Maven Belle's Magic Debut

Homebred filly Maven Belle (2 f Burgundy - Doyenne, by Kilimanjaro) looked good winning a $12,000 Maiden 2YO 1000 metre event on 3 January, the second of two two-year-old races on card at Te Aroha - both won by Te Akau, the latter a stable quinella.

With form to match stable-mate and second placed Hanalei (Darci Brahma), from their trials on 21 December at Ellerslie, Maven Belle utilized barrier three to trail, received room to challenge at the 300m and quickened clear for smart win.

“She was quiet in the gates, travelled so well and once we got room she flew,” said Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin.

In race sponsored by Hootnanny Country Rock Festival at Thames, Maven Belle ran 1000 metres in 58.4, last 600m 33.0, scored by one and a half lengths, and paid $18.20 & $3.10 on NZ TAB tote.

By five-time stakes winner Burgundy (Redoute's Choice), from stakes' placed winner of six to 2000 metres, Doyenne (Kilimanjaro), Maven Belle is bred for further but appeared capable of a cheeky run.

“Doyenne is a half-sister to Ken Kelso's mare Levante, and was placed in the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m),” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.

“We bought Doyenne as a weanling and she was a pretty good racehorse. This foal developed into a very nice weanling and we syndicated among some really good clients of the stable.

“Interestingly, the first two, Maven Belle and Hanalei were in the same paddock here at Te Akau Stud from the day they were born.

“They were reared on the hills and it's another great result for our homebred fillies after Belle En Rouge, another Burgundy filly, recently won both the Eulogy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) and Eight Carat Classic (Gr. 2, 1600m).”

Ellis said, that all going to plan, Maven Belle could have her next start in Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) on 26 February at Matamata.

“She looks an ideal filly for that race and I'm thrilled for the owners that she's been able to win on debut,” he added. “I thought Joe (Kamaruddin) rode her really well, too.”

Ellis purchased Burgundy as a yearling, along with his three-quarter brother and Champion Sire Darci Brahma (Danehill).

“She's a good-looking, athletic, filly and has got pedigree as well, being related to Levante,” said trainer Jamie Richards.

“She trialled really well in her first trial and her second trial was just okay. But she'd been working up nicely at home and I was quietly confident she would go out and acquit herself well.

“It was a good effort from Joe. She drew well, ended up in a nice position just behind the leaders and obviously the two-kilo weight relief (53.5kg) was a big help as well.

“She's a filly we've got a bit of time for and there are some nice options coming up. She's in good shape and she's open to more improvement as she continues to strengthen and mature.

“It was a nice homebred quinella, with the second horse Hanalei, being owned by mum and dad (Paul & Leanne Richards) and friends Bill and Sandra Duell.”

Maven Belle was strapped by Rylee Sheehan.

An accomplished young show jumper, 16-year-old Sheehan was dual EvoEvents Horse Grand Prix Series winner in September on Bandito.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz