Stately Spirit 26/05/09

Race on for Leading Ladies
CRANBOURNE sisters Nikki Burke and Sally-Anne Marshall are taking the thoroughbred industry by storm.Nikki, a successful trainer, is one of nine women recently nominated for the prestigious Victorian Wakeful Club Lady of Racing award.Sally-Anne, a track rider turned catwalk model, was named fashion ambassador for Country Racing Victoria last month.There’s no doubt that Nikki and Sally-Anne’s passion for the industry runs in the family.Nikki has been nominated for the Lady of Racing award alongside eight other influential women.
Nikki has a number of promising two-year-olds in work at the moment, but is having dramas with her best horse Stately Spirit.“My best horse has a virus and has been a little flat lately, so we’re working on getting him back to his best,” she said.

Damsires 26/05/09

Damsire Strike Rate for Bel Esprit

Damsire ............................ Wins Win% Ind.Win Runs..Ind.Run Total PM
SNIPPETS........................... 11... 19%..... 4......... 57....... 6...$477,600
AT TALAQ............................ 9 ...29%..... 3......... 31....... 3...$685,575
CENTAINE............................8 ...20%..... 2.........40........ 3...$260,689
Unknown............................... 8... 28%..... 3 ........29........ 3...$215,021
BRIEF TRUCE...................... 7... 25%..... 3........ 28....... 4...$209,865
GEIGER COUNTER............ 6... 38%..... 2.........16........ 2...$154,150
RUBITON............................. 6... 19%..... 2....... 31.........3...$90,180
BLUEBIRD........................... 5... 13%......3.........38........ 4 ..$62,040
DESERT SUN...................... 5... 14%.... 4......... 37......... 6...$147,114
SCENIC................................ 5.... 21%.... 2 ........24........ 2...$208,396
KHAIRPOUR...................... 4.... 33%..... 1........ 12........ 1... $27,604
MARAUDING..................... 4.... 17%..... 3........ 23........ 3... $79,000
PALACE MUSIC..................4.... 11%..... 3........ 35........ 4 ...$48,530
UMATILLA......................... 4.... 31%..... 2........ 13........ 2... $77,235
BLAZING SWORD................. 3.... 14%..... 1........ 21.........1... $91,310
BUBBLE GUM FELLOW...... 3.... 13%.....2........ 24......... 2... $50,593
CANNY LAD........................ 3.... 43%.... 1.......... 7......... 1... $31,750
CENTURY............................ 3 ....27%..... 1........ 11......... 2... $26,505
ENCOSTA DE LAGO............. 3 ....12%..... 2........ 25........ 6... $56,659
FAMILY TIES..................... 3 ....27%..... 1........ 11......... 1... $39,797
GRAND LODGE.................. 3.... 43%..... 2......... 7.......... 2... $30,350

Work the Room 26/05/09

Good work
Chat rooms have been critical of Danny Brereton's winning ride on the highly talented Work The Room at Sandown on Wednesday. "I'd sort of given up on the turn," trainer Col Little commented on the ground his charge had to make up. However, considering the inexperience of Work The Room, which began slowly at his only previous start, and his wide draw Brereton adapted well to the circumstances, with his mount recording 33.32 seconds for his final 600 metres.
By Bel Esprit, Work The Room is out of Social Scene thus is a half-brother to the top-liner Zipping. Another with impeccable breeding credentials to score his first win recently was Nicanor, a full-brother to Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner. Nicanor won by 15 lengths at Delaware Park in the US. Barbaro broke his maiden on the same circuit but by a mere eight lengths.

Bel Esprit colt 24/05/09

A SON OF BEL ESPRIT
Is Bel Esprit theHOTTEST stallion in Australia ??
* TAKE A LOOK AT THIS COLT *

BRED ON THE SAME NORTHERN DANCER / DANZIG CROSS AS
BLACK CAVIAR
YES - Black Caviar and this colt are both by Bel Esprit
Besides Black Caviar, Bel Esprit is now also the sire of another boom youngster in "Work The Room"
ONLY $4290.00 Per 10% Share
This is the Powerful colt on offer

BEL ESPRIT - if ever a stallion has the credentials to excel at stud, then surely it is Bel Esprit, and that is exactly what is happening with this sensational young stallion. His current boom youngsters are Black Caviar and Work The Room.
Take a look at the quality of this colt on offer, and it will become obvious as to why sons and daughters of Bel Esprit are reaching such lofty heights on the racetrack. This colt has everything we look for in a galloper, and the DVD of him in action makes that perfectly clear.

BEL ESPRIT is one of the most sought after young stallions in Australia, his sons and daughters are in strong demand, and little wonder when you look at what they are achieving on the racetrack. His current racetrack star is the brilliant Black Caviar a youngster that is quite possibly a future Superstar of the track, and we can now add "Work The Room" another potential star with two wins from two starts.

Please take particular note that this colt is bred on the same 4 by 4 breeding cross as the boom filly BLACK CAVIAR, a cross which looks like gold when used with Bel Esprit. Should Black Caviar be as good as all in the Industry believe, then the price of the Bel Esprit progeny are literally going to go through the roof, so we certainly secured this colt at the right time which is why he appears to be ridiculously cheap at this figure.

BEL ESPRIT – was a dual Gr.1 winner, at 1200m and 1350m, of eight of his 19 starts. He was a Gr 1 Winner as both a 2 YO & 3 YO and won five races in succession as a 2YO incl the Blue Diamond S Gr 1. He won $2,073,600 in stakes inc - Gr 1 MRC AAMI Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) - Gr 1 BTC Doomben 10,000 Stakes (1350m) - Gr 2 VRC Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) - Gr 3 MRC McNeil Stakes (1100m) - Gr 3 MRC Blue Diamond Preview (c&g) (1000m) - Gr 3 MRC Blue Diamond Prelude (c&g) (1100m) - Listed MVRC Pierre Fontaine Trophy (1000m) - Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1000m) 2nd - Gr 1 VRC Newmarket Handicap (1200m) - Gr 1 MVRC Manikato Stakes (1200m) - Gr 1 MRC Caulfield Guineas (1600m) – Gr 1 MRC Invitation Stakes (1400m) 3rd Gr 2 AJC TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) 5th Gr 1 STC Golden Slipper (1200m).
BEL ESPRIT is from “Bespoken” a daughter of the Golden Slipper winner Vain and a half-sister to the Blue Diamond Stakes winner Mahassin, herself a daughter of Gr 1 winning Champion 2YO of her year “Vin D’Amour”.

Bel Esprit is a son of Royal Academy (USA), who was fast enough to land the July Cup-Gr.1 (1200m) at Newmarket and tough enough to defeat the world’s best milers in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (1600) on turf at Belmont Park. Royal Academy has proven to be one of the greatest stallions the Thoroughbred World has ever seen, having sired 100 (Black Type) Stakes Winners.
He retired to stud in Ireland in 1991 and Australia in 1994 and was Leading First Season Sire in the UK and Australia and his progeny earnings are approaching $60m. Other Gr.1 winners by Royal Academy include the dual Irish St Leger winner Oscar Schindler, English 1000 Guineas winner Sleepytime and her Sussex Stakes-winning brother Ali-Royal.
Latin Rhythm, the winning dam of the colt, is a daughter of yet another leading sire in Danehill Dancer, a multiple Group 1 Stakes winning racehorse himself who has gone on to become one of the most successful stallions currently standing at stud in Australia, he has sired 66 stakes winners of $56 million, including Light Fantastic, Private Steer, Arapaho Miss, Choisir etc etc.
The winning grand dam of the colt is Runaway Babe, a daughter of Semipalatinsk, a stallion we know particularly well as we syndicated a son of his that raced as Skalato who went on to become a Group Stakes winner. An offer of $1 million was refused by the partnership that raced Skalato after only a few race starts and he was syndicated for a comparable figure to the colt on offer.
The filly will be trained by Heath Conners at Caulfield, a young man following in the footsteps of his father Clarry. Heath is doing an exceptional job with the Classic Bloodstock horses we have placed under his care with an extraordinary winning strike rate for Classic Bloodstock clients. Heath is now a part of Aquanita Racing at Caulfield, which is a real plus as their facilities and communication with owners is second to none.

Aquanita Racing at Caulfield is certainly an impressive outfit, the stables are well above standard size and the complex is one of tranquillity and space amongst established eucalyptus trees. The spacious surrounds contain everything that is required for a horse to reach peak fitness, walking machines, trot and canter track, sand rolls and an adjacent swimming pool.

Trainer - Heath Conners (Aquanita) Caulfield * A partnership of 10 members * Monthly expenses of $260 per partner * Priced at ONLY $4290.00 per 10% share VISA CARD - MASTERCARD - BANKCARD
http://www.skillscontact.com/ch/1xzn6jg/448532/eacdd17j55.html
Selling Winners for 24 YEARS
Contact- VERN RAYNER
FREE CALL1800 806345

Outspoken Spirit 22/05/09

Outspoken Spirit Speaks at Pakenham
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The Bel Esprits just keep winning, Work the Room on Wednesday at Sandown, Sandhill Pride on Thursday at Mount Gambier and Outspoken Spirit today at Pakenham.

Now, Monday's story was about Belolly who won her 1st race at Tatura on last Saturday, trained by Peter Morgan and part owned by Brent Gayling, stallion manager at Eliza Park who looks after our Bel Esprit.


Today's article is about Outspoken Spirit who won her second start at Pakenham, trained by Cindy and Colin Alderson and part owned again by Brent. Well done Brent.

I don't know of any other owner having two Bel esprit winners inside a week and the horse is well named Outspoken/ Bespoken, dam of Bel.


Sold at the Inglis Weanling sales in June 20006 for $15,000 and withdrawn from the Yearling sales in March 2007, Outspoken Spirit is by a Success Express ( leading broodmare in 2006 and third in 2007) mare, Free Express and has a double cross to Nijinsky ii.

Siblings

HENNESSIA (AUS) [1998] - HENNESSY (USA)1w-1p-14s $4,100Race: 1000-1625m Won: 1400-1400m Wet: 0w-0p-0s
VICKSBURG (AUS) [1999] - THUNDER GULCH (USA)2w-9p-20s $186,900Race: 1000-2550m Won: 1300-2550m Wet: 0w-2p-3sG1 0w-1p-2s, G2 0w-1p-3s, LR 0w-2p-4s

MANHATTAN SKY (AUS) [2002] - MADE OF GOLD (USA)8w-12p-45s $92,800Race: 1200-2500m Won: 1430-2019m Wet: 1w-1p-2sLR 0w-0p-4s

SUCCESSFUL JO (AUS) [2003] - BLACK HAWK (GB)2w-6p-14s $21,900Race: 1000-1630m Won: 1200-1400m Wet: 1w-0p-1s
LOLLIES FOR BRENT
Eliza Park Stallion Manager, Brent Grayling, is on fire. Well, not literally, but in terms of finding a winner, he’s certainly on a hot streak.
Last week, he got the lollies when his Bel Esprit filly – Belolly – lobbed at Tatura, and he was back in the winners’ circle on Friday when Outspoken Spirit – another Bel Esprit – grabbed the bikkies at Pakenham.
Formerly manager of Eliza Park’s Berrigan division – where so many of today’s winners originated – Brent reckons Belolly was the best foal born at Eliza Park in 2005 and was hardly surprised when she made $130,000 at the 2007 Gold Coast Magic Millions.
However, after mixing her form quite a bit and with only two country placings from six starts, she was given the pink slip by trainer Lee Freedman.
The filly was sold privately for $13,000 and the owners’ syndicate was re-formed – including a number of Eliza Park clients. The filly was placed with Peter Morgan and and Brent was asked if he’d like a share.
Since then, Belolly has started twice for a handy fifth at Ballarat and a Tatura win.
Brent also liked the look of the Bel Esprit filly from Success Express mare, Free Success, bred by Menzies Racing Stables Pty Ltd.
Snapping her up from the 2006 Great Southern Weanling Sale at Oaklands Junction for $15,000, Brent syndicated the filly privately and placed her with Colin and Cindy Alderson at Cranbourne.
Having her first outing at Ballarat on 14 May, Outspoken Spirit finished midfield, but managed to turn it around at Pakenham eight days later, scoring emphatically over the 1314m.
Have a look for yourself by clicking here to view the run.
Make sure you keep an eye out for anything racing under the Supreme Thoroughbreds banner.
Sadly, Brent refuses to give me the heads up as he reckons the only thing I have in common with Superman is that we can both stop trains.

Sandhill Pride 22/05/09

Coleman,s Pride, Sandhill Pride

Mount Gambier was the venue for the races yesterday, with interest in the return to Jump racing, However the Colemans, R D Coleman the Breeder, Mrs V J Coleman, B D Coleman, S A Coleman & T A Coleman, had a bigger thrill awaiting them.

Sandhill Pride, trained by Sam Turner, who had won a race over 1000m last time in, raced in the Be-Ray Cabinets/ Sabis 2UP over 1400m . Drawing the inside barrier with M Munday aboard, he stayed on the fence till entering the straight, then he sprinted to the line to win by 3/4 of a length.

Mr R D Coleman has also bred another Bel Esprit filly, Sandhill Belle, who won over 1430m, in October last year

I looked up the number of Sandhills racing and came up with six, Sandhill Brave, Belle, King, Pride, Prince and Queen.

Sandhill Pride (AUS) [2005]Sam Turner

Bel Esprit (AUS) - Can't Miss (AUS)

Siblings
ICHIBAD (AUS) [1999] - JEUNE (GB)6w-11p-56s $46,200Race: 1170-3000m Won: 1450-2100m Wet: 0w-1p-5s

GUNDOOEE MISS (AUS) [2000] - JEUNE (GB)3w-3p-10s $26,400Race: 1000-1053m Won: 1000-1053m Wet: 0w-0p-0s

RON'S PRIDE
Terrific to see long time Eliza Park supporter, Ron Coleman, notch up yet another win on Thursday (21 May) with Bel Esprit 3YO, Sandhill Pride, scoring over 1400m at Mt Gambier.
It was victory number two for the Sam Turner trained youngster, who is raced by Ron and his family.
Ron raced both Sandhill Pride’s dam (Can’t Miss) and granddam (Miss Nisku) and has enjoyed tremendous success with the pedigree.
An out and out sprinter, Miss Nisku won six races including the SAJC Escort Stakes-LR and was stakes and Group placed on four occasions.
Heading to stud, her first foal was Can’t Miss, who picked up two wins in town before heading to stud herself where she has produced multiple city winner Gundooee Miss and Sandhill Pride.
Miss Nisku produced 10 foals before putting the cue in the rack around five seasons ago, with her third offering turning out to be the Group placed Asalant, while her fourth was the outstanding sprinter Staaraq, winner of the SAJC Spring Stakes-G3.
Another of Miss Nisku’s daughters in Flirted couldn’t crack it for a win, but made up for it in the breeding barn – this time for Eliza Park – producing homebred Lacey Underall, winner of last year’s Adelaide Cup-G2 after running second in 2007.Well done Ron.

Weanling Sales 22/05/09

Inglis Weanling Sale Success
May 21, 2009
THE global financial crisis was put to the test at Melbourne's weanling racehorse sales this week, writes MATILDA ABEY
No one wants to buy a racehorse in the middle of a recession; however, plenty did at the annual Inglis weanling sales near Melbourne this week.
By the time the six-month-old weanlings sold over the past two days are old enough to race, many hope the global financial crisis will be a distant memory.
Horse transporter Barry Carmody trucked about 100 horses in to the sale and said his business hadn't been affected by the downturn - yet.
"It will be interesting to see how many mares are sent up to Scone this year (for the breeding season), as that is a real test for the market," he said.
"Stallions are dropping (service fee) prices because of the recession."
The big-gun sires such as Lonhro and Bel Esprit were firm favourites with buyers, however the recession has seen many studs to drop their stallion service fees.
Superstar sire Bel Esprit's service fee has been halved this year, down from $33,000 in the 2008 breeding season to $16,500.

Work the Room 21/05/09

Work The Room Works Some Winning Magic
Michael Sharkie, The Age

May 21, 2009
THREE-YEAR-OLD Work The Room was so impressive at Betfair Park yesterday that some pundits drew comparisons with star stablemate El Segundo.
Work The Room was sensationally backed when victorious on debut at Ballarat earlier this month, and again unleashed an incredible finish to take yesterday's Flying Spur Handicap (1300 metres).
Trainer Colin Little said he was surprised with Work The Room's ($2.90 favourite) performance as he gave him little chance of running down the frontrunners on the turn.
"We're trying to teach him how to settle, but I didn't expect him to be that far back." Little said.
"I wanted him (jockey Danny Brereton) to go out and steady him, but he kept on snaring him back, snaring him back. I thought he had too much to do on the turn."
Giving his rivals close to 10 lengths on the home turn, Brereton eased Work The Room to the outside of the field and hung on as the son of Bel Esprit mowed down his opposition and ran incredible closing sectionals.
"He's very raw but he goes very well," said Brereton.
A $160,000 buy as a yearling, Work The Room is a half-brother to the gifted stayer Zipping, and Little is mindful that in time his horse will be best suited over middle distances. Ever cautious when asked of his long-term plans for Work The Room, Little stopped short of declaring the three-year-old as a spring contender.
"I don't want him to become a sprinter, so we've got to be careful what we do with him," he said. "It's a bit premature to start talking about him being a spring horse because he's so green and still learning."
El Segundo recently returned to Little's stables to begin his preparation for the Cox Plate.

Work The Room Dominant in Flying Spur Handicap
Michael Manley, Herald Sun
May 21, 2009 12:00am
WORK The Room made it two wins from two starts with an exciting last-to-first win in the Flying Spur Handicap at Sandown Hillside.
Both trainer Colin Little and jockey Danny Brereton tempered the excitement, saying Work The Room had great potential but a lot to learn.
Work The Room spotted the leaders more than 10 lengths with 400m to go. He ran his last 400m in 21.68sec, which included a 10.6 200m split between the 400m and the 200m in the 1300m event.
Little said if he spelled the gelding now and brought him back for the spring, it might be too much too early for him.
"It'd be a hard gig for him to be a spring horse on the back of two starts and he will be four not three. At the moment he's still a big kid," Little said.
"I'm not sure what to do. Maybe one more and then a break."
Work The Room, a $160,000 yearling, is by boom sire Bel Esprit and is a half brother to Zipping. Little said Work The Room had been very soft as a young horse and he had had to treat him with kid gloves.
Work The Room ($2.60) defeated Tumbulgum ($3.90) by a half-head, with leader Stanton ($13) a neck away third.

Zipping's Brother Is Another Promising One For Bel
Story By Nathan Exelby
Wednesday, 20 May 2009:

The Grand Lodge mare Social Scene, the dam of consistent Group 1 performer Zipping, looks to have another smart runner in the shape of barnstorming Betfair Park winner Work The Room.
The Colin Little trained three-year-old gelding had won on debut at Ballarat and took the step up to metropolitan company when coming from last on the turn to reel in 14 rivals in an impressive win over the 1300m on the Hillside track.

Bred by Hayson Bloodstock and sold at sale by Amarina Farm as agent, Work The Room is another promising runner for Eliza Park stallion Bel Esprit, who has also had Black Caviar and Tollesprit show big race potential in recent weeks.

Despite the eye-catching win today, trainer Colin Little is reluctant to throw Work The Room in the deep end too soon.“I had given up on the turn,” Little said.“He's a bit of a big kid at the moment and learning all about it.“It's a hard gig to turn him out and just say he's a spring horse, because he's so green.“I don't want to overtax him too early.”Regardless, Little knows he has another promising horse on his hands and the gelding has the bloodlines on his dam side to make the grade.

A $160,000 graduate of the 2007 Inglis Australian Easter Sale, he is from the Grand Lodge mare Social Scene, whose three winners are headed by Zipping, winner of $2.2million and perhaps the best horse in Australia not to have won at Group 1 level.Zipping (Danehill) is a three times G2 winner and has placed three times at Group 1 level, in addition to running fourth in the Melbourne Cup two times.

Social Scene's other winner is Regreagan (Encosta De Lago), who became one of Australasian breeding's most successful ever 'pinhooks' when Millbrook as agent sold him for $620,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions.He had previously been sold by Collingrove Stud for $80,000 at the 2004 MM National Weanling Sale.

In the same year Regreagan made the big money as a yearling, Social Scene's half-brother Scorpion (Montjeu) emerged to become Europe's Champion 3YO stayer, with a treble of Group 1 wins. Prior to the emergence of both Zipping and Scorpion, Swettenham Stud sold Social Scene for just $35,000 in 2004.

Now in the ownership of Fairway Thoroughbreds, Social Scene, has since had a Redoute's Choice colt sell for $625,000 (sold by Coolmore as agent) at the 2008 Easter Sale. She missed in 2007, but last spring produced a Fastnet Rock filly.

Work the Room 20/05/09

Work The Room Impressive At Betfair Park
Lightly raced three-year-old Work The Room maintained his unbeaten record this afternoon with a breathtaking swooping performance in the Flying Spur 0-68 3yo Handicap (1400m) at Betfair Park.
In last position and spotting the leaders many lengths on the home turn, jockey Danny Brereton hooked Work The Room to the extreme outside where it finished powerfully to grab Stanton and Tumblegum in the shadows of the post.
Work The Room ($2.10-$2.60 fav) defeated Tumblegum ($3.80-$4.20-$3.90) by a half head with Stanton ($12-$13) a further neck away in third.
Saranda ($17) ran fourth, beaten less than a length from the winner while the Danny O'Brien trained Thornado ($11), which received some support from punters, finished a distant last.
Trainer Colin Little revealed he was concerned the son of Bel Esprit was too far out of its ground on the home turn.
"We didn't want to get that far back," Little said.
"I don't know what happened but we just wanted to come out steady and depending on how wide he was he'd snag him back further to get cover.
"I'd given up on the turn - I thought he had too much to do," Little added.
In stark contrast Brereton remained confident of victory.
"I was always confident of winning even if it might have looked like he was a bit too far back," said Brereton.
Highlighting the sensational effort, Work The Room completed his last 600m in 33.23 seconds while he reeled off his closing 400m in a sizzling 21.68 seconds.
Little expects further improvement from Work The Room, who was only having his fourth racetrack appearance - two of those were trials.
"He's a bit of a kid at the moment, he was bucking when we put the saddle on him because he's not used to such a small saddle."
"He's just learning all about it and he's had a good experience today."
The Caulfield-based trainer is leaning towards giving Work The Room one more run this preparation in a bid to conquer his inexperience before the spring carnival.
"It's a pretty hard gig just to turn him out and say he'll be a spring horse," Little said.
"He's had two or three runs and he's a four year old next spring - not three - so it'll be a hard gig.
"We'll have a look at him after the race and might give him one more run than a break," Little added.
Purchased for $160,000 from the Easter Yearling Sale, Work The Room is a half brother to Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) winner Zipping.
PICS - Carl Di Iorio

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Work The Room Impresses Again
Wednesday, 20 May 2009:
Exciting galloper Work The Room impressed again, coming from the tail to score a last stride win today at Betfair Park.The gelding, a half brother to Zipping, was an effortless winner in maiden grade on debut.
Today at Betfair Park he took on far tougher rivals but even trainer Colin Little believed he couldn't win on the turn, as he had drifted back to a clear last.But Danny Brereton got to work and work home hard he did, arriving just in time to score a last stride win over Tumbulgum.
“I didn't think he'd go back that far,” Little said. “Danny just snagged him back, and back, and I'd given up on the turn. I thought he had too much to do.”
Little said he has been trying to get the three-year-old to relax and settle as he believes in time he will become a stayer.But he is unsure what to do now, thinking the spring will come too soon for the immature galloper and he may have another run then a good spell.“He's a bit of a big kid at the moment. He's learning all about it and he's had a good learning experience today.”Work The Room is by Bel Esprit from the Grand Lodge mare Social Scene.
Work The Room in Dazzling Sandown Win
Brad WatersWednesday, 20 May 2009
Caulfield trainer Colin Little will remain patient with Work The Room despite the three-year-old’s outstanding Betfair Park win on Wednesday.
Work The Room was snagged to the tail of the field by experienced rider Danny Brereton in a move that surprised Little.
“It wasn’t the intention to go back that far,” Little said. “I don’t know what happened there. Danny seemed to snag him back and I’m not sure why.
Brereton rode a patient race on Work The Room, not asking the gelding for an effort until he had balanced up at the 500 metres, Little thinking at the time Work The Room had no chance of winning.
“I’d sort of given up on the turn. It looked like he had too much to do,” Little said.
Work The Room finished strongly to grab Tumbulgum to win in the last stride with Stanton producing his best run this time in to battle on strongly for third.
Little refused to compare Work The Room with his Cox Plate winner El Segundo saying they were “not in the same paddock”, because the three-year-old had plenty to learn before stepping up in grade in the spring.
“I think it’s a bit premature to say he’s a spring horse because he’s so green and learning about it. I don’t want to overtax him too early.”
Placings and Margins: Work The Room (D Brereton) 57.5kg ($2.60 fav) defeated Tumbulgum (S Arnold) 58kg ($3.90) by a half head with a neck back to Stanton (L McGill) 56kg ($13) in third place.
Winner’s breeding – Work The Room is a three-year-old gelding by Bel Esprit out of Social Scene (IRE) (Grand Lodge (USA)).
The Times – The 1300 metre trip was run in 1.17.14 with the last 600 metre sectional was run in 34.37 seconds.
Work The Room ran the fastest last 600 metres of the race in a time of 33.23 seconds.
What they said – “He’s good, he’s very good,” said Danny Brereton, winning rider of Work The Room.
“A good effort, the winner was too good today,” said Steven Arnold, rider of Tumbulgum (2nd)

Work the Room 20/05/09

Work The Room Ready To Zip At Sandown
The Colin Little-trained debut winner Work The Room has much to live up to but is off to a good start as he prepares for a city success at only his second start.
The Bel Esprit gelding is a half-brother to multi-million dollar winner Zipping and will be the headline runner at Wednesday's Sandown meeting in the Flying Spur Handicap (1300m).
Work The Room has taken time to get to the races but the three-year-old was a stunning winner when he started odds-on at Ballarat earlier this month.
He came from well back in the field to beat Royal Doctor by a length with the best of the rest nearly six lengths further back.
Little said that while Work The Room won over 1100 metres he shaped as a horse who would get much further.
"He is a long, rangy horse and we always envisaged him staying," Little said.
"He got back to nearly last at Ballarat and we rode him like that on purpose to try and teach him to relax and get home."
Work The Room cost $160,000 at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sales but Little said he was "very soft" as a two-year-old and it was not long before his joints blew up.
"He's a pretty solid horse now but still mentally immature," Little said.
Bel Esprit's progeny are having a successful season and Work The Room is a great chance to give the noted sprinting sire a quality stayer.
Work The Room's dam Social Scene is a half-sister to three stakeswinning stayers including European champion Scorpion.
She is noted for producing Zipping, by Danehill, who has won 12 races including two Sandown Classics. He also finished second in last year's Cox Plate and has twice finished fourth in the Melbourne Cup.
Little expects Work The Room will run well at Sandown in a race he sees as another progressive step for the gelding.
"We have always had a fairly big opinion of him and if he is anywhere near right he should be able to step up to a race in town midweek," Little said.
"He's a sound horse and if we can teach him to get out to a trip he's got great potential."

7. Work The Room (AUS) [2005]Colin LittleBel Esprit (AUS) - Social Scene (IRE)Last Run: BRAT 1/05/2009 Homestead Carpets Mdn PlateSold $160000, Little, Colin W VIC at William Inglis and Son Ltd. 2007 Australian Easter Yearling by Amarina Farm, Denman
Siblings
ZIPPING (AUS) [2001] - DANEHILL (USA)12w-8p-35s $2,242,400Race: 1200-3200m Won: 1300-2500m Wet: 1w-2p-3sG1 0w-3p-11s, G2 3w-2p-8s, LR 2w-0p-5s
KANETOSHI PEKO (AUS) [2002] - FUSAICHI PEGASUS (USA)0w-0p-1sRace: 1000-1000m Won: 0-0m Wet: 0w-0p-0s
REGREAGAN (AUS) [2003] - ENCOSTA DE LAGO (AUS)1w-0p-5s $37,200Race: 1100-1600m Won: 1100-1100m Wet: 0w-0p-1sG2 0w-0p-1s, LR 0w-0p-1s
WINSOME CHARM (USA) [2005] - SILVER CHARM (USA)0w-0p-1sRace: 1200-1200m Won: 0-0m Wet: 0w-0p-0s

Belolly 16/05/09

Begolly, it's Belolly
After being bought for $130,000 at the Magic Millions Sales at the gold Coast in January 2007, this 3yo filly by Bel Esprit, raced six times for two placings for Lee Freedman.

Coming up for sale again, Belolly was purchased by Brent Grayling for the cost of the GST at the previous sale.

Jumping from a wide barrier (not many win at Tatura), she sat behind the leader, surging to the front in the straight and won by two lengths from another Bel Esprit, Beau Desert.

Brent bought her because of her breeding potential at his Supreme Throughbreds property at Kilmore, a few miles from Eliza Park.

He then sent her to be trained by Peter Morgan. I was fortunate enough to visit his property last week and inspected a weanling by Bel Esprit that he is very proud of.

He is another True Blue Bel Believer as apart from Belolly , he races Outspoken Spirit, a 2yo trained by Colin & Cindy Alderson, who ran a very good seventh at Tatura, last Thursday.

His main claim to fame though,is that he is the stallion manager at Eliza Park and he looks after Bel Esprit with great care, the only problem is keeping the stallion's weight down as he loves his tucker.

click photos to enlarge

Eliza Park News

In the second, it took a Bel Esprit to beat a Bel Esprit when Belolly edged out Beau Desert to win the 3YO Maiden.
Belolly (bred by Pinnacle Thoroughbreds) was sold to the astute Slade Bloodstock from the Eliza Park draft at the 2007 Gold Coast Magic Millions and she is from the stakesplaced Bluebird mare, Jolly’s Folly, a half sister to Flemington stakeswinner Jestarella Boy and sister to 2YO black typer La Bird. A real get up and go family, the granddam, Marwell Lady, was also a stakeswinner at two.
And Shane Nichols shouldn’t have to wait too long before snaring a win with Beau Desert (bred by Eliza Park) who was very promising, albeit in defeat.
Beau Desert has now earned money at three of four outings and is a half brother to Desert Sun gelding Real Time (7 wins) who took out the SAJC New Year’s Gift-LR and was four times stakes placed.
Out of the Straight Strike mare, Desert Strike, this is also the family of Wellington Cup-G1 winner Samasaan and multiple Group winner Temple Front.

Superior Shadow 16 /05/09

Superior Shadow

Eliza Park had to wait all of three races before grabbing winner No.4 on the program when Dennis Oliver’s Superior Shadow captured the 1400m Harcorp Trading Handicap in emphatic fashion.
The Bel Esprit 4YO was having his first run in six months and didn’t take long to shake off the rust.
Bred by Shane McGrath, Superior Shadow is out of the multiple stakesplaced Sackford mare, Something Wicked, a sister to dual Group One winner A Little Kiss.

On Saturday at Tatura, Superior Shadow, Bel Esprit 4yo, who had won previously over 1875m at Kyneton in October last year. Drawing the outside barrier, Superior Shadow missed the start by three lengths but on the turn had moved around all horses to hit the front and holding on untouched to win by one length.

Considering this race was over 1400m, more wins are around as he gets up in distance

Singapore 17/05/09

Three placings in Singapore
Takeover Target had to settle for eighth place in Singapore, but the Bel Esprits did a bit better with both Mooring and Perfect Sky getting placings, being beat by a bolter while Aranda came home third in his race ridden by Val Duric. Blue sky came home sixth in Hong Kong ridden by Dwayne Dunn in his second ride in that country

After the day got off to a shock result in Race 1 when Langstraat scored at debut at long odds of $149, punters were in for a bigger jolt when $217 bolter Dream Lad bounced back from a bleeding attack at his last run to score an all-the-way win in the $95,000 Japan Racing Association Trophy (1200m).

The Argentinian-bred by Bernstein flew out of the gates to take up the running with Barend Vorster the pilot and never looked back thereafter. Enjoying a soft lead on the bridle, Dream Lad swung for home still in the lead and soon opened up to a three-length break.

The Patrick Shaw-trained galloper looked to have given his 12 rivals the slip, with most of them battling to make up any ground. At the 150m, lightweight chance Mooring (Joao Moreira) was the only one who looked like he could be a threat, but though Dream Lad shortened strides, the winning post arrived on time for him to fall in by one length from Mooring, with Perfect Sky (Benny Woodworth) running on well for third another 1 ¼ length away.

Trainers premiership 13/05/09

Most Successful Trainers with Sire Bel Esprit
Trainer..................Wins.Win%.Indiv.Winners.Total Runs.
MICK PRICE........12......18%............6.......................65
JOHN SYMONS...11......19%............5.......................59
LEE FREEDMAN..6.......13%............4.......................48
RON JACKSON.....5.......38%............1.......................13
PHILLIP STOKES5.......31%............1.......................16
PETER MAHER....5.......20%............2.......................25
M FREEDMAN......5......56%.............2.........................9
S KNIGHT..............5......25%.............2.......................20
R SMERDON..........4......21%.............2.......................19
R GRIFFITHS........4......31%.............2.......................37
KOH DESMOND....4......33%.............1.......................12
JOHN HAWKES.....4......80%............1.........................5
G JOHNSTONE.....4......22%.............2.......................18
G KENNEWELL....4.......33%............1........................12
DARREN WEIR.....4.......25%............1........................16
WILSON, R R........3.......50%............1.........................6
PETER MOODY...3.......30%............2........................10
MARC CONNERS3.......20%............1.........................15
MACK GRIFFITH3......33%............1..........................9
JEFF DIXON.........3......21%............1..........................14

Esprit Soleil 10/05/09

Esprit Soleil Soaks up a Desert Sun

Just 25 hours after Tollesprit wins at Flemington, another Bel Esprit 2yo bobs up at the Tweed Heads JockeyClub Sunday meeting at Murwillumbah.

Esprit Soleil, trained by Stephen Lowe and ridden by Chris Whiteley, sat on the fence in the rear of the field till entering the straight, then bursting out of the pack and although racing greenly, won by two lengths starting at $1,80 after opening at $3.50.

A close look at the breeding makes you wonder why he was passed in for $23,000 with a reserve of $25,000 (later sold to M J & D J Evans for $24,000) when this colt is by a Desert Sun mare Soak Up The Sun (AUS) 2000 as is Black Caviar who is out of Helsinge (AUS) 2001 by Desert Sun. Other winners by Desert Sun mares are Dreamy (Song Of The Sun (AUS) 2000) and Bel Amore (Moralee (NZ) 1996)

Esprit Soleil, Dreamy, Bel Amore and the unraced filly Belleluia ,full sister to Dreamy,(to be raced by The Thoroughbred Magazine Club) were all bred by Lee Fleming (pictured right), proprietor of Eliza Park.

Rembering that the Bel Esprits do not have a reputation for winning 2yo races, this season is pleasently surprising as from twenty two starters, six have saluted in eight races and have won $362,885 and run second of the third crop sires by $$$$ won

MURWILLUMBAH: Whitely Walks Away With Five Wins

Monday, 11 May 2009: Chris Whiteley capped off a memorable day's riding at Murwillumbah on Sunday when he steered Surety to victory in the Ross Brims Bulk Transport Cup for his fifth winner of the afternoon.
For Whiteley it was the second time that he had pulled off such an extraordinary career achievement, and a reminder why his talents are much sought after throughout northern NSW and south east Queensland.Whiteley opened his account in the first race for two year olds aboard Esprit Soleil ($1.80F). He had to come from well back in the field to tackle Some Journey and tearaway leader Rock Avenue.Turning into the straight the front duo seemed to have the race between them until Whiteley urged Esprit Soleil forward and he collared them in style to eventually cross the line two lengths clear.

Laura's Spirit 10/05/09

Laura's Spirit in the OutbackOne of the more interesting Bel Esprit runners is Laura's Spirit, trained at Coonabarabran by Jeff Dixon.

After winning her 2nd start at NNGO ( Nanango race track is situated about 230 klms North-West of Brisbane, Queensland) in January 2008, she was spelled and returned to racing in September and won 1st up at TALW (Talwood race track is about 93 klms West of Goondiwindi in Queensland), ridden by Cameron Dixon.

Laura's Spirit had two placings at STAN (The Stanthorpe race track is located in Queensland about 54 klms North of Tenterfield-New South Wales) and KUMB (The Kumbia race track is located in Queensland about 30 klms South-West of Kingaroy) before she went to the paddock for four months.

Returning to the track in March this year, she seems to have left her form in the paddock and Jeff is going far and wide to try and win a race. She has raced at KCOY (Kilcoy race track is about 150 klms North-West of Brisbane) and SUNC (Sunshine Coast) for two lasts and followed up at her home track at Coonabarabran (The track of Coonabarabran is located about 595 klms North-West of Sydney) and DALB (Dalby race track is located about 235 klms West of Brisbane-Queensland on the Warrego Highway) and performed better.

On Saturday last , she raced at Augathella. The township of Augathella is located in western Queensland. Augathella is 85 kilometres north of the town of Charleville, and 748 kilometres west of Brisbane. The town lies on the banks of the Warrego River. At the 2006 census, Augathella had a population of 395.
The town came into being initially as a resting place for bullock teams lying at the convergence of three bullock tracks from Morven, Tambo, and Charleville. There is a growing arts centre in the town, a public swimming pool, a bowls club and there is an annual rodeo. Augathella has some polocrosse teams.

A picture speaks 1,000 words. Many of the buildings and fences in the Main Street, Augathella feature a fabulous series of murals depicting Augathella's history.
The Augathella Murals bring back memories of the shearing industry and quirky Outback events like billy goat racing.
Who is the artist you ask? Answer - The Augathella Community. About 50 community members got together and painted. Their inspiration was their love for the town, its history and culture.

It's easy to get diverted on the internet, so, back to this Bel Esprit (AUS) - Northern Pursuit (AUS) (Nediym (IRE)) mare.

The race was over 1000m, the jockey was Paddy Carroll and she won by 1.7 lengths. With the winnings on Saturday, Laura's Spirit has now won $11,050.

Well done Jeff

Tollesprit 9/05/09

Tollesprit The Caulfield Guineas Hope
Click line below to watch race
http://horseracing.bigpond.com/asx/windowsmedia.aspx?TagID=AR184235347321318269
Bel Esprit youngster Tollesprit is shaping as the horse to break Shane Fliedner's unlucky run in the Caulfield Guineas next season.
The two-year-old confirmed for the Bendigo trainer that he was worth a crack at Group One class when he made it two wins from three starts by taking out Saturday's Green Fields Hcp (1420m) at Flemington.
"The main reason I came here today, without getting carried away, was to get a gauge and make him a bit more seasoned for the spring," Fliedner said.
"I think he could be up to the (Caulfield) Guineas."
Fliedner has had two Caulfield Guineas runners but luck deserted him on both occasions.
He still believes, like many others, that Classiconi who finished fifth to Econsul in 2004 should have won while Little Dozer had a chequered run when he finished 13th in Show A Heart's Guineas in 2000.
"Hopefully it will be third time lucky," Fliedner said.
"I said three months ago that I thought he (Tollesprit) was better than Classiconi.
"He is just a lovely horse and untapped.
"We have never put any pressure on him at all because we have never had one good enough to go with him."
Fliedner said Tollesprit should be unbeaten after Carrara beat him in a photo-finish at Seymour on his debut.
Last start he beat Norwegian by two lengths at Ballarat.
Tollesprit has already doubled his $27,000 purchase price in prizemoney and Fliedner is now in the position to pick and choose his races in the spring.
"I am sure he will be better next time in," he said.
This article also appeared in American Chronicle - Beverly Hills,CA,USA

New Feature Contender For Bel Esprit
Saturday, 9 May 2009: Fresh off outstanding filly Black Caviar announcing herself a star of the future seven days back, Bel Esprit had another horse join his list of spring carnival contenders when Tollesprit strolled home at Flemington today.
The Shane Fliedner trained two-year-old gelding 'won' on debut at Seymour, but lost the race on protest.He has atoned in two subsequent starts, with an easy win at Ballarat and again at Flemington today when coming from last in a slowly run race over the 1400m.
Tollesprit is from the Alzao mare Tolleranza and looks a bargain buy now after costing just $26,000 from the Eliza Park draft at last year's Adelaide Magic Millions. Tolleranza is also the dam of former handy Melbourne performer Belle Ball, a five times winner up to Listed level. Fliedner flagged spring plans for Tollesprit immediately following the win.To taste spring feature success, he will have to break the mould in terms of what his sire has achieved to date.
Bel Esprit has had the five stakes winners to date – and all of them have been of the fairer sex, the latest being Black Caviar in last week's Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes.Winner of the Blue Diamond and Doomben 10,000 at Group 1 level, Bel Esprit is making an excellent fist of his new life as a sire and with his oldest progeny now four, he enjoyed his first Group 1 success as a sire when Bel Mer took out this year's Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville.
BEL TOLLS FOR THEE
Personal opinion to be sure, but one of Bel Esprit’s finest performances – maybe his best – was the second to Helenus in the 2002 Caulfield Guineas-G1 (1600m).
Bel Esprit ran into one brick wall after another down the Caulfield straight, but once clear, flew home to finish just over a panel shy of the winner. And this from a horse considered to be an out and out sprinter.
Well, Bel Esprit might have a son that goes one better. Shane Fliedner’s Tollesprit is very promising to say the least and his three runs to date have produced a head second at Seymour (14 April), a win at Ballarat (1 May) and an emphatic victory over 1420m at Flemington (9 May).
Shane rates the 2YO highly and is qualified to share his opinion on Tollesprit’s Guineas chances, particularly as his multiple stakeswinner Classiconi ran a resounding fifth in Econsul’s Guineas.
Following the Flemington victory, Shane told Virtual Form Guide’s Greg Irvine: “The main reason I came here today was to get a bit of a gauge and make him a little more seasoned for the spring.
“We wanted to get some stakes money in his box and it will help him get a run when I want to.
“We’ll put him out and get him heading toward the (Caulfield) Guineas in the Spring.
“He’s shown me for a fair while that he’s pretty good. I’m sure he will be a lot better next time in.
“Classiconi ran fifth in the Guineas and I thought he was very unlucky. Little Dozer was a bit the same.
“I think I’ll be third time lucky, hopefully. I said three months ago that I thought he (Tollesprit) was better than Classiconi.
“He’s just a lovely horse and he’s untapped. We haven’t put any pressure on him at all yet.
“I haven’t had one good enough to go with him.”
Bred by Eliza Park’s CEO, Cameron Croucher, Tollesprit is out of the Alzao mare Tolleranza, who has also produced Flemington stakeswinner Belle Ball (dam of juvenile stakesplacegetter Detroit Tiger).
Shane took a shine to Tollesprit at last year’s Adelaide Magic Millions, eventually having the colt knocked down to the astute Bendigo trainer for $27,000.
“I bought the horse of type. Shane McGrath (former Eliza Park manager) chased me and said he had a nice horse there and to come and have a look.
“I did and I liked him that much I had to buy him.”
A great decision given that the 2YO has now returned $55,325 with – seemingly – much more to come.
Bel Esprit is continuing with his incredible ‘run’ and his 2009 fee of $16,500 is proving greater value with each passing days.
Since Tollesprit’s victory at Flemington, Bel Esprit has produced 16 runners, resulting in a double at Tatura (Belolly and Superior Shadow), a winner in NSW (Esprit Soleil), two placings at Sandown and a third at Flemington (Bon Marche). In fact, 10 have gone home with cheques while, on Saturday alone, Bel Esprit had five runners for two winners, two seconds and a third.

Belleluia 9/05/09

It's Belleluia

by DANNY POWER
The Thoroughbred Magazine Club's 2YO filly has a name – and we announce the five winners of our "Guess the Name" competition.

Subscribe to The Thoroughbred Magazine and become a part owner of this Filly

Tollesprit 9/05/09

Bendigo Trainer on Hot Streak
8/05/2009 4:00:00 AM
BENDIGO trainer Shane Fliedner will be out to maintain a stunning run of form at today’s Bendigo Jockey Club meeting.
Of the past eight runners Fliedner has saddled up, he’s recorded four winners, two seconds and a third.
His past three runners, Fomalite, Tollesprit and Bitter Lager, have all won.
His only runner today is Enjoy The Journey in the Axedale Sands and Gravel Class Two Handicap (1600m).
Fliedner heads to Flemington tomorrow with Tollesprit, which was super impressive in winning its maiden at Ballarat last week.
The two-year-old son of Bel Esprit steps up to 1400m, but is one of only three runners in the 10-horse field that has won a race.
Tollesprit, which will again be ridden by Mark Pegus, has drawn barrier eight.

Work the Room, Galactic Spirit 7/05/09

BEL ESPRIT WORKS THE ROOM
It hasn’t ALL been champagne and Caviar in the past few weeks for Champion Victorian sire, Bel Esprit.
Yes, it’s difficult to watch Black Caviar blitz rivals by six lengths in a black type event at only her second start (after winning on debut by five lengths) and not be totally focused on the aura surrounding this young miss.
But she’s far from being the only arrow in Bel Esprit’s quiver: forgetting for a moment what he’s done offshore with the likes of Mooring in Singapore and Bondi Lad in Hong Kong, domestically he’s on fire.
Bel Esprit has now produced over 100 winners this season; is in the top 20 in the country by winners (despite only having three crops of racing age) and second on the Third Season Sires’ table by winners.
In April alone, the son of Royal Academy enjoyed his best ever month with 17 winners.
A perfect example of his winning ways was Ballarat last Friday (1 May), producing a running double with Work The Room and Tollesprit.
Shane Fliedner’s exciting 2YO, Tollesprit, got the ball rolling with an emphatic performance over the 1100m, winning by two with plenty up Mark Pegus’ silk sleeve.
Bred by Eliza Park and sold to Shane at the 2008 Adelaide Magic Millions, Tollesprit is a half brother to stakeswinner Belle Ball from the Alzao mare, Tolleranza.
The Ballarat victory followed seconds at his two previous outings and Tollesprit appears to have a very promising future.
So too does Colin Little’s Work The Room, who did exactly that over the 1100m journey.
This was also Work The Room’s third start but first run back from a fourth month break.
Bred by Hayson Bloodstock, the aptly named Work The Room is out of the Grand Lodge mare Social Scene and was snapped up by Colin at the 2007 Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
A three quarter brother to dual Sandown Classic-G2 winner, Zipping, Work The Room hails from an outstanding European family.
And just to top it all off, David Murphy’s Galactic Spirit broke through for a well deserved victory at the Gold Coast on Wednesday (6 May), winning over the 1400m trip by a comfortable 3.3 lengths.
Bred by Summerset Park Stud in South Australia, Galactic Spirit hails from the Bluebird mare Resplendent.

Bel Esprit Asia 7 /05/09

ASIAN ANGLE - with Lyle Plumb
If you can hang your hat on your most recent success, Eliza Park Asia need to get a bigger hat rack following the events of recent weeks.
We have had Bondi Lad (Bel Esprit x Bondi Lass) win at Happy Valley in Hong Kong, not to mention Winning Storm carrying the flag for our new 2009 stallion Statue Of Liberty by winning his past two starts and taking his earnings to almost HK$3.5 million.
In Singapore, we should start by congratulating the connections of Rocket Man (Viscount x Macrosa), one of the best sprinters I have ever seen. He is set to meet Takeover Target and Sacred Kingdom in the $1 million Krisflyer Sprint on Sunday 17 May, and those horses had better bring their best form to the races, because he will be very hard to beat on home soil.
Rocket Man was purchased from the Fleming family’s Tyreel Stud draft for $60,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions Winter Yearling Sale and it’s obviously a connection that provides us considerable interest in his climb.
Directly from Eliza Park, however, Bel Esprit has been represented by six winners (and two placegetters) from only 10 runners, including Mooring, the full brother to Group One winner Bel Mer, who took his 2009 record to three straight wins from four starts with a super impressive victory at Kranji in April.
Perfect Sky (ex Time Is Hope) won first up, taking his earnings to over $170,000, while Aranda (ex Orchid Lady) won easily again, taking his record to two wins and two placings from four starts in 2009.
Not to be outshone, the Eliza Park bred Good Days (Clang x Calm and Content) looked terrific in winning his two most recent starts, while Lago Bay (Delago Brom x Let It Ring) is now two wins and three placings from six outings.
Meanwhile, Tomahawk (Black Hawk x Decolettage) broke through at Penang, while Newfoundluck (Takbir x Island Account) kept the long standing relationship with Singapore trainer Dr Yeoh in good stead by winning and placing five times in seven starts.
It all points to good times ahead here in Singapore, and we are looking forward to the rapidly approaching feature meetings. The $3 million SIA Cup over 2000m looks like being a great race and, shortly after, the Singapore Derby will sort out the best of the upcoming brigade.
In what can only be deemed as excellent news, Singapore has relaxed the quarantine rules for horses imported from Australia. There is no longer a 21 day pre-export quarantine required, so horses that are in training can come here and race relatively quickly, chasing the great prizemoney on offer.Please feel free to phone me on +65 828 79737 or email lyle@plumbracing.net if I can be of any assistance.

Weanlings Sale 7/05/09

Updates For Great Southern Sales
Wednesday, 6 May 2009: Notable Melbourne Premier graduate to enjoy stakes success on the weekend was the flying filly Black Caviar, who won in Listed company by six lengths at Caulfield. Her sire Bel Esprit is represented by 14 weanlings at the Great Southern Sale.
24 B.Filly..Bel Esprit...Belle Ball (NZ)...23/09/08
30..B.Colt...Bel Esprit...Bloomin Marvellous..05/08/08
35..B.Filly...Bel Esprit...Bright Time (NZ)..05/09/08
81..B.Filly...Bel Esprit...Duendee..10/11/08
103.B.Colt..Bel Esprit...Gamelan..16/08/08
148.Br.Filly.Bel Esprit...Larnie (NZ)..15/09/08
172.B.Filly...Bel Esprit...Maid in Monaco..26/09/08
193.B.Filly...Bel Esprit...Miss Stone..10/10/08
203.B.Filly..Bel Esprit...My Lady Penelope..06/08/08
219.B.Colt...Bel Esprit...Opulence (GB)..02/10/08
224.B.Colt...Bel Esprit...Paella Princess..14/10/08
283.Blk.Colt.Bel Esprit..Sovereign Song..11/11/08
293.B.Filly...Bel Esprit..,Suave Princess..24/10/08
294.B.Filly...Bel Esprit...Sunbeam Sally..03/11/08

Kevin Sheedy 6/05/09

Top Gong for Dr Do-it all
We might have to call him Dr Sheedy from yesterday.
Kevin Sheedy was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Australian Catholic University.

The university awarded him its highest honour, Doctor of the University, in recognition of his contribution to community and youth work in sport, particularly with indigenous Australians.

Kevin is also one of the owners who raced Bel Esprit when he won the two Group 1 races, the Blue Diamond Stakes and the Doomben 10,000.

He has a couple of broodmares, Georgia, who has been to Bel Esprit five times and Lady Lucielle, who has been four times. Parisianna was another broodmare that went to Bel Esprit once.

He is a True Blue Bel Believer and part owned Diplomatic Strike (2 wins) and Bel Jadore while he continues to race Bel Shoes (2 wins), Queen Rene (1 win and named after his Mother), The Phoenician and Van Der Star

And the BEOC official photographer just happened to be there with his Wife, Lorraine (pictured with Kevin), at the Melbourne Town Hall to capture the happy event

Replays 5/05/09

Watch Black Caviar win: click line below
http://horseracing.bigpond.com/asx/windowsmedia.aspx?TagID=AR578907880665463152


Watch Work the Room win: click line below
http://horseracing.bigpond.com/asx/windowsmedia.aspx?TagID=AR236367468152885178

Black Caviar Timeform 4/05/09

Timeform Ranking Charts
Weekly Summaryfor 26 April 2009 to 02 May 2009

5yo and older top TFE ratings
125won Takeover Target 9g (Celtic Swing (GB) - Shady Stream (AUS))
Sat 02, May 2009 Morphettville s 1200m Jay Ford (58.5kg - 8) Distinctive Homes Goodwood G1

2yo top TFE ratings
117 won Black Caviar 2f (Bel Esprit (AUS) - Helsinge (AUS))
Sat 02, May 2009 Caulfield g 1200m Jarrad Noske (57.5kg - 7) Blue Sapphire Stakes LR

Black Caviar 4/05/09

Black Caviar just part of Peter Moody's smorgasbord
Matt Stewart
May 04, 2009 12:00am
PETER Moody is sitting on a gold mine, and he's nervous about it.
Moody's two-year-old filly Black Caviar won so impressively at Caulfield on Saturday that many wondered if she was the most gifted two-year-old in the land.
Black Caviar simply waltzed in after missing the start. She smashed 1min 10sec for the 1200m and could have run quicker.
Asked yesterday if Black Caviar could be Australia's best two-year-old, Moody responded that he was not even sure if she was the best in his stable.
"We've got four or five of them that are equally exciting to us," he said.
Moody has an incredible squad of potential superstars.
Most are in the paddock, resting before being launched at the spring -- the carnival of such frustration for Moody for the past two years. He has never had a squad like it.
"I've just got to make sure I don't stuff it up," he said.
"Seriously, though, the sky's the limit."
Moody won the Blue Diamond Stakes and all but won the Golden Slipper Stakes with Headway, who ran second to Phelan Ready.
Avenue would have been set for the Slipper had she not had a slight setback after a slashing debut win at Moonee Valley in February.
And Moody has surely the best three-year-old in the land in the unbeaten Typhoon Tracy, who flogged the best fillies and mares in the Coolmore Classic in March.
"The task for me and (stable manager) Jeff O'Connor is to sit down and map out programs for these horses -- and hopefully keep them apart if possible," he said. "It'd be a bit disappointing if at least one of them didn't go on and be an exciting three-year-old."
Moody said he could not rank any of his two-year-olds above the others. "Other than Headway and Reward For Effort, who clashed in the Slipper, none of them have gone head-to-head on the track," Moody said.
"Luke Nolen came back shaking his head after Black Caviar's gallop on Tuesday, saying he'd never experiences anything like it. But he's done the same with Headway, Avenue and Reward For Effort.
"Maybe I should start counting how many times he shakes his head to get some idea."
Moody said it was possible Black Caviar may have been flattered by lack of opposition at Caulfield on Saturday.
"But she was up 6kg, ran the time. You had to be impressed," he said.
"I was like a lot of other people - I just wanted to have another look at her following her Flemington (debut) win, to see if she could do it again. She did."
Moody said the Thousand Guineas in October would be among Black Caviar's spring goals.
He said she would be sent immediately to the paddoc

Black Caviar 3/05/09

TODAY'S COMMENT: Caviar Will Become An Acquired Taste
"Chris is one of Australia's most respected and experienced racing journalists and race analysts. Chris Scholtz has covered Australian racing for almost 30 years, working in all forms of the racing media including 18 years with Sydney's Daily and Sunday Telegraphs.[more]"
Story Today's Comment with Racing Editor Chris Scholtz
Sunday, 3 May 2009:
With due respect to Takeover Target, the most exciting performance in Australia on Saturday from a future perspective was seen at Caulfield where the brilliant filly Black Caviar confirmed that she has all the credentials to be a star of the spring carnival.
Peter MoodyPhoto by Racing and Sports
Just as she did on her debut when recording a five lengths blitz at Flemington last month, Black Caviar was in a class of her own as she ran away with the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes over 1200m by an effortless six lengths.
Her two dazzling performances have left many pondering what she may have been capable of if trainer Peter Moody had been able to have her ready for the major juvenile races at the Melbourne and Sydney autumn carnivals, more so considering the Caulfield trainer won the G1 Blue Diamond with Reward For Effort and another his fillies Headway was placed in the Golden Slipper.
Her time will come in the spring when Moody will have an enticing range of Group races to consider for the Bel Esprit filly.Moody's view that she could be the best 2YO filly in Australia will get few arguments after her second exceptional effort.
She merely coasted in a world of her own over the last 200m, runn ing the 1200m untested in 1.09.76 and her last 600m in 35.10.The two races for older horses over 1200m on the day were run in 1.10.69 and 1.11.51.
With Moody attending the SA Derby meeting in Adelaide, it was left to his racing manager Jeff O'Connor to confirm that Black Caviar will now be spelled before beginning her spring preparation."Time will tell but the way she is doing it, the times and style of her makes it pretty hard not to get excited," O'Connor said."We can pick our marks in the spring now. She will be able to get into any race we see fit, and that is a big plus."She can control a race like good fillies and mares can."Yes, Black Cavier is a very good filly indeed.

Black Caviar 2/05/09

Black Type For Black Caviar

Virtual Form Guide - Victoria,Australia
Black Caviar, rated by some judges the best two year old in Australia, lived right up to her reputation with a superb win in the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon.
Eased down to win by six lengths by rider Jarrad Noske, Black Caviar ($1.40-$1.50F) beat the Darley first starter Demerit ($7.50-$11) with a half neck to Carrara ($14-$15) in third place.
Her win was all the more impressive as the Bel Esprit filly missed the start by a couple of lengths before cruising to the lead.
"I was going to ride her back but she was just going half pace", said Noske, who brought up a winning double for himself and trainer Peter Moody.
"She just ambled up there."
"She was the winner a long way out", he said.
Moody's Racing Manager Jeff O'Connor pointed out that it was not the first time that Black Caviar has missed the start.
"She's done that before in the Cranbourne trial", he said.
"Its not too concerning yet but its something we can work on."
The stable went into today's race with plenty of confidence after Black Caviar's stunning debut over 1000 metres at Flemington two weeks ago.
"She's a big strong filly and a credit to the staff to get her set for this race today", O'Connor said.
"We thought she'd be better round a turn and relaxing a bit better in a 1200."
A spell until the Spring is the likely next step for Black Caviar as she has achieved all the objectives set for her this preparation.
"I think Peter has got his mind set on putting her away now", O'Connor said.
"She's been in and out just for education but this was her first real preparation."
"Time will tell what she's beating but its pretty hard not to get excited."

Bright Future For Unbeaten Black Caviar
Exciting filly Black Caviar is shaping as the next big thing for trainer Peter Moody after keeping her unbeaten record intact on Saturday.
After scoring a five-length debut win at Flemington two weeks ago the daughter of Bel Esprit was even more dominant at Caulfield when she was unextended in winning the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) by six lengths.
The only interest was in the minor placings with the Peter Snowden-trained first starter Demerit grabbing second place a half-neck ahead of Seymour debut winner Carrara.
Moody's racing manager Jeff O'Connor said it was hard not to get excited about Black Caviar.
A $210,000 yearling, she is from unraced Desert Sun mare Helsinge who is a half-sister to international Group One sprinter Magnus and Group Two-winning sprinter Wilander.
O'Connor noted that Black Caviar was competing in the off-season but said there was good reason to think she would measure up to the better fillies in the spring.
"Time will tell what she is beating now but the way she is doing it, the times and style of her, makes it pretty hard not to get excited," O'Connor said.
"Peter (Moody) wanted to win this race and it will confirm that we can pick our marks in the spring now.
"She will be able to get into any race we see fit, and that is a big plus."
Black Caviar was slow from the gates but apprentice Jarrad Noske let her work forward quickly to take up the running and control the race.
"The big bonus today was seeing her run out the 1200 metres and relaxing a lot better than last start over 1000 metres at Flemington," O'Connor said.
"She went too keen at Flemington but today she was a lot better and showed she can control a race like good fillies and mares can.
"She made a little error at the start but it is not too concerning.
"She did the same thing in a Cranbourne trial but it is something we can work on.
"She is a big strong filly and this is her first real serious preparation.
"We are still learning about her."
Moody is having a stellar season with more than 100 winners already, including recent Group One winners Reward For Effort (Blue Diamond Stakes), Typhoon Tracy (Coolmore Classic) and Markus Maximus (WA Derby).
The disappointment of the race was $2.7 million Redoute's Choice colt L'Heritier who was always well back and plugged away into seventh place, 11 lengths from the winner.
Trainer Lee Freedman said L'Heritier would improve with time.
BLACK CAVIAR - THE WOW FACTOR
Black Caviar’s victory in today’s Blue Sapphire Stakes-LR (1200m) was – put quite simply – awesome.
Having only her second start, the Bel Esprit filly missed the start, but still managed to win by six lengths pulling up: a full second faster than the 3YOs in the first and quicker than the open horses in the last.
Black Cavaiar has now raced on two occasions for a combined winning total of 11 lengths and run quicker than the open horses on both occasions. Unheard of for a 2YO.
The Moody stable claim the filly has untapped potential and the sky’s the limit. They may well be right.It certainly adds to the enormous value of her sire, Bel Esprit, whose fee was reduced by 50% this season to $16,500 inc GST with a live foal guarantee.
Not surprisingly, since around 2pm this afternoon, the phone has been ringing hot.
For further information on accessing Bel Esprit this spring phone David Somers on 0428 440 330 or Mark Lindsay on 0416 334 338.

Cruising Caviar shoots to the top
Andrew Eddy

May 3, 2009
CAULFIELD trainer Peter Moody this season won Victoria's premier two-year-old race, the Blue Diamond Stakes, with Reward For Effort, and also trained filly Headway to run second in the nation's richest race for two-year-olds, the Golden Slipper Stakes.
But few at Caulfield yesterday would argue which of his horses was the stable's best juvenile following another astonishing win by Black Caviar.
The Bel Esprit filly turned heads when she debuted last month at Flemington with a breathtaking five-length victory, but was even more dominant yesterday when she overcame a poor start to space her rivals by six lengths.
While Reward For Effort and Headway have the prizemoney and plenty of black type next to their names for their bold efforts this season, Black Caviar will begin the new season on August 1 as one of racing's buzz horses after strolling home in the $100,000 listed race.
It was not so much the margin she has won her two races by, but the easy manner in which she has travelled in beating her rivals.
Facing a handy field of youngsters, Black Caviar ($1.50 favourite) was not the best away yesterday and sat midfield for the first 200 metres before taking off around the outside to assume the lead near the 800-metre mark. From there, she dominated the race, streaking away from first-starter Demerit ($11) who finished second, with a half neck to Carrara ($15) third.
Moody watched Black Caviar's victory from Adelaide yesterday and he said he was delighted with what he saw.
"It's hard not to be impressed by that effort," he said. "She seemed to do it pretty easily and we haven't seen the bottom of her that's for sure."
Moody said his first thoughts were that the filly should go out immediately for a decent spell and be readied for the spring carnival.
"I'll get home and have a look at her but my immediate reaction is that we'll pull up stumps and start to plan for the spring.
"I've got some very smart ones (rising three-year-olds) and the hardest thing might be to place them all but I suppose that's not such a bad problem to have."
Moody spent $210,000 to secure Black Caviar last year as the filly was related to Moody's former star sprinter Magnus.
Black Caviar's rider yesterday, apprentice rider Jarrad Noske, explained the filly was still inexperienced in the barriers.
"She gets a bit anxious and is not always the best away," he said. "I didn't mind because I was going to ride her off the speed but she just pulled me up (to the leaders) under her own steam and was doing it easily."

Caviar Is One Right Out Of The Box
Saturday, 2 May 2009:

Racing and Sports Pty Ltd - Canberra, ACT, Australia

Black Caviar continued Bel Esprit's theme of providing stakes winning fillies when announcing herself as one of the very best two-year-olds to race in Australia this season with a six length win in Listed grade at Caulfield today.
The Peter Moody trained filly is the fifth stakes winner for Bel Esprit – and each of them have been fillies. Black Caviar follows Bel Mer, Vivacious Spirit, Gabbidon and Belcentra.The Eliza Park based stallion had his first Group 1 winner this season when Bel Mer landed the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes last month. 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 – Black Caviar now has a combined winning margin of 11 lengths in her two runs to date, having won by five lengths on debut at Flemington two weeks ago.A feature of both wins has been the sizzling times recorded and there is little doubt better wins now await.She 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. Bel Esprit –Australia's busiest stallion in 2007 – has had his 2009 fee cut by 50% to $16,500.

Inglis Graduates on Target in Three State Stakes Treble
Saturday, 2 May 2009:

Racing and Sports Pty Ltd - Canberra, ACT, Australia

Champion sprinter Takeover Target added to his legendary status in winning the G1 SAJC Goodwood, on a day where exciting Premier filly Black Caviar and recent Broodmare sale star Belong To Many also scored notable black type wins.In winning his 21st race, TAKEOVER TARGET ($1250 2003 Mixed, 9g Celtic Swing-Shady Stream) has now topped $6million in earnings.This was his eighth Group 1 success and he completed an Inglis quinella in South Australia's feature sprint, with $62,500 Classic graduate I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) holding on bravely for second after giving a bold sight in front.Joe Janiak now heads overseas again with his much-loved nine-year-old, hoping to replicate previous winning efforts in Singapore and Royal Ascot.Another international win would strengthen Takeover Target's claims for Horse of the Year, as he is now unbeaten in four starts this season in three different states.The Goodwood is the 22nd Group 1 race won by Inglis graduates in Australia this season.In Melbourne, BLACK CAVIAR ($210,000 2008 Premier, 2f Bel Esprit-Helsinge) made a one act affair of the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes in winning by six lengths, confirming her status as one of Australia's most exciting two-year-olds.The Peter Moody trained filly has now won her two starts by a combined 11 lengths - and both in sizzling time.Inglis juveniles have won 22 black type races in 2008-09, with Moody also contributing via his G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Reward For Effort - who like Black Caviar, was a Premier purchase.On the Gold Coast, BELONG TO MANY ($20,000 2005 Premier, 5m Belong To Me-Foil) added a fourth stakes win to her record when taking the Listed Silk Stocking Stakes.

Brilliant Black Caviar

Tara Madgwick - Saturday, 2 May 2009
Black Caviar looked good on debut when winning at Flemington by five lengths on April 18 and even better when taking the Listed MRC Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday by a widening six lengths.The daughter of Bel Esprit looks an exceptional talent with no rival able to get near her to date and none likely to for a while yet as she heads to the paddock in preparation for the spring.The Peter Moody trained filly led all the way in the 1200 metre sprint with Lonhro colt Demerit doing best of the rest for second and Elvstroem’s son Carrara in third.A $210,000 purchase from the Swettenham draft at the 2008 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Black Caviar (pictured as a yearling) 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.Swettenham sold a full brother to Black Caviar at the 2009 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $75,000 and Helsinge was covered last spring by Casino Prince.Black Caviar is the fifth stakes-winner for Eliza Park based Bel Esprit, whose oldest progeny are four-year olds.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.

Work The Room 1/05/09

Bookies Get Worked At Ballarat
Friday, 1 May 2009:
Colin Little unearthed a budding stayer in the sensationally backed Work The Room at Ballarat today.The gelding, a half brother to Zipping, was crunched on course for his debut, firming from $3.70 to start odds-on at $1.90.
Ridden by Danny Brereton, he was last early but edged closer under his own steam on the inside before being angled out wider. In the clear in the straight, he cruised up the leader and won by a length under a solid hold.
Little said Work The Room had always shown ability but felt he would be a stayer.“Even though he's by Bel Esprit we think he'll stay, like Zipping,” Little said. “He's needed a lot of time. The owners have been patient but I think they'll see a very nice horse.”
Little paid $160,000 for the gelding at the Inglis easter sales. He is from the mare Social Scene, who is a half sister to 2005 Champion European three-year-old Scorpion, who won three Group 1 races and Canadian Group 1 winner Memories.

Black Caviar 1/05/09

MRC hosts metropolitan double-header
Melbourne Racing Club
The Victorian metropolitan racing focus turns to the Melbourne Racing Club’s double-header this weekend with the Blue Sapphire Stakes meeting at Caulfield on Saturday coupled with the annual Greater Dandenong Race Day at Betfair Park on Sunday.
The $100,500 Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes, being run for the fifth year and the second year as a Listed race, will see Peter Moody’s promising two-year-old, Black Caviar, return to the track after an impressive debut at Flemington.
Black Caviar, a daughter of Bel Esprit, won her maiden race by 5 lengths down the straight course at Flemington two weeks ago and on Saturday, has the chance to add some valuable black-type to her record, at only her second start, in this Listed event.
Previous winners of the Blue Sapphire Classic have been Readyforcatherine (2005), Green Birdie (2006), Emjay Hussey (2007) and Gold in Dubai (2008).
Green Birdie, then trained by Brian Jenkins, has since been transferred the Casper Fownes stable in Hong Kong where he has competed at the highest level and his best result to date was running second, beaten by only a nose, in the Group One Hong Kong International Sprint last December. The winner of that race was Inspiration, trained by ex-patriot Australian John Moore and the third place-getter was Australia’s champion sprinter, Apache Cat.
Sunday’s meeting at Betfair Park highlights the Melbourne Racing Club’s close association with the City of Greater Dandenong with the running of this years Greater Dandenong Race Day.
Growing in stature each year, the sixth annual Greater Dandenong Race Day promises to be another wonderful day with lots of children’s activities and entertainment in addition to two race course tours and a race book competition, where patrons could win a scenic helicopter flight over Melbourne.
Caulfield racecourse Manager, Jason Kerr and Betfair Park’s racecourse manager, Tim Bailey, have issued track reports this morning.
Caulfield is currently rated a Dead 5, with the rail in the rail in the 7 metre position.
There has been 26 mm of rainfall for the week and no irrigation has been applied.
The Hillside circuit at Betfair Park is currently rated a Slow 7, with the rail in the 4 metre position. Betfair Park has received 36.8 mm of rainfall for the week and again, no irrigation has been applied.

No Respite 1/05/09

Inglis $50K Bonus Goes Off At Wagga
Thursday, 30 April 2009: Not A Single Doubt gelding Take This Waltz became the third horse to earn one of the lucrative Inglis bonuses in the $2,500,0000 Inglis Race Series when saluting in the Inglis Series 2YO Handicap at Wagga Wagga today.TAKE THIS WALTZ ($65,000 2008 Easter, 2g Not A Single Doubt-Sway With Me) just beat home the fast finishing fellow Inglis Race Series entrants NO RESPITE ($45,000 2008 Classic, 2g Bel Esprit-Steely Dancer) and HEWENTWHOOSH ($4,500 2008 Scone, Dane Shadow-Zebithea), picking up a $50,000 bonus in addtion to the $12,800 first prizemoney and BOBS bonus.

Black Caviar 1/05/09

High-priced debutant a chance to dazzle Blue Sapphire
Andrew EddyMay 1, 2009
THE racing carnivals have moved onto Adelaide and the Gold Coast this weekend, but tomorrow's Caulfield meeting will be far from overlooked with the running of the listed Blue Sapphire Stakes for two-year-olds.
The $100,000 race's headliner Black Caviar stunned all who saw her five-length romp at Flemington on debut two weeks ago.
The Peter Moody-trained youngster is already earmarked as a future star, but don't be surprised if the race unearths another horse of group 1 quality. Making his debut is the Redoute's Choice colt L'heritier, who, as a $2.7 million buy at the 2008 Sydney Easter sales, is the third highest-priced yearling ever to be sold in Australia. He was purchased by Sheik Mohammed's Darley.
The colt is out of the magnificently bred mare Salameh, who was a half-sister to group 1 winner Al Maher and whose granddam, Dancing Show, produced Redoute's Choice's dam Shantha's Choice among a list of other stakeswinners.
"He's taken a little while to come through as he was quite immature, but I'm happy with the way he's come on," his trainer, Lee Freedman, said yesterday. "He's been finishing his work off very well and he's got some scope over ground in the future. I don't know about him beating home Peter's (Moody) horse (Black Caviar), but I'm sure he'll be hitting the line."
High-priced yearlings are rarely the stars of their age, but Freedman has enjoyed some success with two other expensive yearlings for Darley. The Redoute's Choice filly Estee, a $2.1 million buy in 2007, is already a stakeswinner while Redoute's Choice colt Time Thief, who fetched $2 million in 2007, is a listed winner and has two group 1 placings from just seven runs.