The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Bellazaine ($5.00) has sustained a tough run to claim the Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, holding out Beiwacht ($11.00) in the shadows of the post.
It was a terrific constellation prize for the daughter of Zousain after being unable to gain a spot in the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) later in the program, with the two-year-old listed as the first emergency after acceptances.
Regan Bayliss took all luck out of the equation, electing to sit outside the leader throughout the 1000m contest, while the stable companion Anarchist ($10.00) led them out at a solid tempo in the middle stages.
Beiwacht was the big drifter with horse racing bookmakers, starting $11.00 after opening $5.00, with the Godolphin colt gaining the economical run throughout behind the leading pair.
Extractor ($3.90) hit the line well after being forced back into the ruck from gate 10, but they were all chasing Bellazaine in the final furlong, and while Beiwacht was putting in the big strides late, he was simply no match for the returning filly.
Adrian Bott was on course at Randwick to discuss the win and what’s next for their talented filly.
“I think that’s certainly some consolation for the owners there,” said Bott.
“Some important black type and residual value for her, and importantly some prize money to count towards going to the Golden Slipper.
“She was emergency in the big race with the women’s only bonus there they were chasing, but I’m sure they’ll still be very satisfied with a big win today.
“She’s certainly up to it (Golden Slipper). She’s a lovely big, strong filly. She’s had the advantage of having a preparation.
“Things didn’t necessarily go to plan for her in the Gimcrack, she was always sort of one of our leading filly’s going into that race, and just the wide draw affected her on the day.
“But no excuses today, she has come back that stronger and more seasoned filly. She can certainly put her hand up.”
Regan Bayliss was delighted with the win and referenced her toughness late.
“She is a filly that came through that spring form of the Gimcrack which has really stood up,” said Bayliss.
“She is a big, long, rangy and scopey filly that’s only going to get better once she gets over a little bit further.
“The Godolphin colt that’d had a run under his belt challenged her and she was tough right through the line.
“She is still a little bit baulky and having a look around at things. Tim has done most of the work on her and I grew confidence in hearing what he had to say about her. She didn’t disappoint today.”
Bellzaine is currently a $34.00 winning chance with Neds for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 22.
Horse racing news
