SPRINT TO BEL

Bel Esprit produced ‘four’ winners on Friday, although (understandably!) there was only room in the spotlight for one.

Black Caviar’s 24^th had everyone in a muck lather and if she’s not the greatest of all time, then she has certainly had the greatest coverage. How we’ll miss her when she steps off the stage.

Such was the fanfare, little notice was given to the promising, Excited Spirit, who won his second race on the trot (from only four outings), scoring by three over 1600m at Werribee.

And, just an hour BC (Before Caviar), City of Song was very impressive over 1200m at the Valley – John Moloney has done a great job with this mare and she has now won four and nearly $300k in stakes.

Amidst all the hoopla, her win garnered little attention but she is a mighty fine sprinter and on any other night …

But for Bel Esprit buffs, the most ominous performance of the day might have been staged some 870kms from Moonee Valley racecourse in a barrier trial at Randwick.

Jason Warren sent around his star performer, Bel Sprinter (below), in an 800m trial and, despite being off the scene for over four months, the 5YO won handily with Isabella Snowflake (four from five and a Flemington stakes winner earlier this month) in second, while 3-time stakes winner Master Harry filed in third.

Indeed, only one of the 10 trialing has not been successful at black type level!