5 FOR BEL

The eyes of the world were on Black Caviar when she donkey-licked rivals in the Schweppes Stakes-G2 at Moonee Valley on 22 October – the unbeaten mare’s 15^th straight victory – but it’s also worth noting she wasn’t the only Bel Esprit to fly the flag that day.

In fact, Black Caviar was one of five winners by Victoria’s Champion Sire with Bel Sir scoring an impressive victory at Tatura, while Royal Express, Stacey Lee and Venus di Milo notched up a treble at Albury.

And yes, Black Caviar was clearly the stand out with her six length romp but Bel Sir scored by four and Stacey Lee won with three to spare: all up, the combined winning margins from the five winners was 18 lengths.

Royal Express is a 6YO, while Black Caviar and Venus di Milo are 5YO mares, Bel Sir is a 4YO and Stacey Lee a 3YO filly.

Royal Express was recording win No. 5, Stacey Lee her second from four starts and Bel Sir was an interesting result for Neil Dyer, who not only trains the horse but is also part owner and breeder.

Neil trained Bel Sir’s mum, Mrs Bently, to 13 wins including stakes placings at Caulfield and Moonee Valley and she is half sister to stakes winner Gently Bently.

They are also closely related to Manikato Stakes-G2 winner Touch of Genius and multiple Melbourne Group winner Moudre.

Venus di Milo - the other one!