BELS RINGING

Bel Sprinter has had plenty of luck recently – only trouble is, it’s all been bad!

The Jason Warren flyer couldn’t buy a run in the Oakleigh Plate-G1 and was then scratched from the Newmarket-G1 due to a minor injury.

Returning in the Challenge Stakes-G2 at Rosehill on Saturday, he was rated highly despite the presence of Sydney specialist, Rain Affair, winner of 10 of his previous 12 starts – four of those at stakes level.

The punters had it right and Rain Affair duly scored, but without taking anything from the winner, Bel Sprinter’s performance was duly noted.

Missing the kick by a loooong way, Bel Sprinter had a lot of trouble finding daylight in the run home, but powered home over the last little bit to give his trainer plenty of hope for the remainder of his campaign.

But while Bel Sprinter hasn’t had much go his way, other Bel Esprits have been on target the past week or so with:

• Mick Price’s Sir Fernando (ex. Ruby Doll by Desert Style) notching up his second win on the trot at Moonee Valley, clearing out by 2 lengths in the Hacer Group Premium Plate (1200m) on 23 March.
• Bayonet Charge (ex. Inquiring Lady by Lord Ballina) winning the Ardlethan Cup on 24 March.
• A two state double on 25 March with Forty Two Below (ex. Danish by Danehill) capturing the Macedon Ranges Cup at Kyneton and Lady Gower (ex. Caralia by Bletchingly) the Yalumba Wines on the Sunshine Coast.
• Bill & Simon Wilde’s Brewski (ex. Summer Magic by Eagling) snaring win No. 4 when a comfortable winner at Donald on 26 March.
• Con Karakatsanis’ Toja Star (ex. Shanais by Air de France) maintaining his unbeaten run by winning his second start over 1300m at Hawkesbury on 29 March.
• Robert Smerdon’s 3YO, Glenmaura (ex. Miss Doopsy by Bite the Bullet) scoring easily on debut at Mornington on 30 March.
• Another double when, firstly, the Kevin Sheedy bred Geoesprit (ex. Georgia by Naturalism) won over 1200m at Pioneer Park then Robbie Griffiths’ Vain Attraction (ex. Centennial by Centaine) notched up a much deserved win at Moonee Valley on 31 March.

9 winners in 9 days!

Sir Fernando