet she cost her trainer and part owner Mack Griffith only $700 as a yearling at the annual Scone mixed sale last year.
Bel Said has six owners with one being Phil Gunter, the Hunter Valley breeder of Bel Esprit who sold him for only $9000 at the Inglis Classic sale and then had the mortification of seeing him go on to earn over $2 million and become an immediate success as a sire.Bel Esprit, standing in Victoria, covered a world record book for one season last year of 266 mares.
The only Bel Esprit yearling available at the Scone sale this year is a filly out of Conte Partiro, a winning daughter of Danehill and the Gone West mare Freeway Daisy, on account of Goanna Downs, Scone, Mack Griffith and his brother Luke started training on Goanna Downs when it was owned by the family.
Monday, 21 April 2008: Unbeaten country filly Bel Said is another great advertisement for the remarkable bargains that regularly emerge from the Inglis Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeders Sale at Scone.
With two wins from two starts Bel Said is highly fancied for the $100,000 Inglis Challenge to be run on Scone Cup day on May 23.
She is a daughter of Royal Academy's champion sprinter Bel Esprit and I Say, a winning half-sister by Quest For Fame to another brilliant performer Keltrice.Yet she cost her trainer and part owner Mack Griffith only $700 as a yearling at the annual Scone mixed sale last year.
Bel Said has six owners with one being Phil Gunter, the Hunter Valley breeder of Bel Esprit who sold him for only $9000 at the Inglis Classic sale and then had the mortification of seeing him go on to earn over $2 million and become an immediate success as a sire.Bel Esprit, standing in Victoria, covered a world record book for one season last year of 266 mares.
The only Bel Esprit yearling available at the Scone sale this year is a filly out of Conte Partiro, a winning daughter of Danehill and the Gone West mare Freeway Daisy, on account of Goanna Downs, Scone, Mack Griffith and his brother Luke started training on Goanna Downs when it was owned by the family.
Bel Esprit Top Vic.Sire 1/8/2008
ELIZA SCORES PREMIERSHIP QUINELLA
Eliza Park, understandably, was ecstatic with Bel Esprit’s ‘performance’ during the past 12 months, sweeping all before him by capturing the Champion Victorian Sires’ premiership with only two crops of racing age.
The son of Royal Academy was also Champion Victorian 2YO Sire by winners, Champion Victorian Second Season Sire by earnings and co-Champion Victorian Second Season Sire by winners.
We’re checking on stats to ascertain the last Victorian sire to achieve the feat with only two crops racing, but we’ve also got to hit the record books to find the last stud to grab a quinella, given that Desert Sun finished second on the table.
“We’re over the moon,” enthused Eliza’s General Manager, Shane McGrath.
“Expectations were always high for Bel Esprit seeing as he won the Blue Diamond and was named Champion 3YO. “That said, there’s a huge gulf between racetrack performance and breeding barn excellence, so to see Bel Esprit going so well so early is a huge thrill.
“I really think you’ll see the best of them this spring with his older horses and the newly minted 3YOs.
“And while it appears there are nothing but blue skies ahead for Bel Esprit, Eliza Park is absolutely wrapped to grab the Victorian premiership quinella with Desert Sun.
“What a grand horse. He’ll always be remembered as the sire of Sunline – and it’s not a bad horse to have on your resume – but he just keeps coming up with the winners. He has well over 400 winners and he’s not just living on past glory: during the last season he flew into the spotlight with Adelaide Cup-G2 winner Lacey Underall and 2YO stakeswinner Gold in Dubai.
“He’s such a versatile horse too and his appeal is world-wide with a consistent run of winners in Europe, New Zealand, South East Asia and throughout Australia – all distances, all ages.
“What’s particularly pleasing is that Desert Sun is Eliza Park’s foundation sire and there’s plenty of life left in him yet.”
Eliza Park, understandably, was ecstatic with Bel Esprit’s ‘performance’ during the past 12 months, sweeping all before him by capturing the Champion Victorian Sires’ premiership with only two crops of racing age.
The son of Royal Academy was also Champion Victorian 2YO Sire by winners, Champion Victorian Second Season Sire by earnings and co-Champion Victorian Second Season Sire by winners.
We’re checking on stats to ascertain the last Victorian sire to achieve the feat with only two crops racing, but we’ve also got to hit the record books to find the last stud to grab a quinella, given that Desert Sun finished second on the table.
“We’re over the moon,” enthused Eliza’s General Manager, Shane McGrath.
“Expectations were always high for Bel Esprit seeing as he won the Blue Diamond and was named Champion 3YO. “That said, there’s a huge gulf between racetrack performance and breeding barn excellence, so to see Bel Esprit going so well so early is a huge thrill.
“I really think you’ll see the best of them this spring with his older horses and the newly minted 3YOs.
“And while it appears there are nothing but blue skies ahead for Bel Esprit, Eliza Park is absolutely wrapped to grab the Victorian premiership quinella with Desert Sun.
“What a grand horse. He’ll always be remembered as the sire of Sunline – and it’s not a bad horse to have on your resume – but he just keeps coming up with the winners. He has well over 400 winners and he’s not just living on past glory: during the last season he flew into the spotlight with Adelaide Cup-G2 winner Lacey Underall and 2YO stakeswinner Gold in Dubai.
“He’s such a versatile horse too and his appeal is world-wide with a consistent run of winners in Europe, New Zealand, South East Asia and throughout Australia – all distances, all ages.
“What’s particularly pleasing is that Desert Sun is Eliza Park’s foundation sire and there’s plenty of life left in him yet.”
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I'm Elite 26/11/2008
The Bel Esprit Elite
Keep your eyes peeled for a Bel Esprit 3YO by the name of I’m Elite who, according to reports, may well live up to his name.
Bred by DHK Investments & Footy Racing, I’m Elite was sold to Ascot trainer Mark Tovey at last year’s Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $30,000.
After running second in an official trial in early October, I’m Elite has since come up trumps in two subsequent trials, winning both by 3.5 and 5 lengths respectively … the most recent on Monday (24 November).
One prominent WA racing identity claimed it was the best barrier trial he’d seen by an unraced horse, enthusing that I’m Elite would soon be giving Group One performers a run for their money.
A half brother to two winners, I’m Elite is out of the Marauding mare Enchant, in turn a Sydney winning sister to stakeswinning 2YO Empower.
You heard it here first !
Belcino 23/11/2008
Win No. 3 for Belcino
John Symons has a more than handy performer in the shape of Belcino who snared a win at Benalla on Sunday (23 November): his second on the trot and third from six outings.
Proving too good for his 11 rivals over the 1206m, Belcino was having only his second run back from a spell and the Bel Esprit 3YO looks geared to add a few more notches to his belt this time in.$35,
Sold to John at the 2007 Melbourne Premier for just $35,000, Belcino is out of a Century half sister to Flemington stakesplaced and Singapore Group One placed Mr O’Hara.The Phoenician 4/11/2008
The Phoenician fails to fire
MATT CRAM
5/11/2008 1:00:00 AM
WANGARATTA trainer John Ledger’s new partnership with AFL legend Kevin Sheedy didn’t pay dividends at Echuca yesterday but the veteran trainer is hopeful the pair will share success in the future.
The Phoenician, part-owned by Sheedy’s Besprit Syndicate, made its racing debut in a 3YO Maiden Plate, Ledger’s only runner at Echuca for the day.
The well-bred colt is by Sheedy’s outstanding sprinter Bel Esprit, a relative of brilliant sire Naturalism and is one of two horses the former Essendon coach has in work, along with another handful in the paddock.
The duo met through acquaintances and Sheedy was impressed with what he saw at the Ledger stables on a visit to the region earlier this year.
Ledger said Sheedy was a terrific client and he had been taken aback by Sheedy’s passion for racing and easy-going nature.
“He’s a lot different person to what I expected,” Ledger said.
“He’s a very, very friendly person with everyone — young and old — and is just a delightful gentleman who loves Australia and Australian people.
“He loves his horses — he comes up every few weeks to take photos of them and for a coffee, even if they’re not racing.”
Ledger was hesitant about The Phoenician chances before its run at Echuca yesterday, which proved to be on the money as it finished outside the placings.
But he envisages a bright future for the colt.
“He trialed very well at Benalla but he’s an immature sort of horse,” he said.
“I thought he’d make a good first-up runner but he (drew) barrier 17 and it’s very hard for a baby to win from all the way out there.”
Ledger is enduring his first spring carnival in five years without a Flemington runner, but the veteran trainer is hopeful a batch of promising youngsters will take him back to the city sooner rather than later.
There are a few others that ran yesterday that Ledger has a high opinion of including the Swettenham Stud-owned Stormy Saga.
MATT CRAM
5/11/2008 1:00:00 AM
WANGARATTA trainer John Ledger’s new partnership with AFL legend Kevin Sheedy didn’t pay dividends at Echuca yesterday but the veteran trainer is hopeful the pair will share success in the future.
The Phoenician, part-owned by Sheedy’s Besprit Syndicate, made its racing debut in a 3YO Maiden Plate, Ledger’s only runner at Echuca for the day.
The well-bred colt is by Sheedy’s outstanding sprinter Bel Esprit, a relative of brilliant sire Naturalism and is one of two horses the former Essendon coach has in work, along with another handful in the paddock.
The duo met through acquaintances and Sheedy was impressed with what he saw at the Ledger stables on a visit to the region earlier this year.
Ledger said Sheedy was a terrific client and he had been taken aback by Sheedy’s passion for racing and easy-going nature.
“He’s a lot different person to what I expected,” Ledger said.
“He’s a very, very friendly person with everyone — young and old — and is just a delightful gentleman who loves Australia and Australian people.
“He loves his horses — he comes up every few weeks to take photos of them and for a coffee, even if they’re not racing.”
Ledger was hesitant about The Phoenician chances before its run at Echuca yesterday, which proved to be on the money as it finished outside the placings.
But he envisages a bright future for the colt.
“He trialed very well at Benalla but he’s an immature sort of horse,” he said.
“I thought he’d make a good first-up runner but he (drew) barrier 17 and it’s very hard for a baby to win from all the way out there.”
Ledger is enduring his first spring carnival in five years without a Flemington runner, but the veteran trainer is hopeful a batch of promising youngsters will take him back to the city sooner rather than later.
There are a few others that ran yesterday that Ledger has a high opinion of including the Swettenham Stud-owned Stormy Saga.
Thirteenthknight 5/11/2008
Eurell in Winning Form as He Prepares for Apache Cat
Cranbourne trainer Greg Eurell was in winning form at Kyneton today as he prepares to saddle up his stable star Apache Cat at Flemington on Saturday.
Eurell was pleased he was able to score a maiden win with promising three-year-old colt Thirteenthknight.
A son of Bel Esprit, Thirteenthknight was able to make up for a mysterious last start flop at Sale with today's victory.
"I still can't really explain what happened to him last start," Eurell said. "It was too bad to be true."
"I guess it will just remain one of those mysteries."
"You just had to put a line through the run and go on his previous run (when second on debut at Bendigo)," Eurell added.
At the post Thirteenthknight ($6-$5) was able to skip clear of his rivals and beat Sweet Lady ($2.30-$4) by two and a half lengths.
Third home was Berringama ($3.80-$3.60-$3.80 fav), a further length and a quarter back.
"I really liked the way he knuckled down over the final furlong and kicked away," Eurell summed up.
Eurell said he was looking forward to Saturday when his sprint sensation Apache Cat will start in the Group One Patinack Farm Classic (1200m).
In that race Apache Cat will clash with star globetrotter Takeover Target.
Others among the 13 entries for the race are Triple Honour, Swick, Sunburnt Land, Keen Commander and Bel Mer.
Cranbourne trainer Greg Eurell was in winning form at Kyneton today as he prepares to saddle up his stable star Apache Cat at Flemington on Saturday.
Eurell was pleased he was able to score a maiden win with promising three-year-old colt Thirteenthknight.
A son of Bel Esprit, Thirteenthknight was able to make up for a mysterious last start flop at Sale with today's victory.
"I still can't really explain what happened to him last start," Eurell said. "It was too bad to be true."
"I guess it will just remain one of those mysteries."
"You just had to put a line through the run and go on his previous run (when second on debut at Bendigo)," Eurell added.
At the post Thirteenthknight ($6-$5) was able to skip clear of his rivals and beat Sweet Lady ($2.30-$4) by two and a half lengths.
Third home was Berringama ($3.80-$3.60-$3.80 fav), a further length and a quarter back.
"I really liked the way he knuckled down over the final furlong and kicked away," Eurell summed up.
Eurell said he was looking forward to Saturday when his sprint sensation Apache Cat will start in the Group One Patinack Farm Classic (1200m).
In that race Apache Cat will clash with star globetrotter Takeover Target.
Others among the 13 entries for the race are Triple Honour, Swick, Sunburnt Land, Keen Commander and Bel Mer.
Blue Sky 23/11/2008
Hong Kong Blue leaves Sky short
Blue Sky can do with a change of luck.
The Bel Esprit raced at Sha Tin (Hong Kong) on Sunday night (23 November) and was beaten a head after having a dispute with a rail behind the barriers before missing the start.
Shifting to Hong Kong earlier in the year and racing out of the Caspar Fownes stable, Blue Sky was bred by Eliza Park and sold to Clinton McDonald for $200,000 at the 2006 Gold Coast Magic Millions.
Racing on seven occasions for Clinton, Blue Sky was sent out favourite in the Adelaide Magic Millions and, in his last Australian prep, ran a half length second to Vandalo in the MRC Gothic Stakes-LR at Caulfield on Cup day.
Blue Sky is out of the Supremo mare, Aquatint, a half sister to Group One winning 2YO Rhythmic Charm and closely related to multiple stakeswinner Universal Ruler.
Blue Sky is Aquatint’s first foal and she has just produced a cracking General Nediym filly. Not surprisingly, she’ll be heading back to Bel Esprit before the close of spring.
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