New Zealand syndicator Fortuna’s silks have been to the fore during Melbourne Cup Week through the deeds of Melody Belle, and they are hoping they can feature prominently once more through their rising star Bellatrix Star.
Melody Belle won the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) on Derby Day five years ago for then Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards, and if Bellatrix Star performs up to expectations in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday, she too could be heading towards the feature meeting.
The daughter of Star Witness has been in scintillating form for trainer Mark Walker in Australia this preparation, winning the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) at Flemington last month before repeating the result in the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.
“She has grown a leg,” Walker said. “It is terrific for New Zealand racing as a whole because we need our horses to perform. There are quite a few Group Ones on warnings, so any New Zealand-trained horses that can go to Australia and perform is good for the whole industry. It has been satisfying.”
Bellatrix Star has drawn barrier four in Saturday’s nine-horse field and will be ridden by Craig Williams.
“It is not easy taking on the older horses over there. She is in brilliant form, so we will see how we go,” Walker said.
The trans-Tasman trainer is eyeing his mare’s options post Saturday but is leaning towards a tilt at an elite-level target at Flemington next month.
“Perhaps the Coolmore Stakes, the Group One three-year-old race on Derby Day,” he said.
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