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56.
Inglis Updates
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19/08/2002 |
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Last
season's leading Victorian juvenile BEL ESPRIT launched his spring assault with
an explosive performance to win the MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes L by three
lengths. The muscular bay colt defied an on-course betting drift to thump some
talented rivals and clock a second quicker time than Sydney sprint king Mistegic
and leading female speedster Innovation Girl.
Bel Esprit has displayed some unruly pre-race manners in the past, but appeared
at peace with the world on Saturday. Under replacement rider Nash Rawiller, the
colt didn't put a hoof wrong and his obvious physical development appears to
have been matched in the mental department. He cruised easily in the run with
neck arched awaiting further orders and when asked to do so, put paid to the
others in a couple of strides.
Honourable mentions for the minor placegetters, particularly Able Choice who has
set an interesting precedent being the first horse to campaign successfully in
Hong Kong as a two year old and return to stakes competition in Australia.
Purchased at the 2001 Classic Yearling Sale for just $9,000, Bel Esprit looks
set for further glory this spring and good luck to him! He gives hope to
everyone who's ever bought a cheap yearling. Good horses come in all shapes and
sizes and not all of them fit the mould of equine perfection that many yearling
buyers aspire to.
Saletoppers go Head to Head
Racegoers will get to see a rare match up at Randwick on Wednesday afternoon,
when STANFORD (2001 Easter $1.1 million) and FIAMMAROSA (2001 Easter $950,000)
the top priced colt and filly from the 2001 Australian Easter Yearling Sale do
battle in Race 5, the Botany Maiden Plate.
Stanford, from the Gai Waterhouse stable, made an encouraging debut on August
5th when fourth over 1000 metres. On that occasion he drew wide and struck
trouble, before finally reaching the lead only to be run down near the line. His
work since has been stylish and the 1400 metres seems made to measure.
The Max Lees trained Fiammarosa is also coming off a last start fourth and she
too will benefit from the step up in distance. Her dam Shindig was seen at her
best when racing over 1400 to 1600 metres winning eight races highlighted by the
STC Coolmore Classic Gr 1.
South African trainer David Payne will saddle his first runner in the event,
SIERRA DANE (2001 Easter $320,000) and she could be the stumbling block for her
high priced rivals. The filly is Group Two placed in New Zealand from just three
starts and under the set weight conditions looks extraordinarily well placed.
Catalogues coming soon
2002 William Inglis Australian 2YO Breeze Up Sale
Friday 27th September, Newmarket, Sydney
Breeze Up Sessions
Flemington 6th September
Randwick 9th September
By Tara Madgwick
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