WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

The stakes action swings across the Nullabor on Saturday, but there’s still plenty of money to be had at Moonee Valley with the progeny of Bel Esprit, Clangalang, God’s Own and Statue of Liberty all having decent chances of success.
In fact, in what would be the main race of the day – the TAB iPhone App Handicap – BEL ESPRIT has three live chances, while STATUE OF LIBERTY’s Solchow will be chasing his seventh win overall and second win at the track.
Bel Esprit – with Flemington stakes winner Silver Bullion, 5-time winner Waltzes and the highly promising, but hugely unlucky Esprit de Bullet (4 wins from 8 starts) – has three lining up against Solchow.
Bel Esprit continues to go from strength to strength and, according to Bel Esprit Winners Club’s Brian Donohoe – the Champion Victorian Sire recorded his 14th treble last Friday (Illogical, Belle Diva and Thief in the Nite who notched up his eighth win in the Philippines). It could easily have been five winners on the day with both Ripa Artois and Belcino running terrific seconds at Moonee Valley.
On Sunday, Bel Esprit also produced a winner – Lagobelle – in WA and, on Wednesday, yet another two state double with Belgietto and Beleconi.
Bel Esprit’s other runners at Moonee Valley on Saturday include last season’s stakes winning 2YO, Strike the Tiger and smart filly Crystal Castles, resuming after a win at Bendigo and fourth at Flemington and she looks a likely type having posted two trial victories in recent weeks.
CLANGALANG miler, Lakedro, has again been in solid form this spring with a second in the Sale Cup followed by a fighting sixth at Flemington on Oaks Day and could easily add to his tally at the Valley.
And, whatever you do, keep Lady Pania safe in www.mvrc.net.au Handicap … the GOD’S OWN filly won solidly on debut at Bendigo in October and is a much better horse than her fifth over 1000m here last Friday night.

BEL ESPRIT

• Crystal Castles (ex. Largo by Encosta de Lago). Breeder: JR Matthews
• Esprit de Bullet (ex. Beat the Bullet by Bite the Bullet). Breeder: Tori Park Stud
• Silver Bullion (ex. Silver Barbie by Desert King). Breeder: VV Tu
• Strike the Tiger (ex. Bonnie Lassy by Straight Strike). Breeder: VV Tu
• Waltzes (ex. Dance the Music by Picnicker). Breeder: LD Rhodes, W Calendar

CLANGALANG

• Lakedro (ex. Enchanting Style by Nassipour). Breeder: DH Rose

GOD’S OWN

• Lady Pania (ex. Tannadice Park by Rory’s Jester). Breeder: Rick Smith Bloodstock

STATUE OF LIBERTY

• Solchow (ex. Triple Solchow by Citidancer). Breeder: Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds

Outstanding Bel Esprit sprinter Esprit de Bullet