BEL … WHAT A RIPA

There’s been some stand out performances by Bel Esprit progeny this week with a treble on Anzac Day – including a thrilling win to Rebel Truce at Flemington – and a ripper run from Ripa Artois at Mornington.

The Patrick Payne 5YO, Rebel Truce (ex. Largo by Encosta de Lago), flew home at headquarters to score in a nail biter after laying in badly over the final stages. His first victory in town, Rebel Truce has now six races and close to $150k.

Full marks also to Michael Phillips who not only trains yesterday’s Mornington winner, Ripa Artois, he also bred the 4YO and is a part owner!

The Mornington jaunt was the second career victory for Ripa Artois (below) who is out of the Zabeel mare, Zartois, a granddaughter of the brilliant mare, Horlicks, a 6-time Group One winner and dam of Melbourne Cup winner, Brew.

But it was the comfortable win of L’esprit in the Thirst Camels Bottleshop Maiden at Geelong today that really captured the imagination.

Trained by Andrew Homann was stepping out for the first time at Geelong – as a 6YO entire! – and won with two lengths to spare.

Hailing from the Gold Brose mare, Gold Doubloon, L’esprit is living testimony to patience having its own reward.

With five winners in the past three days, Bel Esprit now has 104 individual winners in Australia for the season.