RING IN ANOTHER DOUBLE

Amidst all the hoop-la of Black Caviar’s weight gain and suggestions from the likes of Dr Turf that a sponsorship deal with Jenny Craig is imminent, the business of racing rolled on like the juggernaut it is, throwing up another two Bel Esprit winners at Ballarat yesterday.

And while neither might aspire to the lofty benchmark established by their globally acclaimed sibling, both recorded – very – good wins and between them can lay claim to a fair dose of ability.

The Patrick Yii bred, Eliza Park pre-trained and Mick Price trained, Loveyamadly, was despatched a $1.80 favourite in the Sportsbet.com.au Handicap over 1000m and won accordingly, clearing out by two lengths to record a comfortable win – her third from five outings. A winner at Moonee Valley in February last year and with successive close up placings in town before being tipped out for six months, Loveyamadly (from the Danehill Dancer mare Beauty World) has clearly returned as good as ever and a trip to town beckons.

Much the same can be said for Darren Weir’s Tilla Bell Rings who has also been off the scene for half a year before shaking off the rust to score in the last as favourite.

Tilla Bell Rings – bred by the successful Standen/Lupson combo (who also race the horse in partnership) – has now won two from four and their were excuses for both defeats including a third on debut (after hitting the running rail) and third as odds favourite at Morphettville when he was slow to jump and beaten just over a length.

Tilla Bell Rings is out of the Umatilla mare, Cliptilla – a half sister to Flemington stakes winner Dr Nipandtuck – and is linebred to Nijinsky through a son and a daughter.

Maybe no trophies for Mick Price yesterday, but plenty of reason to hope.