BEL ESPRIT 2YO STRIKES ... AND HOW!

Tasmanian breeders and owners, Dr Vu van Tu and Amanda Lockett are never far from a winner these days and grabbed some headlines in November when their smart Bel Esprit filly in Taiyin scored over 1200m at Devonport.
(They also pay the feed bills for Leon Corstens’ nippy Bel Esprit 4YO Silver Bullion who won at Moonee Valley in June and finished third, when resuming, to Nullarbor Crossing at Flemington on New Year’s Day).
Roll the clock forward some six weeks and Dr Vu and Amanda have every reason to be excited about the prospects of another Bel Esprit – this one a 2YO by the name of Strike The Tiger.
Not only did Strike The Tiger become Bel Esprit’s first juvenile winner of the season with his victory over 1000m at Devonport on 6 January, he became one of his most emphatic winners ever, taking out the Southern Cross TV Handicap by a whopping eight lengths!
In the stable of Michael Trinder, the trainer clearly has an opinion of Strike The Tiger and don’t be surprised if the youngster figures prominently in Tasmania’s summer carnival.
For a run down of the race, an interview with Michael Trinder and photos, visit tasracing.
Strike The Tiger is out of the Straight Strike mare Bonnie Lassy, a half sister to multiple Kiwi SW Orange Walk and another NZ SW in Monarch Prince.
Strike The Tiger is also a direct descendant of the famous Dulcie, whose line has produced Balmerino, Surround, Purple Patch, Lord Hybrow, Beau Zam and My Tristram’s Belle.
Big hoofsteps to follow, but unlikely that any won their debuts by eight lengths!