CONNECTING THE BEL DOTS

It’s probably fair to say that Bel Esprit hasn’t had much of a platform in Western Australia, with the vast majority of his runners based on the east coast.
That said, most of the recent Bel Esprit ‘traffic’ has largely been devoted to the deeds of his runners on the other side of the Nullabor including the victory of Lady Beldon last Thursday at Northam and the continued deeds of brilliant filly Peach Tree.
Speaking of which, wasn’t she a good thing beaten in the Belmont Oaks-LR on Saturday? Taking nothing away from the eventual winner, Peach Tree had very little room to work with in the run home and eventually missed out by a long neck after coming from 10th on the turn.
She thus went close to becoming Bel Esprit’s 10th stakes winner (jockey Daniel Staeck lodged an unsuccessful protest), but is clearly a filly with above average ability.
Suitably Connected, who originally raced in Victoria and NSW, was suitably successful and suitably rewarded when he appeared over 1200m at Carnarvon on Sunday, his second victory and fifth cheque from 12 outings.
Bred by Peter Cameron, Suitably Connected is out of the Godswalk mare, Seaside Attraction, an outstanding Melbourne sprinter who won six races: who has subsequently produced seven winners since retiring to stud.
Importantly – well as far as Eliza Park is concerned – her multiple city winning daughter, Weekend Surprise, is in turn the dam of Moonee Valley Champagne Stakes-G3 winner Dan Baroness who just happens to be a daughter of Statue of Liberty.
An outstanding family, other members include Group One winner Pride of Rancho, Golden Slipper winner John’s Hope and Sydney Cup winner Count Chivas.