BEL v BEL

Saturday’s Group Two Schweppes Stakes was shaping – for some time – as the match race of 2010 (possibly the past decade) with the anticipated clash of STATUE OF LIBERTY’s flyer, Hay List and unbeaten BEL ESPRIT mare, Black Caviar.
Firstly, it appeared Black Caviar wouldn’t front the starter due to missing some vital trackwork, then following a sparkling hit out on Tuesday, trainer Peter Moody accepted for his star performer.
However, Hay List was then outed with an elevated temperature and is now likely to keep his powder dry until the Salinger Stakes-G1 on Derby Day.
Under normal circumstances, the scratching would deflate any hype balloon, but the addition of another Bel Esprit in the small field should get the adrenalin flowing.
Marianne Smart’s flashy homebred, True Persuasion, should not be discounted in any fashion and is rated a huge chance by his trainer Mick Price.
Indeed, Mick was confident of turning the tables on Hay List whom True Persuasion ran second to in the Group One Manikato Stakes on 24 September: over the same distance as the Schweppes.
Bel Esprit’s 2006 foal crop really carries some oomph as Black Caviar and True Persuasion aside, other 4YOs include stakes winner Peach Tree, black typer Tollesprit, 5-time winner Belletrist, Cosmic Vision, Chatrang, Esprit Son and co.

SHOWDOWN! Black Caviar (above) and True Persuasion (below)