STATELY PERFORMANCE
After showing plenty of promise this time 12 months ago, Stately Spirit hasn’t had much luck in running this campaign.
But all that was pushed into the background at Yarra Glen yesterday (26 April) when the Bel Esprit 3YO blasted his rivals with a thumping 4.5 length victory over 1310m.
From the Alannon mare, Amberlene, Stately Spirit was purchased from the 2007 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by leading Victorian trainer Nikki Burke (obviously having a huge opinion of Stately Spirit, Nikki snapped up the Reset half brother from the Eliza Park draft at last year’s Melbourne Premier).
A half to three winners, including Sydney Group winner Throne Inn and Reverenza, Stately Spirit is out of a winning half sister to multiple stakeswinner Dance Beat and hails from the family of Group One winner Chipolata and 2YO Group winner Pipiwar.
Keep your eye out for Stately Spirit now that’s he broken his duck.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Supreme Best 25/04/09
BEL ESPRIT HITS TON
No-one, and I mean no-one, keeps more up to date with Bel Esprit statistics than Brian Donohoe.
A part owner of Bel Esprit, Brian has kept tabs on every single performance by progeny and maintains a website: the Bel Esprit Owners Club, which contains a whole range of bits and bobs about the stallion.
Brian was in touch through the week to announce that win # 100 for the season was looming for Bel Esprit and it came yesterday in the shape of classy 4YO Supreme Best.
And he did it in style too: the Robert Wilson trained Supreme Best – racing in the XXXX Plate (1600m) at the Sunshine Coast – cruised to a comfortable 2.5 length victory in class record time (1:37.04), recording his third win from his last five starts (and finishing 2nd and 3rd in the other two).
It’s been an amazing turnabout in form: on debut in September ’07, Supreme Best finished eighth of 12 at Eagle Farm … spelled for 19 weeks … ran seventh of seven at Doomben … was out for 55 weeks … and now this run of five!
Out of the Canny Lad mare, Ultima Vita, Supreme Best is closely related to Group Two winners Full at Last and Catnipped and hails from the immediate family of 2009 Blue Diamond Stakes-G1 winner Reward For Effort.
According to Brian, Supreme Best’s victory is also Bel Esprit’s 16th for the month, which beats his previous best of 13 – and that’s with five racing days remaining in April.
Ranked high on all the relevant national sires’ premierships, perhaps the most telling is Bel Esprit’s position on the ‘by winners’ chart.
Bel Esprit’s 61 winners in Australia this season place him 16th overall, but with less runners than those stallions ahead of him and 6th in terms of strike rate. It should be remembered that Bel Esprit still only has three crops of racing age.
Pretty good strike rate overseas too: Hong Kong (2 winners, 3 runners), Singapore (3 winners, 4 runners), New Zealand (1 winner, 2 runners) and South Africa (1 winner, 1 runner).
No-one, and I mean no-one, keeps more up to date with Bel Esprit statistics than Brian Donohoe.
A part owner of Bel Esprit, Brian has kept tabs on every single performance by progeny and maintains a website: the Bel Esprit Owners Club, which contains a whole range of bits and bobs about the stallion.
Brian was in touch through the week to announce that win # 100 for the season was looming for Bel Esprit and it came yesterday in the shape of classy 4YO Supreme Best.
And he did it in style too: the Robert Wilson trained Supreme Best – racing in the XXXX Plate (1600m) at the Sunshine Coast – cruised to a comfortable 2.5 length victory in class record time (1:37.04), recording his third win from his last five starts (and finishing 2nd and 3rd in the other two).
It’s been an amazing turnabout in form: on debut in September ’07, Supreme Best finished eighth of 12 at Eagle Farm … spelled for 19 weeks … ran seventh of seven at Doomben … was out for 55 weeks … and now this run of five!
Out of the Canny Lad mare, Ultima Vita, Supreme Best is closely related to Group Two winners Full at Last and Catnipped and hails from the immediate family of 2009 Blue Diamond Stakes-G1 winner Reward For Effort.
According to Brian, Supreme Best’s victory is also Bel Esprit’s 16th for the month, which beats his previous best of 13 – and that’s with five racing days remaining in April.
Ranked high on all the relevant national sires’ premierships, perhaps the most telling is Bel Esprit’s position on the ‘by winners’ chart.
Bel Esprit’s 61 winners in Australia this season place him 16th overall, but with less runners than those stallions ahead of him and 6th in terms of strike rate. It should be remembered that Bel Esprit still only has three crops of racing age.
Pretty good strike rate overseas too: Hong Kong (2 winners, 3 runners), Singapore (3 winners, 4 runners), New Zealand (1 winner, 2 runners) and South Africa (1 winner, 1 runner).
Black Caviar 28/04/09
Black Caviar Offers A Taste Of Spring
Virtual Formguide
Exciting two-year-old filly Black Caviar will give a further insight into her spring prospects when she runs in Saturday's Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield.
A $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase, Black Caviar impressed with a five-length win over Kwassa Kwassa with another Blue Sapphire nomination Take The Rap third, at her debut over 1000m on April 18.
"She's always shown us a good deal of ability at home," said trainer Peter Moody who has had his best season with juveniles, winning the Blue Diamond Stakes with Reward For Effort, while stablemate Headway was runner-up in the Golden Slipper.
"She has taken a while to get to the races due to a couple of minor setbacks, but she pulled up well after Flemington and I'd like to run her once more to try and boost her prizemoney.
"I think she can be a player certainly in the early spring when the stakes races are on for the fillies and to run in those races you need prizemoney in the bank."
Black Caviar is by successful stallion Bel Esprit and her grand-dam is Scandinavia, the dam of Group One winner Magnus and Group Two winner Wilander.
There were 17 entries for the Listed 1200m race including the Tony Vasil-trained Carrara, who won on protest from Tollesprit(by Bel Esprit) at his debut over 1000m at Seymour; and Quietzer, prepared by David Hayes, who won on debut at Moonee Valley in a 1000m fillies race, both earlier this month.
Virtual Formguide
Exciting two-year-old filly Black Caviar will give a further insight into her spring prospects when she runs in Saturday's Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield.
A $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase, Black Caviar impressed with a five-length win over Kwassa Kwassa with another Blue Sapphire nomination Take The Rap third, at her debut over 1000m on April 18.
"She's always shown us a good deal of ability at home," said trainer Peter Moody who has had his best season with juveniles, winning the Blue Diamond Stakes with Reward For Effort, while stablemate Headway was runner-up in the Golden Slipper.
"She has taken a while to get to the races due to a couple of minor setbacks, but she pulled up well after Flemington and I'd like to run her once more to try and boost her prizemoney.
"I think she can be a player certainly in the early spring when the stakes races are on for the fillies and to run in those races you need prizemoney in the bank."
Black Caviar is by successful stallion Bel Esprit and her grand-dam is Scandinavia, the dam of Group One winner Magnus and Group Two winner Wilander.
There were 17 entries for the Listed 1200m race including the Tony Vasil-trained Carrara, who won on protest from Tollesprit(by Bel Esprit) at his debut over 1000m at Seymour; and Quietzer, prepared by David Hayes, who won on debut at Moonee Valley in a 1000m fillies race, both earlier this month.
Stately Spirit 26/04/09
Stately Spirit Earns Petrol Money
This was found on Nikki Burke's website. http://vowofsilence.nikkiburkeracing.com.au/
OWNING horses can be a risky business, but trainer Nikki Burke has an eye for cheap ones who can pay the bills.
The prize pie in horse racing is sliced into many pieces.
Officially, jockeys get 5 per cent and trainers 10.
Slings can be anything or nothing, depending on the whim of the owner, who takes home about 80 per cent.
A trainer who owns will either prosper or perish.
Good earners, those bread and butter horses, are money-making machines.
Slow ones, on the other hand, are like dead weights.
The prize pie in horse racing is sliced into many pieces.
Officially, jockeys get 5 per cent and trainers 10.
Slings can be anything or nothing, depending on the whim of the owner, who takes home about 80 per cent.
A trainer who owns will either prosper or perish.
Good earners, those bread and butter horses, are money-making machines.
Slow ones, on the other hand, are like dead weights.
Burke has a simple, effective, no-fuss training philosophy.
The horses don't go to the races unless they can earn a cheque.
Burke hates carting horses across the state for no return.
The game - and petrol - is simply too expensive to fool around.
The horses don't go to the races unless they can earn a cheque.
Burke hates carting horses across the state for no return.
The game - and petrol - is simply too expensive to fool around.
Stately Spirit went to Yarra Valley in Sunday and after winning by a comfortable four and a half lengths, went home looking like a money-making machine. He is one of the few Bel Esprits who have raced in the City at their 1st start(Black Caviar was another a fortnight ago)as a 2YO so he must have shown something early.
Stately Spirit has Noalcoholic(3 winners) as a Grandsire and was bought as the Inglis sales in Melbourne in March 2007 for $100,000, maybe this fella will be good enough to go back to the City and get some of the big money.
Congratulations to the owners. K Williams, C Johnstone, High Country Syndicate, Miss N Burke, Dooza Syndicate, Mrs D Williams, R Williams & Ms C Williams
Monday, April 27, 2009
Snip Esprit 25/04/09
2. 25/04/09 Almost Snip Esprit
Snip Esprit found himself a neck short of another sprint victory at Ascot on Saturday. Snip settled last (in a one out one back position) for jockey Clint Harvey after jumping awkwardly. Race favourite Elliotto found the front and ran the race at a slow tempo with jockey Brad Parnham ensuring his charge have enough of a kick at the finish to hold off the startling sprint of Snip Esprit. Coming to the home turn Snip was full of running looking for a clear run. Eventually Harvey seezed upon on a gap near the inside and burst through going head to head with Elliotto for the final 200m. But Elliotto had a bit too much petrol in the tank and defeated Snip by a neck.
4. 23/04/09 Snip Esprit shooting for back to back victories
Snip Esprit will be out to make it back to back is wins on Saturday when he takes on a small field of sprinters in the Perth Leagacy Sprint over 1200m. Last start snip proved too good when he defeated Bull Durham at Ascot over 1000m, sitting on the speed in a one out one back postion and producing a great sprint to get up by a long head. Clint Harvey will take the reins on Saturday with regular rider Jason Brown out suspended. From gate 5 Snip will hopefully be able to find a spot close to the speed in race which doesnt look as though it will be strongly run.
Stable News by Spencer Knight
Snip Esprit found himself a neck short of another sprint victory at Ascot on Saturday. Snip settled last (in a one out one back position) for jockey Clint Harvey after jumping awkwardly. Race favourite Elliotto found the front and ran the race at a slow tempo with jockey Brad Parnham ensuring his charge have enough of a kick at the finish to hold off the startling sprint of Snip Esprit. Coming to the home turn Snip was full of running looking for a clear run. Eventually Harvey seezed upon on a gap near the inside and burst through going head to head with Elliotto for the final 200m. But Elliotto had a bit too much petrol in the tank and defeated Snip by a neck.
4. 23/04/09 Snip Esprit shooting for back to back victories
Snip Esprit will be out to make it back to back is wins on Saturday when he takes on a small field of sprinters in the Perth Leagacy Sprint over 1200m. Last start snip proved too good when he defeated Bull Durham at Ascot over 1000m, sitting on the speed in a one out one back postion and producing a great sprint to get up by a long head. Clint Harvey will take the reins on Saturday with regular rider Jason Brown out suspended. From gate 5 Snip will hopefully be able to find a spot close to the speed in race which doesnt look as though it will be strongly run.
Stable News by Spencer Knight
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Supreme Best 25/04/09
Simply Supreme Again
Supreme Best, out of a Canny Lad mare, Ultima Vita, became the 100th winner for Bel Esprit this season and there is still three months to go. Racing on the Sunshine Coast Cushion track , he went to the front in the back straight and created a gap on the field winning by two and a half lengths easing up.
After one run in September 2007, he came back in February this year winning three races from five starts and apprentice jockey Siobhan Kennedy has been aboard for two of those wins.
Bel Esprit progeny have won forty eight races since 1st of January this year and this make his new fee of $16,500 that was announced earlier this week, very attractive.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Bel Esprit Fees 2009
Bel Esprit's Going Cheap
Tim Habel
April 24, 2009 12:00am
VICTORIA'S leading sire Bel Esprit's stud fee has been slashed by 50 per cent in a concession to the troubled economic climate faced by breeders.
Bel Esprit's fee will fall from $33,000 to $16,500, despite a stellar season where he has sired 61 winners, his first Group 1 winner Bel Mer and last Saturday's exciting Flemington debut winner Black Caviar.
Eliza Park's Mark Lindsay yesterday described Bel Esprit as the best-value sire in Australia.
"He's the fairest-priced stallion in Australia," Lindsay said. "I challenge any breeder to say he doesn't represent value.
"He's a $30,000 quality stallion, but due to the economic climate we are reducing his fee."
The trend to lower stud fees was started by Arrowfield Stud and has been followed in Victoria.
Tim Habel
April 24, 2009 12:00am
VICTORIA'S leading sire Bel Esprit's stud fee has been slashed by 50 per cent in a concession to the troubled economic climate faced by breeders.
Bel Esprit's fee will fall from $33,000 to $16,500, despite a stellar season where he has sired 61 winners, his first Group 1 winner Bel Mer and last Saturday's exciting Flemington debut winner Black Caviar.
Eliza Park's Mark Lindsay yesterday described Bel Esprit as the best-value sire in Australia.
"He's the fairest-priced stallion in Australia," Lindsay said. "I challenge any breeder to say he doesn't represent value.
"He's a $30,000 quality stallion, but due to the economic climate we are reducing his fee."
The trend to lower stud fees was started by Arrowfield Stud and has been followed in Victoria.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Cascabel 23/04/09
'Chubby' Cascabel Warrants Attention
Expect to see Cascabel return to the metropolitan area sooner rather then later following an impressive victory in the Ballarat BMW Country Showcase 0 - 68 Handicap (1200m) for three-year-olds at Ballarat this afternoon.
The Robbie Griffiths trained Cascabel ($3.80-$4-$3.20) defeated Testaguy ($2.50-$4.20) by three quarters of a length with the incredibly unlucky Wojcinski ($5) a further half a length away in third.
While Cascabel surged to the front inside the 250m mark, the Danny O'Brien trained Wojcinski was held up several times trying to obtain sufficient galloping room and burst between runners.
Experienced rider Steven Arnold simply had nowhere to go on Wojcinski. Even when attempting to switch off heels and commence a run on the outside he was momentarily held up.
The last 50 metres of the race saw both placegetters motor late however Cascabel had opened up an unassailable lead.
To add injury to insult, Arnold was found guilty of careless riding and was suspended for 12 meetings.
Arnold will commence his suspension after this Saturday's Flemington meeting but will miss next week's "Super Saturday" meeting at Morphettville on May 2 and the entire Warnambool carnival which runs from May 5-7.
Despite the little luck his rivals may have received in the run, credit must be still given to Cascabel who was finding the line well.
"He's not a brilliant beginner out of the gates so you've got to lift him out but once you get your spot he travels sweetly all the time," jockey Peter Mertens said after the race.
Cascabel returned from a 17 week spell today and Mertens believes the son of Bel Esprit will take benefit from the run.
"I like him a lot but he was a bit like a train today, carrying a bit of pudding."
"I think he'll improve a lot with the run," Mertens said.
Beaten by less than half a length on debut at Sale, Cascabel won a 3yo Maiden at Ballarat over 1200m at his next start which featured the debut of Coubertin - a half brother to Elvstroem and Haradasun.
The three-year-old gelding was placed at his next two outings - both in town - when second behind the much heralded Keano and third behind Mr Paparazzi.
Cascabel is by Bel Esprit out of Gogo Doll, a dam that has produced seven to race with five of those to taste racetrack success.
Her best performed progeny is the stakes placed galloper Soi Cowboy, who ran second behind Lions Gate in the 2004 Listed Geelong Classic (2200m).
That was followed by an fighting fourth in the VRC Derby (2500m) at only his fourth career start
Other notable gallopers from the dam include the Nikki Burke trained Altjira and moderately performed Scold, who ran fourth in the 2008 Wangaratta Cup (1600m).
Cascabel has had five starts for two wins and two placings with $62,550 in the bank.
PICS - Greg Irvine
Race 5 - Ballarat BMW Country Showcase Handicap - 1200m
Expect to see Cascabel return to the metropolitan area sooner rather then later following an impressive victory in the Ballarat BMW Country Showcase 0 - 68 Handicap (1200m) for three-year-olds at Ballarat this afternoon.
The Robbie Griffiths trained Cascabel ($3.80-$4-$3.20) defeated Testaguy ($2.50-$4.20) by three quarters of a length with the incredibly unlucky Wojcinski ($5) a further half a length away in third.
While Cascabel surged to the front inside the 250m mark, the Danny O'Brien trained Wojcinski was held up several times trying to obtain sufficient galloping room and burst between runners.
Experienced rider Steven Arnold simply had nowhere to go on Wojcinski. Even when attempting to switch off heels and commence a run on the outside he was momentarily held up.
The last 50 metres of the race saw both placegetters motor late however Cascabel had opened up an unassailable lead.
To add injury to insult, Arnold was found guilty of careless riding and was suspended for 12 meetings.
Arnold will commence his suspension after this Saturday's Flemington meeting but will miss next week's "Super Saturday" meeting at Morphettville on May 2 and the entire Warnambool carnival which runs from May 5-7.
Despite the little luck his rivals may have received in the run, credit must be still given to Cascabel who was finding the line well.
"He's not a brilliant beginner out of the gates so you've got to lift him out but once you get your spot he travels sweetly all the time," jockey Peter Mertens said after the race.
Cascabel returned from a 17 week spell today and Mertens believes the son of Bel Esprit will take benefit from the run.
"I like him a lot but he was a bit like a train today, carrying a bit of pudding."
"I think he'll improve a lot with the run," Mertens said.
Beaten by less than half a length on debut at Sale, Cascabel won a 3yo Maiden at Ballarat over 1200m at his next start which featured the debut of Coubertin - a half brother to Elvstroem and Haradasun.
The three-year-old gelding was placed at his next two outings - both in town - when second behind the much heralded Keano and third behind Mr Paparazzi.
Cascabel is by Bel Esprit out of Gogo Doll, a dam that has produced seven to race with five of those to taste racetrack success.
Her best performed progeny is the stakes placed galloper Soi Cowboy, who ran second behind Lions Gate in the 2004 Listed Geelong Classic (2200m).
That was followed by an fighting fourth in the VRC Derby (2500m) at only his fourth career start
Other notable gallopers from the dam include the Nikki Burke trained Altjira and moderately performed Scold, who ran fourth in the 2008 Wangaratta Cup (1600m).
Cascabel has had five starts for two wins and two placings with $62,550 in the bank.
PICS - Greg Irvine
Race 5 - Ballarat BMW Country Showcase Handicap - 1200m
1st CASCABEL (L Palmer, D Ricardo, L Newman, P Beckham, G Burgess, M Baker, Ricky Bobby Synd Mgr: S McCarthy, Sceptic Racing Synd Mgr: D Goss & Mrs B Gallaher's bay gelding 3 years Bel Esprit-Gogo Doll by Kala Dancer) Peter Mertens for Robbie Griffiths
2nd TESTAGUY - Steven King for Steve Richards
3rd WOJCINSKI - Steven Arnold for Danny O'Brien
Apparitions 23/04/09
Cheap Filly Adds to Bel's Tally
Story By Nathan Exelby
Wednesday, 22 April 2009: Fresh from unleashing Black Caviar as perhaps his most exciting prospect yet, Bel Esprit added a new winner via the Clarry Conners trained Apparitions on a day where his service fee received a 50% reduction.
From the Flying Spur mare Stormy Petrel, who in turn is a half-sister to the Black Opal stakes (G3) winner Coral Salute, Apparitions cost just $16,000 from the 2007 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. The filly was having her first start since midway through last year - where she was bumping into classy types like Olonana and Maybe I – and proved too classy to score first up at Canterbury over 1200m.
Bel Esprit's reputation continues to grow.The Eliza Park based stallion had his first Group 1 winner this season when Bel Mer landed the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes last month. His fillies have been his best performed runners to date, with each of his four stakes winners being of the fairer sex – with Bel Mer joined by Vivacious Spirit, Gabbidon and Belcentra.
That trend may well continue when Black Caviar tackles black type company at her next start.Sold by Swettenham Stud for $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling – making her the second highest priced yearling by the Royal Academy sire sold last year – the Peter Moody trained filly made a stunning debut at Flemington on Saturday, when strolling away to win by five lengths over the handy Kwassa Kwassa.
The winning margin was enhanced by the sizzling time of 56.63 seconds, which bettered the time recorded by the slick Secret Flyer on the same afternoon. Only a handful of horses have run quicker time down the Flemington straight 1000m in the past few seasons.
Black Caviar is from the Desert Sun mare Helsinge, who in turn is a half-sister to G1 winner Magnus and G2 winner Wilander, with all being from the top Snippets mare Scandinavia, a G2 winning multiple G1 placed performer herself. Moody said Black Caviar is likely to have her next start in Listed company over 1200m at Caulfield.
Despite the good form being shown by Bel Esprit – who was Australia's busiest stallion in 2007 and is in the top 20 stallions by winners this season – Eliza Park today announced his service fee would be cut by 50% to $16,500. Eliza Park CEO Cameron Croucher said the fee reduction, which applies to all of Eliza Park's stallions, was simply a reflection on the current economic climate, with the pricing structure designed to support breeders and maintain their ongoing participation in the industry.Other notable Eliza Park stallions include God's Own (down to $33,000 from $38,500) and Magnus (down to $22,000 from $27,500).
Story By Nathan Exelby
Wednesday, 22 April 2009: Fresh from unleashing Black Caviar as perhaps his most exciting prospect yet, Bel Esprit added a new winner via the Clarry Conners trained Apparitions on a day where his service fee received a 50% reduction.
From the Flying Spur mare Stormy Petrel, who in turn is a half-sister to the Black Opal stakes (G3) winner Coral Salute, Apparitions cost just $16,000 from the 2007 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. The filly was having her first start since midway through last year - where she was bumping into classy types like Olonana and Maybe I – and proved too classy to score first up at Canterbury over 1200m.
Bel Esprit's reputation continues to grow.The Eliza Park based stallion had his first Group 1 winner this season when Bel Mer landed the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes last month. His fillies have been his best performed runners to date, with each of his four stakes winners being of the fairer sex – with Bel Mer joined by Vivacious Spirit, Gabbidon and Belcentra.
That trend may well continue when Black Caviar tackles black type company at her next start.Sold by Swettenham Stud for $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling – making her the second highest priced yearling by the Royal Academy sire sold last year – the Peter Moody trained filly made a stunning debut at Flemington on Saturday, when strolling away to win by five lengths over the handy Kwassa Kwassa.
The winning margin was enhanced by the sizzling time of 56.63 seconds, which bettered the time recorded by the slick Secret Flyer on the same afternoon. Only a handful of horses have run quicker time down the Flemington straight 1000m in the past few seasons.
Black Caviar is from the Desert Sun mare Helsinge, who in turn is a half-sister to G1 winner Magnus and G2 winner Wilander, with all being from the top Snippets mare Scandinavia, a G2 winning multiple G1 placed performer herself. Moody said Black Caviar is likely to have her next start in Listed company over 1200m at Caulfield.
Despite the good form being shown by Bel Esprit – who was Australia's busiest stallion in 2007 and is in the top 20 stallions by winners this season – Eliza Park today announced his service fee would be cut by 50% to $16,500. Eliza Park CEO Cameron Croucher said the fee reduction, which applies to all of Eliza Park's stallions, was simply a reflection on the current economic climate, with the pricing structure designed to support breeders and maintain their ongoing participation in the industry.Other notable Eliza Park stallions include God's Own (down to $33,000 from $38,500) and Magnus (down to $22,000 from $27,500).
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Bel Esprit Fees 2009
Eliza Park Reduce Fees
Tara Madgwick -
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Leading Victorian farm Eliza Park have announced their service fees for 2009 with proven Group One producing sire Bel Esprit cut by 50%.
"In announcing the 2009 Stallion fees, Eliza Park is committed to working with breeders to ensure their long term participation in the industry," said Eliza Park CEO, Cameron Croucher.
"As a commercial operation, we have to fully recognise the current climate and market so all participants have the opportunity to profit and prosper in the future.
"Eliza Park is proud of its stallion roster and believe that the fees reflect exceptional value in today's market.
"Like all farms we have to consider our revenue versus costs ratios, but what is important is that we continue to offer breeders the opportunity to access stallions at fair and reasonable prices."
In addition to price reductions, Eliza Park will provide some of the best terms and incentives available to breeders, including a Live Foal Guarantee, extended payment terms to 31 March 2010 and transfer of the free return to mares in foal to Eliza Park stallions.
2009 SERVICE FEES
BEL ESPRIT $16,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $33,000)
CLANGLANG $5,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $6,600)
DANBIRD $5,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $8,800)
DELAGO BROM $8,250inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $11,000)
DELZAO $5,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $7,700)
GOD'S OWN $33,000inc. GST*Free Return (2008 $38,500)
MAGNUS $22,500inc. GST*Live foal guarantee (2008 $27,500)
SHINZIG $9,900inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $18,150)
STATUE OF LIBERTY $17,600inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (did not come to Australia)
WRITTEN TYCOON $6,600inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $8,250)
* Standing in conjunction with Yallambee Stud
Eliza Park offers unbeatable terms to its stallions with a live foal guarantee (excluding God's Own), extended payment terms to 31 March 2010 and will allow a free return to be transferred to the purchaser of any mare sold in foal to a stallion standing at Eliza Park in 2009.
For further information please phone David Somers on0428 440 330 or Mark Lindsay on 0416 334 338 or visit our website: www.elizapark.com.au
Tara Madgwick -
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Leading Victorian farm Eliza Park have announced their service fees for 2009 with proven Group One producing sire Bel Esprit cut by 50%.
"In announcing the 2009 Stallion fees, Eliza Park is committed to working with breeders to ensure their long term participation in the industry," said Eliza Park CEO, Cameron Croucher.
"As a commercial operation, we have to fully recognise the current climate and market so all participants have the opportunity to profit and prosper in the future.
"Eliza Park is proud of its stallion roster and believe that the fees reflect exceptional value in today's market.
"Like all farms we have to consider our revenue versus costs ratios, but what is important is that we continue to offer breeders the opportunity to access stallions at fair and reasonable prices."
In addition to price reductions, Eliza Park will provide some of the best terms and incentives available to breeders, including a Live Foal Guarantee, extended payment terms to 31 March 2010 and transfer of the free return to mares in foal to Eliza Park stallions.
2009 SERVICE FEES
BEL ESPRIT $16,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $33,000)
CLANGLANG $5,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $6,600)
DANBIRD $5,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $8,800)
DELAGO BROM $8,250inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $11,000)
DELZAO $5,500inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $7,700)
GOD'S OWN $33,000inc. GST*Free Return (2008 $38,500)
MAGNUS $22,500inc. GST*Live foal guarantee (2008 $27,500)
SHINZIG $9,900inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $18,150)
STATUE OF LIBERTY $17,600inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (did not come to Australia)
WRITTEN TYCOON $6,600inc. GSTLive foal guarantee (2008 $8,250)
* Standing in conjunction with Yallambee Stud
Eliza Park offers unbeatable terms to its stallions with a live foal guarantee (excluding God's Own), extended payment terms to 31 March 2010 and will allow a free return to be transferred to the purchaser of any mare sold in foal to a stallion standing at Eliza Park in 2009.
For further information please phone David Somers on0428 440 330 or Mark Lindsay on 0416 334 338 or visit our website: www.elizapark.com.au
Apparitions 22/04/09
Apparations has her Sights on Brisbane for the Winter
Wednesday, 22 April 2009 
Clarry Conners believes there is “plenty of upside” to his three-year-old filly Apparations who was a strong winner at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The daughter of Belong To Me gave her owners plenty to look forward to in her first racing campaign with encouraging performances behind the likes of Olonana and Maybe I before she was found to have a career threatening injury.
“She fractured a bone in her elbow but with a good break things have repaired themselves and she has a bright future,” Conners said.
Having her first run in eight months, Apparitions took advantage of barrier 1 and settled behind the leaders until a run presented along the rails on straightening and she powered through, drawing clear over the final stages.”
“She can go further this filly, there’s still plenty of upside,” Conners said.
“She has come back a much stronger filly and I’ve always thought she’ll appreciate more ground than 1200 metres so today’s win is a good sign.”
Conners isn’t in a hurry with Apparations but he is considering a trip to Brisbane during the Winter carnival should things continue to go to plan.
“She’s nominated for the Oaks but we’ll just see how we go,” he said.
“We’ll just work through the grades and see where it takes us.”
Filling the placings were the favourite Floriade from the Peter Snowden stable and the Grahame Begg-trained Pagan Princess.
The placings and margins: Apparitions 57.5kg ($4) (H.Bowman) defeated Floriade 56.5kg ($3.70) (K.McEvoy) by a half length with Pagan Princess 57.5kg ($4.20) (D.Ganderton a2) two lengths away third.
The time and sectionals: The overall time for the race was 1.12.27 and the final 600 metre sectional was run in 36.06.
Winner’s breeding: Apparitions is a three-year-old filly by Bel Esprit x Stormy Petrel (Flying Spur).
What they said: “It was a good win and she’ll appreciate some more ground,” winning jockey Hugh Bowman said.
Clarry Conners believes there is “plenty of upside” to his three-year-old filly Apparations who was a strong winner at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The daughter of Belong To Me gave her owners plenty to look forward to in her first racing campaign with encouraging performances behind the likes of Olonana and Maybe I before she was found to have a career threatening injury.
“She fractured a bone in her elbow but with a good break things have repaired themselves and she has a bright future,” Conners said.
Having her first run in eight months, Apparitions took advantage of barrier 1 and settled behind the leaders until a run presented along the rails on straightening and she powered through, drawing clear over the final stages.”
“She can go further this filly, there’s still plenty of upside,” Conners said.
“She has come back a much stronger filly and I’ve always thought she’ll appreciate more ground than 1200 metres so today’s win is a good sign.”
Conners isn’t in a hurry with Apparations but he is considering a trip to Brisbane during the Winter carnival should things continue to go to plan.
“She’s nominated for the Oaks but we’ll just see how we go,” he said.
“We’ll just work through the grades and see where it takes us.”
Filling the placings were the favourite Floriade from the Peter Snowden stable and the Grahame Begg-trained Pagan Princess.
The placings and margins: Apparitions 57.5kg ($4) (H.Bowman) defeated Floriade 56.5kg ($3.70) (K.McEvoy) by a half length with Pagan Princess 57.5kg ($4.20) (D.Ganderton a2) two lengths away third.
The time and sectionals: The overall time for the race was 1.12.27 and the final 600 metre sectional was run in 36.06.
Winner’s breeding: Apparitions is a three-year-old filly by Bel Esprit x Stormy Petrel (Flying Spur).
What they said: “It was a good win and she’ll appreciate some more ground,” winning jockey Hugh Bowman said.
Smart Sydney Win for Bel Esprit Filly
Tara Madgwick - Wednesday, 22 April 2009
On a day when Eliza Park announced a 50% reduction in his service fee, Bel Esprit posted his 61st winner of the season when the Clarry Conners trained filly Apparitions saluted at Canterbury.Resuming from a spell of 36 weeks, Apparations was ridden a perfect race by Hugh Bowman settling off the pace and surging through along the inside to win by half a length over 1200 metres.“She injured herself last time in and fractured a bone in her elbow so that’s why she’s been out so long, but she’s a much more mature filly now and can win more races,” said Conners.
On a day when Eliza Park announced a 50% reduction in his service fee, Bel Esprit posted his 61st winner of the season when the Clarry Conners trained filly Apparitions saluted at Canterbury.Resuming from a spell of 36 weeks, Apparations was ridden a perfect race by Hugh Bowman settling off the pace and surging through along the inside to win by half a length over 1200 metres.“She injured herself last time in and fractured a bone in her elbow so that’s why she’s been out so long, but she’s a much more mature filly now and can win more races,” said Conners.
Purchased by her trainer for just $16,000 at the 2007 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of Kilora, Apparitions is from the Flying Spur mare Stormy Petrel, a half-sister to Group Three winner Coral Salute.
Bel Esprit is the leading Victorian based third season sire, with progeny earnings in excess of $1.9 million, his star performer brilliant mare Bel Mer, winner of the Group One SAJC Robert Sangster Stakes.He also featured at Flemington on Saturday with exciting two year-old filly Black Caviar, who on debut by five lengths for the Peter Moody stable.
A $210,000 purchase from the Swettenham draft at the 2008 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Black Caviar was the dearest Bel Esprit in that sale and is also one of his best bred being from Helsinge, a half-sister to Group One winner Magnus and Group Two winner Wilander.Set to cover his seventh book of mares this spring at Eliza Park, Bel Esprit is unbeatable value at $16,500, which is his lowest ever service fee, the Group One winning son of Royal Academy (USA) having been launched at $18,150.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Black Caviar 18/04/09 (3)
Black Caviar Has Them On Toast 
First starter Black Caviar lived up to her trial form when she cleared out to win the Cromwell Handicap at Flemington by 5 lengths from Kwassa Kwassa and Take The Rap this afternoon.
Ridden by Perth apprentice Jarrad Noske, the pair produced a perfect result for their joint debut at Flemington.
"I gave her a bit of a squeeze out of the gates and she was straight on the bridle", Noske said.
"This might have been the start of two good careers", observed Black Caviar's trainer, Peter Moody.
The 16 year old Noske, who is apprenticed to his mother Jodie in Perth, is on loan to Moody for three months. Already the rider of over 100 winners in Perth, Noske is keen to see how he fares against the strong riders in Victoria.
"He came over and had a week with us a couple of months ago and I was really impressed with his attitude", Moody said.
"I met with his mother and had a good chat to her and he was keen to come over."
"He seems a real nice kid and on top of that he seems to have a hell of a lot of talent."
"He's only a young fellow so its all ahead of him like the horse."
Moody went to $210,000 to buy the daughter of Bel Esprit at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. Part of the attraction for Moody was that her dam, Helsinge is a half sister to former top sprinter Magnus, which he took to England last year for Ascot.
"She's a smashing type of filly, a big strong thing", Moody said.
"She's out of a good family."
Black Caviar showed talent right from the start and won a recent trial at Cranbourne hard held by 5 lengths.
"She's always showed nice ability and you saw that at the trials", Moody said.
"She went to those a bit new and she's probably come here a bit new too."
"I was concerned with the straight."
"If she was at Caulfield or Moonee Valley I would have thought she was probably a good thing."
"It can be overawing in the straight for young horses and I think you can see in the last furlong she did get a bit lost but she did have enough on the field."Having started off her career in such impressive style, Moody is keen not to ask too much too soon of her.
"She's a damn good filly", he said.
"I'm not sure where she'll go."
"We'll find a similar type of race here in a few weeks and then I think we'll be getting her ready for something in the Spring."
Noske Strikes For New Boss
Star West Australian apprentice Jarrad Noske landed his first Flemingto
n winner on the first day of a three-month stint with trainer Peter Moody aboard the talented first starter Black Caviar.
Both 16-year-old Noske and the two-year-old filly, having her first start in the Cromwell Hcp (1000m), impressed the Caulfield trainer.
Noske, apprenticed to his mother Jodie, is only 16 but has shown abundant talent in 18 months of riding in races.
"He came over and had a week with us a couple of months ago and I was very impressed with his attitude," Moody said.
"I met his mother and had a good chat to her and he was keen to come over. He seems a real nice kid and on top of that he seems to have a hell of a lot of talent.
"He's only a young fellow and it's all ahead of him, like the horse. It might be the start of two good careers."
Noske is Perth's leading apprentice so far this season with 36 winners and is third on the overall list behind William Pike and Troy Turner.
He finished fifth at his first ride on Saturday aboard the Lee Freedman-trained Europa Point ($3 fav) who appeared to have every chance behind the winner Absolute Faith in the Community Raceday Hcp (1400m).
Noske, who said he had ridden 52-53 metropolitan winners and recently had his city allowance reduced from 2kg to 1.5kg, had already ridden a winner in Melbourne aboard the Gerald Ryan-trained Equable at Moonee Valley on February 20 in a leg of the National Apprentice Jockey Challenge.
Black Caviar was a $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase and impressed with a five-length win in a Cranbourne barrier trial in 46.10s on March 30.
Sent out the $3 favourite, she sat off early leader Miss Papier before dashing clear for a five-length win over topweight Kwassa Kwassa with Take The Rap a neck away third.
"She's a slashing type of filly, a big strong thing out of the same family as Magnus, hence my attraction to her," Moody said.
"She's always showed nice ability and went to the trials a bit new and came here a bit new too.
"She was probably a good thing here but the straight course can be a bit overawing for young horses and she did get a bit lost over the last furlong but still had enough on the field."
"She's a damn good filly and might have one more run before she goes out and look for something for her in the spring."
Moody drools over Black Caviar's debut win
Andrew Garvey
April 19, 2009
IT MIGHT have been an off-season meeting but trainer Peter Moody was full of optimism after the win of his first starter Black Caviar in the Cromwell Handicap (1000 metres) yesterday.
Black Caviar was coming into the race on the back of an impressive barrier trial win and was perfectly handled by Western Australian apprentice Jarrad Noske who has just started a three-month loan with Moody.
"He seems a nice kid and has a hell of a lot of talent. I really like the horse and it could be the start of two good careers," Moody said.
Moody said he had seen Black Caviar, who is by leading young sire Bel Esprit from a half-sister to his former star sprinter Magnus, at last year's Premier Yearling sale and immediately fell in love with her.
"I went and sourced some clients to buy her because I didn't have the money I thought I'd need to buy her," said Moody, who had to go to $210,000 to secure her.
Noske had Black Caviar ($3 favourite) perfectly placed outside the leader Miss Papier and once he let her go inside the 300-metre mark she drew right away to win by five lengths in a sharp 56.63 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than Secret Flyer in the open sprint.
Noske, who turns 17 in October, has been riding for 18 months and has ridden about 50 city winners in Perth, where he is apprenticed to his mother, Jodie.
Moody said he was unlikely to take the filly to Brisbane over the winter but would like to give her one more run in similar company before putting her away for the spring.
First starter Black Caviar lived up to her trial form when she cleared out to win the Cromwell Handicap at Flemington by 5 lengths from Kwassa Kwassa and Take The Rap this afternoon.
Ridden by Perth apprentice Jarrad Noske, the pair produced a perfect result for their joint debut at Flemington.
"I gave her a bit of a squeeze out of the gates and she was straight on the bridle", Noske said.
"This might have been the start of two good careers", observed Black Caviar's trainer, Peter Moody.
The 16 year old Noske, who is apprenticed to his mother Jodie in Perth, is on loan to Moody for three months. Already the rider of over 100 winners in Perth, Noske is keen to see how he fares against the strong riders in Victoria.
"He came over and had a week with us a couple of months ago and I was really impressed with his attitude", Moody said.
"I met with his mother and had a good chat to her and he was keen to come over."
"He seems a real nice kid and on top of that he seems to have a hell of a lot of talent."
"He's only a young fellow so its all ahead of him like the horse."
Moody went to $210,000 to buy the daughter of Bel Esprit at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. Part of the attraction for Moody was that her dam, Helsinge is a half sister to former top sprinter Magnus, which he took to England last year for Ascot.
"She's a smashing type of filly, a big strong thing", Moody said.
"She's out of a good family."
Black Caviar showed talent right from the start and won a recent trial at Cranbourne hard held by 5 lengths.
"She's always showed nice ability and you saw that at the trials", Moody said.
"She went to those a bit new and she's probably come here a bit new too."
"I was concerned with the straight."
"If she was at Caulfield or Moonee Valley I would have thought she was probably a good thing."
"It can be overawing in the straight for young horses and I think you can see in the last furlong she did get a bit lost but she did have enough on the field."Having started off her career in such impressive style, Moody is keen not to ask too much too soon of her.
"She's a damn good filly", he said.
"I'm not sure where she'll go."
"We'll find a similar type of race here in a few weeks and then I think we'll be getting her ready for something in the Spring."
Noske Strikes For New Boss
Star West Australian apprentice Jarrad Noske landed his first Flemingto
n winner on the first day of a three-month stint with trainer Peter Moody aboard the talented first starter Black Caviar.Both 16-year-old Noske and the two-year-old filly, having her first start in the Cromwell Hcp (1000m), impressed the Caulfield trainer.
Noske, apprenticed to his mother Jodie, is only 16 but has shown abundant talent in 18 months of riding in races.
"He came over and had a week with us a couple of months ago and I was very impressed with his attitude," Moody said.
"I met his mother and had a good chat to her and he was keen to come over. He seems a real nice kid and on top of that he seems to have a hell of a lot of talent.
"He's only a young fellow and it's all ahead of him, like the horse. It might be the start of two good careers."
Noske is Perth's leading apprentice so far this season with 36 winners and is third on the overall list behind William Pike and Troy Turner.
He finished fifth at his first ride on Saturday aboard the Lee Freedman-trained Europa Point ($3 fav) who appeared to have every chance behind the winner Absolute Faith in the Community Raceday Hcp (1400m).
Noske, who said he had ridden 52-53 metropolitan winners and recently had his city allowance reduced from 2kg to 1.5kg, had already ridden a winner in Melbourne aboard the Gerald Ryan-trained Equable at Moonee Valley on February 20 in a leg of the National Apprentice Jockey Challenge.
Black Caviar was a $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase and impressed with a five-length win in a Cranbourne barrier trial in 46.10s on March 30.
Sent out the $3 favourite, she sat off early leader Miss Papier before dashing clear for a five-length win over topweight Kwassa Kwassa with Take The Rap a neck away third.
"She's a slashing type of filly, a big strong thing out of the same family as Magnus, hence my attraction to her," Moody said.
"She's always showed nice ability and went to the trials a bit new and came here a bit new too.
"She was probably a good thing here but the straight course can be a bit overawing for young horses and she did get a bit lost over the last furlong but still had enough on the field."
"She's a damn good filly and might have one more run before she goes out and look for something for her in the spring."
Moody drools over Black Caviar's debut win
Andrew Garvey
April 19, 2009
IT MIGHT have been an off-season meeting but trainer Peter Moody was full of optimism after the win of his first starter Black Caviar in the Cromwell Handicap (1000 metres) yesterday.
Black Caviar was coming into the race on the back of an impressive barrier trial win and was perfectly handled by Western Australian apprentice Jarrad Noske who has just started a three-month loan with Moody.
"He seems a nice kid and has a hell of a lot of talent. I really like the horse and it could be the start of two good careers," Moody said.
Moody said he had seen Black Caviar, who is by leading young sire Bel Esprit from a half-sister to his former star sprinter Magnus, at last year's Premier Yearling sale and immediately fell in love with her.
"I went and sourced some clients to buy her because I didn't have the money I thought I'd need to buy her," said Moody, who had to go to $210,000 to secure her.
Noske had Black Caviar ($3 favourite) perfectly placed outside the leader Miss Papier and once he let her go inside the 300-metre mark she drew right away to win by five lengths in a sharp 56.63 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than Secret Flyer in the open sprint.
Noske, who turns 17 in October, has been riding for 18 months and has ridden about 50 city winners in Perth, where he is apprenticed to his mother, Jodie.
Moody said he was unlikely to take the filly to Brisbane over the winter but would like to give her one more run in similar company before putting her away for the spring.
Forty Two Below 17/04/09
Forty Two Below Blows Them Away
It was a pleasant Friday afternoon at Bendigo, then race three, Forty Two Below gets backed from 6s to 2s, make you look up and ridden by Peter Hutchinson, makes you look up more.
Well trained by Colin Little, this gelding by Bel Esprit, jumps in front, streets 'em in the straight and eases up to win by a couple of lengths, this must be one of the better 2nd crop horses to race so far.
Out of a Danehill mare, Danish (AUS) 1992, and sold as a weanling at the Ingles Sales in June 2006 for $17,000, this could be an exciting horse. The other Danehill / Danamani (AUS) 1995 horse to win was Bellagio Bel who put up an incredible performance on 17/9/07 when he flew home from last in a field of eleven at Wodonga in that short straight.
A full brother to Forty Two Below was passed in for $33,000 with a reserve of $40,000 at the Perth Magic Millions Yearling sales in February this year.
It was a pleasant Friday afternoon at Bendigo, then race three, Forty Two Below gets backed from 6s to 2s, make you look up and ridden by Peter Hutchinson, makes you look up more.
Well trained by Colin Little, this gelding by Bel Esprit, jumps in front, streets 'em in the straight and eases up to win by a couple of lengths, this must be one of the better 2nd crop horses to race so far.
Out of a Danehill mare, Danish (AUS) 1992, and sold as a weanling at the Ingles Sales in June 2006 for $17,000, this could be an exciting horse. The other Danehill / Danamani (AUS) 1995 horse to win was Bellagio Bel who put up an incredible performance on 17/9/07 when he flew home from last in a field of eleven at Wodonga in that short straight.
A full brother to Forty Two Below was passed in for $33,000 with a reserve of $40,000 at the Perth Magic Millions Yearling sales in February this year.
Bel Mer 18/04/09
Price Banking On Bel Mer In TJ Smith
Trainer Mick Price is the first to admit Bel Mer is not as good as either Takeover Target or Apache Cat but he believes she could have the fitness edge to surprise the stars in the TJ Smith Stakes on Saturday.
The four-year-old comes into the Group One 1200-metre race at Randwick after a commanding win in the Group One Robert Sangster Stakes over the same distance at Morphettville on March 21.
TAB Sportsbet has the mare as the $16 outsider in the six-horse field with Apache Cat the $2.90 favourite ahead of Takeover Target at $3.40, The Galaxy winner Nicconi at $4.60, multiple Group One winner Racing To Win at $7 chance and Northern Meteor at $8.50.
The only problem Price has is the prospect of a slow track.
Track manager Dave Hodgson rated the surface a slow six on Friday and with showers forecast overnight, not much improvement is expected.
"I certainly don't trust her on anything worse than dead, so we need some luck in that department," Price said.
"Bel Mer is not as good as Takeover or Apache but they are first-up and racing is a funny game, you can get good results if your horse is right on the day and that's what we're aiming for.
"And small fields can throw up funny results too, as we all know."
Price said bypassing The Galaxy on April 11 was a good move.
"Here she is in a field of six in a Group One $500,000 and she's lovely and fit, that's something she has to her advantage," Price said.
"Takeover Target and Apache are the obvious two but they have to bring their A-game as far as fitness and form are concerned."
Regular rider Craig Newitt does the steering again on Bel Mer who has barrier five.
"She'll camp just off the speed while Takeover Target and Northern Meteor press forward, then we'll see what happens from there, Price said.
Last year Apache Cat beat Takeover Target into third place in the TJ Smith but Takeover Target turned the tables on the baldy-faced chestnut when he beat him in a photo-finish in the Group Two Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in Perth in November.
Apache Cat hasn't raced since his Group One Australia Stakes win in February and while he is happy with the six-year-old, trainer Greg Eurell says the race is up for grabs.
"I hate small fields and you can make a case for all six runners on Saturday," Eurell said.
Trainer Mick Price is the first to admit Bel Mer is not as good as either Takeover Target or Apache Cat but he believes she could have the fitness edge to surprise the stars in the TJ Smith Stakes on Saturday.
The four-year-old comes into the Group One 1200-metre race at Randwick after a commanding win in the Group One Robert Sangster Stakes over the same distance at Morphettville on March 21.
TAB Sportsbet has the mare as the $16 outsider in the six-horse field with Apache Cat the $2.90 favourite ahead of Takeover Target at $3.40, The Galaxy winner Nicconi at $4.60, multiple Group One winner Racing To Win at $7 chance and Northern Meteor at $8.50.
The only problem Price has is the prospect of a slow track.
Track manager Dave Hodgson rated the surface a slow six on Friday and with showers forecast overnight, not much improvement is expected.
"I certainly don't trust her on anything worse than dead, so we need some luck in that department," Price said.
"Bel Mer is not as good as Takeover or Apache but they are first-up and racing is a funny game, you can get good results if your horse is right on the day and that's what we're aiming for.
"And small fields can throw up funny results too, as we all know."
Price said bypassing The Galaxy on April 11 was a good move.
"Here she is in a field of six in a Group One $500,000 and she's lovely and fit, that's something she has to her advantage," Price said.
"Takeover Target and Apache are the obvious two but they have to bring their A-game as far as fitness and form are concerned."
Regular rider Craig Newitt does the steering again on Bel Mer who has barrier five.
"She'll camp just off the speed while Takeover Target and Northern Meteor press forward, then we'll see what happens from there, Price said.
Last year Apache Cat beat Takeover Target into third place in the TJ Smith but Takeover Target turned the tables on the baldy-faced chestnut when he beat him in a photo-finish in the Group Two Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in Perth in November.
Apache Cat hasn't raced since his Group One Australia Stakes win in February and while he is happy with the six-year-old, trainer Greg Eurell says the race is up for grabs.
"I hate small fields and you can make a case for all six runners on Saturday," Eurell said.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Bel Esprit Sales 17/04/09
Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sale Begins Next Sunday
Thursday, 16 April 2009: The Inglis Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sale, source of some of Australia's best value Group 1 winners in recent years, begins next Sunday, April 26 and runs over two days at Oaklands.
Click here for AUTUMN SALE CATALOGUEA catalogue of 373 Lots has been put together this year, with a vast array of proven and exciting young stallions represented.$1.7Million earner Pompeii Ruler and fellow Group 1 winners Grand Journey and Lazer Sharp could all have been purchased for less than $20,000 out of this sale.The trend continues this season, with exciting sprinter Secret Flyer and the seven times winner Rok Posta - both stakes winners at Flemington in January - costing just $29,000 and $20,000 respectively.
Next week's catalogue includes 13 youngsters by Bianconi, sire of last week's explosive G1 AJC The Galaxy winner Nicconi. Eliza Park's Bel Esprit recently had his Group 1 breakthrough with Bel Mer and he has 11 yearlings catalogued.
Thursday, 16 April 2009: The Inglis Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sale, source of some of Australia's best value Group 1 winners in recent years, begins next Sunday, April 26 and runs over two days at Oaklands.
Click here for AUTUMN SALE CATALOGUEA catalogue of 373 Lots has been put together this year, with a vast array of proven and exciting young stallions represented.$1.7Million earner Pompeii Ruler and fellow Group 1 winners Grand Journey and Lazer Sharp could all have been purchased for less than $20,000 out of this sale.The trend continues this season, with exciting sprinter Secret Flyer and the seven times winner Rok Posta - both stakes winners at Flemington in January - costing just $29,000 and $20,000 respectively.
Next week's catalogue includes 13 youngsters by Bianconi, sire of last week's explosive G1 AJC The Galaxy winner Nicconi. Eliza Park's Bel Esprit recently had his Group 1 breakthrough with Bel Mer and he has 11 yearlings catalogued.
Black Caviar 17/04/09
Top WA Apprentice Noske Rides In Vic
Top West Australian apprentice Jarrad Noske begins a riding stint in Melbourne with the Peter Moody stable on Saturday at Flemington where he has five rides.
Noske, who claims 1.5kg in the metropolitan area, is currently equal third with Paul Harvey on the Perth jockeys' premiership with 36 winners behind William Pike (59) and Troy Turner (37.5).
Noske has been riding for 16 months and showed his ability when he represented WA and scored on the Gerald Ryan-trained Equable in a leg of the National Apprentice Jockey Challenge over 2040m at Moonee Valley on February 20.
He starts off his day at Flemington aboard the Lee Freedman-trained Europa Point in the Community Raceday Hcp (1400m) and will be aboard the Moody-trained pair Black Caviar in the Cromwell Hcp (1000m) and Live In Sin in the Chester Hcp (1600m).
Black Caviar, a $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sake purchase, is making her debut and the Bel Esprit two-year-old filly looks a good chance on the strength of her five-length win in an 800m Cranbourne barrier trial on March 30.
She was ridden in the trial by Moody's number one stable jockey Luke Nolen who hasn't taken rides on Saturday after his wife Alicia had their first child, a son named Dane Albert, on Wednesday night.
Top West Australian apprentice Jarrad Noske begins a riding stint in Melbourne with the Peter Moody stable on Saturday at Flemington where he has five rides.
Noske, who claims 1.5kg in the metropolitan area, is currently equal third with Paul Harvey on the Perth jockeys' premiership with 36 winners behind William Pike (59) and Troy Turner (37.5).
Noske has been riding for 16 months and showed his ability when he represented WA and scored on the Gerald Ryan-trained Equable in a leg of the National Apprentice Jockey Challenge over 2040m at Moonee Valley on February 20.
He starts off his day at Flemington aboard the Lee Freedman-trained Europa Point in the Community Raceday Hcp (1400m) and will be aboard the Moody-trained pair Black Caviar in the Cromwell Hcp (1000m) and Live In Sin in the Chester Hcp (1600m).
Black Caviar, a $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sake purchase, is making her debut and the Bel Esprit two-year-old filly looks a good chance on the strength of her five-length win in an 800m Cranbourne barrier trial on March 30.
She was ridden in the trial by Moody's number one stable jockey Luke Nolen who hasn't taken rides on Saturday after his wife Alicia had their first child, a son named Dane Albert, on Wednesday night.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Bel Esprit Easter 2009
BEL ESPRIT - TOAST OF SINGAPORE
Eliza Park’s Asian rep, Lyle Plumb, is convinced there should be an award for the leading stallion in Singapore.
“Bel Esprit is extremely popular in this rapidly flourishing racing centre and it’s not hard to work out why. His progeny have only had 10 starts in 2009 for six wins and two placings: they’re on fire.
“Bel Esprit certainly gets Michael Freedman’s vote who has been the beneficiary of five of those victories.
“Aranda got the ball rolling when he blew away his rivals over 1200m at Kranji on Friday (10 April) night, scoring by over two lengths running away. Bred by Lee Fleming and owned by the Northwest Racing Stable, Aranda (ex Centro mare Orchid Lady) has now won two from four and it would hardly surprise to see him improve on that strike rate in the weeks to come.
“The win of Mooring on Saturday though really encapsulated Bel Esprit’s impact in this neck of the woods.
“Although failing on debut, Mooring has since reeled off three consecutive victories for Freedman and the stable is now eyeing off the 3YO Triple Crown for the star recruit.
“Mooring’s win on Saturday was nothing short of brilliant. He flew down the outside to score by over two lengths and his winning time of 1:9.8 seconds was only 0.6 seconds outside the eight year old track record.
“Mooring was bred by Ariel Arnott out of her At Talaq mare, Drop Anchor, and is a full brother to recent Robert Sangster Stakes-G1 winner Bel Mer.
“And just to top it all off, another Bel Esprit in the Desmond Koh trained Perfect Sky was an impressive first up winner at Kranji recently.
“Let’s put it this way, I’ve certainly been getting plenty of enquiries about Bel Esprit of late!”
Eliza Park’s Asian rep, Lyle Plumb, is convinced there should be an award for the leading stallion in Singapore.
“Bel Esprit is extremely popular in this rapidly flourishing racing centre and it’s not hard to work out why. His progeny have only had 10 starts in 2009 for six wins and two placings: they’re on fire.
“Bel Esprit certainly gets Michael Freedman’s vote who has been the beneficiary of five of those victories.
“Aranda got the ball rolling when he blew away his rivals over 1200m at Kranji on Friday (10 April) night, scoring by over two lengths running away. Bred by Lee Fleming and owned by the Northwest Racing Stable, Aranda (ex Centro mare Orchid Lady) has now won two from four and it would hardly surprise to see him improve on that strike rate in the weeks to come.
“The win of Mooring on Saturday though really encapsulated Bel Esprit’s impact in this neck of the woods.
“Although failing on debut, Mooring has since reeled off three consecutive victories for Freedman and the stable is now eyeing off the 3YO Triple Crown for the star recruit.
“Mooring’s win on Saturday was nothing short of brilliant. He flew down the outside to score by over two lengths and his winning time of 1:9.8 seconds was only 0.6 seconds outside the eight year old track record.
“Mooring was bred by Ariel Arnott out of her At Talaq mare, Drop Anchor, and is a full brother to recent Robert Sangster Stakes-G1 winner Bel Mer.
“And just to top it all off, another Bel Esprit in the Desmond Koh trained Perfect Sky was an impressive first up winner at Kranji recently.
“Let’s put it this way, I’ve certainly been getting plenty of enquiries about Bel Esprit of late!”
Easter Summary 2009
BEL ESPRIT'S EASTER EGGS
BEL ESPRIT has been a busy boy over Easter with winners in Hong Kong and Australia, plus a double in Singapore.
Bondi Lad kicked off proceedings with an outstanding performance over 1000m at Sha Tin on Wednesday night (8 April) when he jumped to the front and held on gamely to score a deserved victory.
Headed in the back straight, Bondi Lad showed all the fighting qualities of his old man and prevailed on the wire for Douglas Whyte, who has now ridden 1100 winners in Hong Kong.
Bred by Brian Forrest and Roger Nathanielsz, Bondi Lad is out of the Geiger Counter mare, Bondi Lass and was sold at the 2007 Sydney Classic Yearling Sale by Eliza Park.
This was Bondi Lad’s third try since shifting to Hong Kong where he can now lay claim to a win and two seconds for trainer Danny Shum. Check out his win by clicking here
Snip Esprit didn’t muck around at Ascot on Saturday either, recording win No. 5 for his band of owners including breeder Simon Hearnden-Hunter.
A grandson of Adelaide Cup-G1 winner French Resort, Snip Esprit is out of multiple winner French Snip and continues the amazing run by Snippets mares.
Indeed, apart from Snip Esprit’s city winning full brother Babeica Noire, four other Bel Esprits out of Snippets mares have brought home a cheque, including Group winner Vivacious Spirit and Magnus’ three quarter brother Ibsen.
Meanwhile, Mark Jackson’s nippy 3YO, Darwin, showed plenty of intestinal fortitude to grab the major prize at Stawell on Sunday (12 April) at only his second start.
One can only assume that this promising youngster will train on as he’s a half brother to Adelaide Cup-G1 winner The A Train, multiple Group placed Kiwi, Instantly, and Launceston Cup-G3 runnerup Lady Atire.
But while Bel Esprit’s currency is robust in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong – all of which have hosted his winners – the Royal Academy stallion is extremely popular in Singapore. Read Lyle Plumb’s report on Kranji ‘cruisers’ Aranda and Mooring by clicking here.
BEL ESPRIT has been a busy boy over Easter with winners in Hong Kong and Australia, plus a double in Singapore.
Bondi Lad kicked off proceedings with an outstanding performance over 1000m at Sha Tin on Wednesday night (8 April) when he jumped to the front and held on gamely to score a deserved victory.
Headed in the back straight, Bondi Lad showed all the fighting qualities of his old man and prevailed on the wire for Douglas Whyte, who has now ridden 1100 winners in Hong Kong.
Bred by Brian Forrest and Roger Nathanielsz, Bondi Lad is out of the Geiger Counter mare, Bondi Lass and was sold at the 2007 Sydney Classic Yearling Sale by Eliza Park.
This was Bondi Lad’s third try since shifting to Hong Kong where he can now lay claim to a win and two seconds for trainer Danny Shum. Check out his win by clicking here
Snip Esprit didn’t muck around at Ascot on Saturday either, recording win No. 5 for his band of owners including breeder Simon Hearnden-Hunter.
A grandson of Adelaide Cup-G1 winner French Resort, Snip Esprit is out of multiple winner French Snip and continues the amazing run by Snippets mares.
Indeed, apart from Snip Esprit’s city winning full brother Babeica Noire, four other Bel Esprits out of Snippets mares have brought home a cheque, including Group winner Vivacious Spirit and Magnus’ three quarter brother Ibsen.
Meanwhile, Mark Jackson’s nippy 3YO, Darwin, showed plenty of intestinal fortitude to grab the major prize at Stawell on Sunday (12 April) at only his second start.
One can only assume that this promising youngster will train on as he’s a half brother to Adelaide Cup-G1 winner The A Train, multiple Group placed Kiwi, Instantly, and Launceston Cup-G3 runnerup Lady Atire.
But while Bel Esprit’s currency is robust in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong – all of which have hosted his winners – the Royal Academy stallion is extremely popular in Singapore. Read Lyle Plumb’s report on Kranji ‘cruisers’ Aranda and Mooring by clicking here.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Darwin 12/04/09
Darwin Stays in Front
After being sent out at big odds and wilting after showing speed on debut at Echuca, Bel Esprit gelding, Darwin , fronted up at Stawell in a 3YO SV Maiden over 1400m and won
in a strong run to the finishing line. He shot to the front after entering the straight and fought gallantly after being tackled by Corsa Serale.
After being sent out at big odds and wilting after showing speed on debut at Echuca, Bel Esprit gelding, Darwin , fronted up at Stawell in a 3YO SV Maiden over 1400m and won
in a strong run to the finishing line. He shot to the front after entering the straight and fought gallantly after being tackled by Corsa Serale.Purchased for $47,000 at the Magic Millions sale in Adelaide in February 2007, this gelding out of a Sound Reason mare, Lady Acumen (NZ) 1987, has a very bright future to look forward to for his Owner, Mrs M F Jackson who I assume is the wife of trainer, Mark Jackson.
A great win.
Bella Queen 11/04/09
RIVERTON RACING CLUB
EASTER CARNIVAL: 11 & 13 APRIL 2009
Featuring the 100th Centenary Running of the $100,000 Riverton Cup (2147m)
Join the Riverton Racing Club for what will be the richest thoroughbred race ever run south of Christchurch. With stake money of $100,000 plus trophies and a fantastic supporting card, Riverton is the place for the racing purist to be at Easter 2009.
The Easter Races at Riverton are nationally recognised as one of the highlights of the racing season in the South Island. The Programme for the carnival is:
Saturday 11 April 2009 - Featuring the 100th Riverton Cup – Stake $100,000
Monday 13 April 2009 - Featuring the GallopSouth Derby – Stake $30,000*
EASTER CARNIVAL: 11 & 13 APRIL 2009
Featuring the 100th Centenary Running of the $100,000 Riverton Cup (2147m)
Join the Riverton Racing Club for what will be the richest thoroughbred race ever run south of Christchurch. With stake money of $100,000 plus trophies and a fantastic supporting card, Riverton is the place for the racing purist to be at Easter 2009.
The Easter Races at Riverton are nationally recognised as one of the highlights of the racing season in the South Island. The Programme for the carnival is:
Saturday 11 April 2009 - Featuring the 100th Riverton Cup – Stake $100,000
Monday 13 April 2009 - Featuring the GallopSouth Derby – Stake $30,000*
I watched Bella Queen race 1st up last Sunday but missed her yesterday when she won the Rating 70 race at Riverton on the 1st day of the carnival. On a slow track, Bella Queen won by a head from Fiddler's Green in a time of 1.30.34
The four horses by Bel Esprit that raced Overseas over the Easter Weekend, all won, and Bel Esprit has won an amazing ten races from twenty six starts in the eleven days of this month.
Snip Esprit 11/04/09
Snip Esprit Bounces Back 
The Spencer Knight prepared Snip Esprit bounced back to the winners stall at Ascot on Saturday taking out the Winning Edge Trophy over 1000m, following his disappointing effort in the Listed Bunbury Stakes on March 12.
The son of Bel Esprit was able to settle in a lovely position trailing the speed for Jason Brown and once he was pulled into the clear for his run at the top of the straight, he over powered his rivals, recording his fifth win to date.
Snip Esprit is a four-year-old gelding, who was purchased from Adelaide mid way through his career after Knight trained his younger brother Babieca Noire to victory as a two-year-old.
Race favourite Elliotto settled behind the speed throughout for Brad Parnham, but when the run appeared at the top of the lane he wanted to turn his head side ways and didn’t look to comfortable inside of other runners.
What they said – “That was a lovely win today. We are still unsure as to why he went so bad in the Bunbury Stakes, he has been at vets and nothing seems wrong with him. He began well and put himself into a nice position.” Winning trainer Spencer Knight said following the win.
Stable News by Spencer Knight
Stable News by Spencer Knight
1. 11/04/09 Snip Esprit lights up Ascot with sparkling sprint win
Snip Esprit bounced back to form today with a brilliant win over Bull Durham and race favourite Elliotto. Jason Brown rode the horse beautifully, slotting into a one out one back position after jumping better than usual. With only a moderate tempo set in front by Bull Durham it was always going to take an exceptional sprint to get over the top of the first three and on cornering it looked as though Willie Arnold had rated the perfect race but Snip porduced the sprint that has done and will continue to win him alot of races and he over-ran the leading group. The drop back to 1000m after his mystery run in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m) wasn't ideal but he had won previously over 1050m in South Australia. That run today now takes his career record to 17 starts, 5 wins and 6 placings with earnings of over $150 000.
2. 09/04/09 Snip Esprit in on Saturday
Snip Esprit will have his first start on Saturday since his ulnucky run in the Bunbury Stakes. He tramped three and four deep in the listed race and faded to finish second last. Jason Brown will again ride from barrier 6 over the 1000m journey. Elliotto looks hardest to beat from gate 1.
The Spencer Knight prepared Snip Esprit bounced back to the winners stall at Ascot on Saturday taking out the Winning Edge Trophy over 1000m, following his disappointing effort in the Listed Bunbury Stakes on March 12.
The son of Bel Esprit was able to settle in a lovely position trailing the speed for Jason Brown and once he was pulled into the clear for his run at the top of the straight, he over powered his rivals, recording his fifth win to date.
Snip Esprit is a four-year-old gelding, who was purchased from Adelaide mid way through his career after Knight trained his younger brother Babieca Noire to victory as a two-year-old.
Race favourite Elliotto settled behind the speed throughout for Brad Parnham, but when the run appeared at the top of the lane he wanted to turn his head side ways and didn’t look to comfortable inside of other runners.
What they said – “That was a lovely win today. We are still unsure as to why he went so bad in the Bunbury Stakes, he has been at vets and nothing seems wrong with him. He began well and put himself into a nice position.” Winning trainer Spencer Knight said following the win.
Stable News by Spencer Knight
Stable News by Spencer Knight
1. 11/04/09 Snip Esprit lights up Ascot with sparkling sprint win
Snip Esprit bounced back to form today with a brilliant win over Bull Durham and race favourite Elliotto. Jason Brown rode the horse beautifully, slotting into a one out one back position after jumping better than usual. With only a moderate tempo set in front by Bull Durham it was always going to take an exceptional sprint to get over the top of the first three and on cornering it looked as though Willie Arnold had rated the perfect race but Snip porduced the sprint that has done and will continue to win him alot of races and he over-ran the leading group. The drop back to 1000m after his mystery run in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m) wasn't ideal but he had won previously over 1050m in South Australia. That run today now takes his career record to 17 starts, 5 wins and 6 placings with earnings of over $150 000.
2. 09/04/09 Snip Esprit in on Saturday
Snip Esprit will have his first start on Saturday since his ulnucky run in the Bunbury Stakes. He tramped three and four deep in the listed race and faded to finish second last. Jason Brown will again ride from barrier 6 over the 1000m journey. Elliotto looks hardest to beat from gate 1.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Mooring 11/04/09
More Wins Coming From Mooring
Michael Lee
Saturday, April 11, 2009
It has been onwards and upwards for Mooring since his dismal debut last in February.
The Bel Esprit three-year-old from Michael Freedman’s yard has more than redeemed himself with three wins in a row, the latest scored in emphatic style in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C-2 race (1200m) on Saturday.
Settled in midfield by jockey Danny Beasley, Mooring sailed home with a rattling run down the extreme outside to score going away by two lengths from a gallant Super Gold (Ric McMahon), with Be A Man (John Powell) third another length away. The winning time was a smart 1min 9.8secs, just 0.6secs outside Yorick’s eight-year-old record.Mooring (Danny Beasley) makes it three victories on the trot in smart time onSaturday.
Another exciting youngster prepared by Freedman, Ariem also won impressively and though it was only his second success, the two gallopers have followed parallel paths since their debut on February 13.
They have since both raced four times, pretty much around the same time, over shorter sprints over Polytrack, and when pushed to longer trips over turf, have both shown progressive qualities that could see them racing at a higher echelon in the near future.
While Freedman is casting an eye on the Singapore Derby Trial for four-year-old Ariem, he is leaning more towards the first Leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge for Mooring.
“Like Ariem, he can be quite a handful in his races, but he’s really starting to mature mentally now and it shows in his races,” said Freedman.
“I wasn’t too worried about him stepping to the 1200m today but more the way the race was going to run.
“Danny gave him really huge wraps but I’d like to see how he pulls up before deciding on the next course of action. But the first Leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge is a race I would strongly consider for him.
“I think today’s win has given me a lot more options anyway.”
Beasley was indeed heaping praise on Mooring at his post-race debriefing with the Australian conditioner.
“He was a lot more relaxed in his races now. I think he’s shown on the turf today a very good turn of foot and that shows he is a very good horse.”
Solid Impact (Vlad Duric) led from the jump and seemed to have all the favours upon straightening, but quickly folded once he was tackled at the 300m. Super Gold looked set to give McMahon his first Kranji win but he had not reckoned with Mooring’s late winning burst to settle for second.
Mooring is raced by the Mummify Stable and has now brought his earnings just a tick under the $90,000 mark.
Michael Lee
Saturday, April 11, 2009
It has been onwards and upwards for Mooring since his dismal debut last in February.
The Bel Esprit three-year-old from Michael Freedman’s yard has more than redeemed himself with three wins in a row, the latest scored in emphatic style in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C-2 race (1200m) on Saturday.
Settled in midfield by jockey Danny Beasley, Mooring sailed home with a rattling run down the extreme outside to score going away by two lengths from a gallant Super Gold (Ric McMahon), with Be A Man (John Powell) third another length away. The winning time was a smart 1min 9.8secs, just 0.6secs outside Yorick’s eight-year-old record.Mooring (Danny Beasley) makes it three victories on the trot in smart time onSaturday.
Another exciting youngster prepared by Freedman, Ariem also won impressively and though it was only his second success, the two gallopers have followed parallel paths since their debut on February 13.
They have since both raced four times, pretty much around the same time, over shorter sprints over Polytrack, and when pushed to longer trips over turf, have both shown progressive qualities that could see them racing at a higher echelon in the near future.
While Freedman is casting an eye on the Singapore Derby Trial for four-year-old Ariem, he is leaning more towards the first Leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge for Mooring.
“Like Ariem, he can be quite a handful in his races, but he’s really starting to mature mentally now and it shows in his races,” said Freedman.
“I wasn’t too worried about him stepping to the 1200m today but more the way the race was going to run.
“Danny gave him really huge wraps but I’d like to see how he pulls up before deciding on the next course of action. But the first Leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge is a race I would strongly consider for him.
“I think today’s win has given me a lot more options anyway.”
Beasley was indeed heaping praise on Mooring at his post-race debriefing with the Australian conditioner.
“He was a lot more relaxed in his races now. I think he’s shown on the turf today a very good turn of foot and that shows he is a very good horse.”
Solid Impact (Vlad Duric) led from the jump and seemed to have all the favours upon straightening, but quickly folded once he was tackled at the 300m. Super Gold looked set to give McMahon his first Kranji win but he had not reckoned with Mooring’s late winning burst to settle for second.
Mooring is raced by the Mummify Stable and has now brought his earnings just a tick under the $90,000 mark.
Aranda 10/04/09
Duric Scores Treble at Second Kranji Meeting
Michael Lee
Friday, April 1
0, 2009
Caulfield Cup-winning jockey Vlad Duric got off to a dream start in Singapore after he scored a winning treble on Friday.After a quiet debut on April 3, the Melbourne jockey showed he was a man in a hurry when he rode the well-fancied Master Key, Ariem and Aranda to resounding successes in their respective races.
Freedman was also pleased Duric was able to ride a winner for him as the pair go back a long way.
“I’ve known Vlad for a long time. He used to ride for (brother) Lee and he’s done a lot of riding for me since he came here,” said Freedman.
“I’m glad we’ve combined for a win so early at his new stint in Singapore. It goes without saying there’ll be plenty of rides for him.”
Ariem sports the now familiar blue colours of relative newcomer Northwest Racing Stable and has now brought up stakes money just a tick under $100,000 in only four starts. The same partnership was again in evidence in the lucky last when the Northwest Racing Stable-owned Aranda blew away his rivals in the $55,000 Class 4 race (1200m) to offer Duric his treble and Freedman a winning double.After settling handy behind pacesetter Shen Wei (Oscar Chavez), Aranda extended like a good thing in the home straight to score by 2 1/4 lengths from Lucky Sky (Joao Moreira) with Dishdasha (Mark Gallagher) third three quarters of a length away.Added Duric as he soaked in his terrific feat: "It's always good when you come to a new place to get off to a good start."I couldn't be happier with the start I've had."
Michael Lee
Friday, April 1
0, 2009Caulfield Cup-winning jockey Vlad Duric got off to a dream start in Singapore after he scored a winning treble on Friday.After a quiet debut on April 3, the Melbourne jockey showed he was a man in a hurry when he rode the well-fancied Master Key, Ariem and Aranda to resounding successes in their respective races.
Freedman was also pleased Duric was able to ride a winner for him as the pair go back a long way.
“I’ve known Vlad for a long time. He used to ride for (brother) Lee and he’s done a lot of riding for me since he came here,” said Freedman.
“I’m glad we’ve combined for a win so early at his new stint in Singapore. It goes without saying there’ll be plenty of rides for him.”
Ariem sports the now familiar blue colours of relative newcomer Northwest Racing Stable and has now brought up stakes money just a tick under $100,000 in only four starts. The same partnership was again in evidence in the lucky last when the Northwest Racing Stable-owned Aranda blew away his rivals in the $55,000 Class 4 race (1200m) to offer Duric his treble and Freedman a winning double.After settling handy behind pacesetter Shen Wei (Oscar Chavez), Aranda extended like a good thing in the home straight to score by 2 1/4 lengths from Lucky Sky (Joao Moreira) with Dishdasha (Mark Gallagher) third three quarters of a length away.Added Duric as he soaked in his terrific feat: "It's always good when you come to a new place to get off to a good start."I couldn't be happier with the start I've had."
Friday, April 10, 2009
Bondi Lad 8/04/09
Bondi Lad Surf's up in Hong Kong
Sold for $22,500 at the Inglis Sales In Sydney in February 2007, Bondi Lad had a trial at Cranbourne in July 2008 and it must have been very impressive because he was then sold to Hong Kong interests for $100,000.
He was beaton in a photo finish in his first two races over 1000m and on Wednesday night at Happy Valley he won his 1st race. Jumping well, he went to the front only to be headed as the horses came around the bend to enter the straight, he then shook off the leader and raced clear only to be nearly caught on the 
line.
line.Ridden by Hong Kong's top jockey D Whyte, Bondi Lad has now won $631,250HK which is $113,217 in our money and is the leading prizemoney winner from the 2nd crop.
50% of Bel Esprit's 2nd crop horses to race have now won.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Overseas Runners 8/04/09
This is notification of a upcoming horse(s) run from your Black Book. (NB All race times local)
Race 10 - 5. BELLA QUEEN
TONY & LYN PRENDERGAST
Barrier 1256.5kg (8st 12lb)
11 Apr 09 RIVERTON Race 10 - 04:47 1400m -
[LR: 6 days]
Wins Pl Starts: 1 (6.7%) - 3 (20.0%) - 15
WPS Last 12 mths: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 1
Good Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 3 (30.0%) - 10
Dead Tracks: 1 (33.3%) - 0 (0.0%) - 3
Slow Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 1
Heavy Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 1
All Weather: no starts
Distance +/-: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 3
Crs & Distance: no starts
Race 3 - 8. MOORING
11 Apr 09 KRANJI Race 03 - 02:15
Race 2 - 1. BONDI LAD
C S SHUMD WHYTE
Barrier 561.0kg (9st 8lb)
08 Apr 09 HAPPY VALLEY Race 02 - 07:45 1000m -
[LR: 21 days]
Wins Pl Starts: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
WPS Last 12 mths: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
Good Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
Dead Tracks: no starts
Slow Tracks: no starts
Heavy Tracks: no starts
All Weather: no starts
Distance +/-: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
Crs & Distance: no starts
Race 11 - 1. ARANDA
10 Apr 09 KRANJI Race 11 - 06:25
Race 10 - 5. BELLA QUEEN
TONY & LYN PRENDERGAST
Barrier 1256.5kg (8st 12lb)
11 Apr 09 RIVERTON Race 10 - 04:47 1400m -
[LR: 6 days]
Wins Pl Starts: 1 (6.7%) - 3 (20.0%) - 15
WPS Last 12 mths: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 1
Good Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 3 (30.0%) - 10
Dead Tracks: 1 (33.3%) - 0 (0.0%) - 3
Slow Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 1
Heavy Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 1
All Weather: no starts
Distance +/-: 0 (0.0%) - 0 (0.0%) - 3
Crs & Distance: no starts
Race 3 - 8. MOORING
11 Apr 09 KRANJI Race 03 - 02:15
Race 2 - 1. BONDI LAD
C S SHUMD WHYTE
Barrier 561.0kg (9st 8lb)
08 Apr 09 HAPPY VALLEY Race 02 - 07:45 1000m -
[LR: 21 days]
Wins Pl Starts: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
WPS Last 12 mths: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
Good Tracks: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
Dead Tracks: no starts
Slow Tracks: no starts
Heavy Tracks: no starts
All Weather: no starts
Distance +/-: 0 (0.0%) - 2 (100.0%) - 2
Crs & Distance: no starts
Race 11 - 1. ARANDA
10 Apr 09 KRANJI Race 11 - 06:25
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Bel Esprit Weekend 4th 5th/04/09
BELS DOUBLE DOUBLE
It appears that since the Group One victory of Bel Mer in the Robert Sangster at the end of March, there’s no stopping Victorian breeding’s juggernaut, BEL ESPRIT.
Fresh from the victory of Jason Warren’s 3YO filly, High Esprit, at Sandown on Wednesday (1 April), Bel Esprit was represented in the first at Caulfield on Saturday (4 April) by the smart juvenile Musi
c in the Park.
Bred and raced by Colin Beggs and his family, the nippy filly proved too strong over the 1200m at the Heath to grab her first win, after finishing fourth on debut. A daughter of the Flemington stakeswinning mare, Songs of Vienna (by Umatilla), Music in the Park is closely related to multiple stakeswinner Red Chiffon and, with a city win under her belt, the Beggs have a potentially valuable broodmare on their hands.
The highly consistent 4YO, Spirit of Caplan made it a two state double a little later in the day when he scored at Taree on the NSW north coast: his second career victory but, more importantly, his sixth ‘money’ run this campaign.
Since resuming in December, following a six month break, Spirit of Caplan has run second, fourth, won, second, third and won. As someone famous once said, “you won’t go broke making a profit”. Hailing from a top US family, Spirit of Caplan is related to multiple Group One winner and former shuttler, Bubble Gum Fellow, and is indicative of the Bel Esprits in that he just gets better with age.
Bel Esprit managed to double up the double yesterday (5 April) when both John’s Gem and Mythical Spirit saluted at the Sunshine Coast and Wangaratta respectively.
A former Victorian, John’s Gem was having his second run in the Sunshine State, having earlier finished second on a slow track at the Gold Coast. But on a good surface over 1100m, John’s Gem came out all guns blazing and rocked his rivals with a 3.5 length demolition.
Now with Trevor Bailey, John’s Gem was bred by Darryl Laity and is from the Encosta de Lago mare, Macedon Dancer, a multiple winning half sister to 2YO stakeswinner Rain At Bay from the family of Group Two winner Rain Dance Lady and former top stayer Rain Gauge.
Interestingly, John’s Gem ran third behind then stablemate Gallica (second) on debut at Geelong la
st July.
Meanwhile John’s Gem’s former trainer Mick Price still puts the spit and polish on Mythical Spirit, who registered her second win at Wangaratta with a comfortable win over the 1170m journey.
Bred and raced by Robert Harding (also owner of Gallica), Mythical Spirit is from the Marauding mare Sirens Echo and is closely related to multiple stakeswinner Apple Danish. It’s been a ‘big’ few days for Eliza Park stallions.
Apart from Bel Esprit with his four winners in two days (plus a close up second by Alesprit in a $120,000 race at Rockhampton), Delago Brom produced a double on Thursday and a winner in Singapore on Friday night, Statue of Liberty recorded a two state double on Sunday (plus a double at Lingfield in England on 1 April), Danbird notched up his first winner and Delzao, with his very first runner, just missed out on a win.
It appears that since the Group One victory of Bel Mer in the Robert Sangster at the end of March, there’s no stopping Victorian breeding’s juggernaut, BEL ESPRIT.
Fresh from the victory of Jason Warren’s 3YO filly, High Esprit, at Sandown on Wednesday (1 April), Bel Esprit was represented in the first at Caulfield on Saturday (4 April) by the smart juvenile Musi
c in the Park.Bred and raced by Colin Beggs and his family, the nippy filly proved too strong over the 1200m at the Heath to grab her first win, after finishing fourth on debut. A daughter of the Flemington stakeswinning mare, Songs of Vienna (by Umatilla), Music in the Park is closely related to multiple stakeswinner Red Chiffon and, with a city win under her belt, the Beggs have a potentially valuable broodmare on their hands.
The highly consistent 4YO, Spirit of Caplan made it a two state double a little later in the day when he scored at Taree on the NSW north coast: his second career victory but, more importantly, his sixth ‘money’ run this campaign.
Since resuming in December, following a six month break, Spirit of Caplan has run second, fourth, won, second, third and won. As someone famous once said, “you won’t go broke making a profit”. Hailing from a top US family, Spirit of Caplan is related to multiple Group One winner and former shuttler, Bubble Gum Fellow, and is indicative of the Bel Esprits in that he just gets better with age.
Bel Esprit managed to double up the double yesterday (5 April) when both John’s Gem and Mythical Spirit saluted at the Sunshine Coast and Wangaratta respectively.
A former Victorian, John’s Gem was having his second run in the Sunshine State, having earlier finished second on a slow track at the Gold Coast. But on a good surface over 1100m, John’s Gem came out all guns blazing and rocked his rivals with a 3.5 length demolition.
Now with Trevor Bailey, John’s Gem was bred by Darryl Laity and is from the Encosta de Lago mare, Macedon Dancer, a multiple winning half sister to 2YO stakeswinner Rain At Bay from the family of Group Two winner Rain Dance Lady and former top stayer Rain Gauge.
Interestingly, John’s Gem ran third behind then stablemate Gallica (second) on debut at Geelong la
st July.Meanwhile John’s Gem’s former trainer Mick Price still puts the spit and polish on Mythical Spirit, who registered her second win at Wangaratta with a comfortable win over the 1170m journey.
Bred and raced by Robert Harding (also owner of Gallica), Mythical Spirit is from the Marauding mare Sirens Echo and is closely related to multiple stakeswinner Apple Danish. It’s been a ‘big’ few days for Eliza Park stallions.
Apart from Bel Esprit with his four winners in two days (plus a close up second by Alesprit in a $120,000 race at Rockhampton), Delago Brom produced a double on Thursday and a winner in Singapore on Friday night, Statue of Liberty recorded a two state double on Sunday (plus a double at Lingfield in England on 1 April), Danbird notched up his first winner and Delzao, with his very first runner, just missed out on a win.
Leaderboard Trainers
Most Successful Trainers Wins Win% Winners Runs Runners
MICK PRICE...........................11......18%....5.............62.....9
JOHN SYMONS......................11......20%....5............56.....5
LEE FREEDMAN.....................6.......13%....4............48.....8
RON JACKSON........................5.......38%....1............13.....1
PHILLIP STOKES...................5.......31%....1............16.....1
PETER MAHER.......................5.......24%....2............21.....2
ROBERT SMERDON.................4........24%....2...........17......2
MATHEW ELLERTON.............4........11%.....2...........37.....5
JOHN HAWKES......................4........80%....1.............5.....1
GWENDA JOHNSTONE..........4........22%....2...........18.....4
MICK PRICE...........................11......18%....5.............62.....9
JOHN SYMONS......................11......20%....5............56.....5
LEE FREEDMAN.....................6.......13%....4............48.....8
RON JACKSON........................5.......38%....1............13.....1
PHILLIP STOKES...................5.......31%....1............16.....1
PETER MAHER.......................5.......24%....2............21.....2
ROBERT SMERDON.................4........24%....2...........17......2
MATHEW ELLERTON.............4........11%.....2...........37.....5
JOHN HAWKES......................4........80%....1.............5.....1
GWENDA JOHNSTONE..........4........22%....2...........18.....4
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Bel Esprit Weekend 4th 5th/04/09
Bel of a Weekend
Bel Esprit had a big weekend starting at Caulfield on Saturday. Music In The Park started it when the 2 year old filly got home by a short half head to win the Glasshouse Café Handicap for 2 year olds over 1200m with a prize money of $70,000. Congratulations to the owners, C R Beggs, Miss R Beggs, J W Beggs & Miss J Beggs
That was Bel Esprit's 150th winner
Supreme Best followed up with a close second in the Simon George Turns Hcp. over 1500m at Eagle Farm.Then Spirit Of Caplan flew home wide on the track after being last on the home turn, to win the Taree Produce Hcp (67) over 2000m at Taree, the 1st Bel Esprit to win over this distance. Spirit Of Caplan had to be vetted at the barrier prior to the start of the race, anxious moments for the owner, Mr M Croan.
Alesprit was next and the 2 year old filly came home 2nd in the 200M 2009 Capricorn Sales Classic Plate for 2 year olds worth $120,000 at Rockhampton just failing to run out the 1200m.
Sunday was better again as two winners came home out of three starters. John's Gem started it when she won the David Peoples Racing Lodge Mdn over 100m at the Sunshine Coast Cushion track for her owners J Rea & Mrs M Rea, She coasted to the line to win by four and a half lengths under her new trainer Trevor Bailey. John's Gem was previously trained by Mick Price.
Mythical Spirit finished the weekend with a win at $1.90 fav. in the Wangaratta Stock Food & Farm Supplies Country Showcase 0 - 72 Handicap, 1170m worth $22,500 This filly won her 1st race at this track and Dale Smith rode her both times. The happy owners are R Harding, Mrs J Harding & Mrs C Price.
This is the 47th winner for Bel Esprit's 2nd crop, gee, they just keep winning, five winners in the last ten starts from all crops.
Music in the Park 4/04/09
Music To The Ears Of Moloney
The afternoon commenced on a sour note for punters as the despised outsider Music In The Park scored a last gasp win in the Glasshouse Café Handicap (1200m) for two-
year-old fillies at Caulfield this afternoon.
Settling fourth in the small five horse field, Brenton Avdulla gradually moved Music In The Park to the centre of the track where to make a line of four runners at the top of the straight.
However it was Music In The Park that sprinted best of the quartet, completing his last 400 metres in 23.52 seconds on the rated Dead (5) surface, to claim the $42,700 first prize.
In a driving finish, alarming betting ring drifter Music In The Park ($10-$31) edged out Absolute Faith ($5-$7) by a short half head with Miss Bellezza ($2.60-$3.40) a futher three quarters of a length away in third.
Short priced favourite Better Be The One ($1.60-$1.75 fav) settled in last position and failed to improve his position sufficiently running fourth beaten under two lengths from the winner.
Daria, a $650,000 purchase from the Easter Yearling Sale, promptly dropped out to last when the pace quickened at the top of the straight and was pulled up crossing the line by jockey Daniel Moor.
On face value, a fourth placing at Sale is not the sort of form needed to win next time around. However trainer John Moloney noted there were some factors in her favour.
"I couldn't say we came here with confidence but we were very happy with our horse."
"She was lost at Sale and travelled wide and didn't do a bad job for her first run at 1200 (metres) so she was better prepared for today's race and hence she came out and did a good job," Moloney said.
"She had trained on well since her first-up run and we were handicapped into the race with Brenton claim - there's always an advantage with that."
"She was on her home track as well so we still had a couple of positives on our side," Moloney added.
When asked whether the filly could get run over further ground, Moloney answered in the affirmative.
"She handled that well and I think she'll be able to get up to the mile."
"She's a lovely filly," Moloney added.
Moloney is unsure what the immediate future holds for Music In The Park commenting "I don't think we'll give her another run, I might give her a break on that but I don't know."
By Bel Esprit, Music In The Park is Songs Of Vienna's first foal.
Songs Of Vienna was also trained by Moloney with some success. From twenty-three career starts she had four wins and seven placings, retiring with $267,350 to her name.
Songs Of Vienna ran second in the Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) before most notably winning the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at the same venue a month later on protest.
"She really went nice for me but she was always a little bit erratic."
"This one has got a better temperament and hopefully has got as much ability," Moloney quipped.
year-old fillies at Caulfield this afternoon. Settling fourth in the small five horse field, Brenton Avdulla gradually moved Music In The Park to the centre of the track where to make a line of four runners at the top of the straight.
However it was Music In The Park that sprinted best of the quartet, completing his last 400 metres in 23.52 seconds on the rated Dead (5) surface, to claim the $42,700 first prize.
In a driving finish, alarming betting ring drifter Music In The Park ($10-$31) edged out Absolute Faith ($5-$7) by a short half head with Miss Bellezza ($2.60-$3.40) a futher three quarters of a length away in third.
Short priced favourite Better Be The One ($1.60-$1.75 fav) settled in last position and failed to improve his position sufficiently running fourth beaten under two lengths from the winner.
Daria, a $650,000 purchase from the Easter Yearling Sale, promptly dropped out to last when the pace quickened at the top of the straight and was pulled up crossing the line by jockey Daniel Moor.
On face value, a fourth placing at Sale is not the sort of form needed to win next time around. However trainer John Moloney noted there were some factors in her favour.
"I couldn't say we came here with confidence but we were very happy with our horse."
"She was lost at Sale and travelled wide and didn't do a bad job for her first run at 1200 (metres) so she was better prepared for today's race and hence she came out and did a good job," Moloney said.
"She had trained on well since her first-up run and we were handicapped into the race with Brenton claim - there's always an advantage with that."
"She was on her home track as well so we still had a couple of positives on our side," Moloney added.
When asked whether the filly could get run over further ground, Moloney answered in the affirmative.
"She handled that well and I think she'll be able to get up to the mile."
"She's a lovely filly," Moloney added.
Moloney is unsure what the immediate future holds for Music In The Park commenting "I don't think we'll give her another run, I might give her a break on that but I don't know."
By Bel Esprit, Music In The Park is Songs Of Vienna's first foal.
Songs Of Vienna was also trained by Moloney with some success. From twenty-three career starts she had four wins and seven placings, retiring with $267,350 to her name.
Songs Of Vienna ran second in the Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) before most notably winning the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at the same venue a month later on protest.
"She really went nice for me but she was always a little bit erratic."
"This one has got a better temperament and hopefully has got as much ability," Moloney quipped.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Alesprit 2/03/09
Alesprit owner bids for the sky
Tony Mcmahon
2nd April 2009
CONVINCED that potentially the sky is the limit for his fleeting filly Alesprit, owner Sid Everingham has turned down a $400,000 offer for the Bel Esprit youngster from a middle-man acting for a wealthy Sydney owner.
Alesprit had tongues wagging, times queried and rivals demoralised after a scintillating 11.25 lengths first-up win in Rockhampton over 1000 metres on March 3.
Tomorrow, Baralaba-based Everingham believes Alesprit will justify his conviction that she is a “star born” by winning the $120,000 Capricorn Sales Classic (1200m) at Callaghan Park, Rockhampton.
First prize for the Classic is $73,000, a far cry from the recent “four-hundred grand” offer.
“Mate I think she will just …. - no you won't be able to print that - I think she will just win,” Everingham enthused.
Tony Mcmahon
2nd April 2009
CONVINCED that potentially the sky is the limit for his fleeting filly Alesprit, owner Sid Everingham has turned down a $400,000 offer for the Bel Esprit youngster from a middle-man acting for a wealthy Sydney owner.
Alesprit had tongues wagging, times queried and rivals demoralised after a scintillating 11.25 lengths first-up win in Rockhampton over 1000 metres on March 3.
Tomorrow, Baralaba-based Everingham believes Alesprit will justify his conviction that she is a “star born” by winning the $120,000 Capricorn Sales Classic (1200m) at Callaghan Park, Rockhampton.
First prize for the Classic is $73,000, a far cry from the recent “four-hundred grand” offer.
“Mate I think she will just …. - no you won't be able to print that - I think she will just win,” Everingham enthused.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bel Esprit March 2009
Bels of March
What a great International month the Bel Esprits have had. From the 70 runs, 13 were wins, a strike rate of 19%.
Mooring won two races and Perfect Sky returned from a let up to win one, in Singapore. Bel's Princess had a win in South Africa while Bondi Lad was photo finished out of two wins in Hong Kong.
Bel Mer won our 1st Group 1 and this was Bel Esprit's 100 win out of his 1st Crop and although on a day after the end of the month, 1st of April, High Esprit lived up to his high expectations and won at Sandown.
This was Bel Esprit's 149th win out of the three crops
Runners Ages
Runs--- Wins % win
2 year olds
157------22---14.01
3 year olds
522-----79----15.13
4 year olds
261-----48----18.39
maybe the 5 year olds will be better again
What a great International month the Bel Esprits have had. From the 70 runs, 13 were wins, a strike rate of 19%.
Mooring won two races and Perfect Sky returned from a let up to win one, in Singapore. Bel's Princess had a win in South Africa while Bondi Lad was photo finished out of two wins in Hong Kong.
Bel Mer won our 1st Group 1 and this was Bel Esprit's 100 win out of his 1st Crop and although on a day after the end of the month, 1st of April, High Esprit lived up to his high expectations and won at Sandown.
This was Bel Esprit's 149th win out of the three crops
Runners Ages
Runs--- Wins % win
2 year olds
157------22---14.01
3 year olds
522-----79----15.13
4 year olds
261-----48----18.39
maybe the 5 year olds will be better again
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