Riccarton Double - Win No.1 Belle of the Ball Beautiful

Backed as though a mere formality, Belle of the Ball (4 m Savabeel - Lady Tatia, by Duke of Marmalade) again justified favouritism ($1.50) in the $14,000 Rating 65 1400 metres on 14 September at Riccarton.

Runner-up in the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) in April at Riccarton, and resuming with a second to stable-mate Savito (Savabeel) in the Maiden Fillies & Mares 1300 metres on 24 August at Taupo, Belle of the Ball had raced away to score by nearly four lengths in the Maiden 1400 metres (poly-track) on 1 September at Riccarton, running the fastest last 600m (32.7) on the day, and the form was simply too good.

Although settling rearward from barrier eight posed some concerns, Belle of the Ball travelled well inside the 600m and ranged into contention with authority before drawing out to win easily.

Looking an absolute picture in the prelim, Belle of the Ball won by two and a quarter lengths and ran 1400 metres in 1:23.1.

“She's a really progressive mare,” said trainer Mark Walker from the course. “We've come back down to the South Island with the view of getting her rating high enough to contest the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) on 22 October at Riccarton.

“It was a lovely ride by Joe (Kamaruddin). She's a mare that we've always had a lot of time for and she's really starting to come of age.”

Belle of the Ball also holds a nomination for the Coupland's Bakeries Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) during Cup Week on 9 November at Riccarton, won last year by stable-mate Markus Aurelius (Ghibellines).

By seven-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), dam Lady Tatia (Duke of Marmalade) won twice to 1850 metres and finished third in the Moonee Valley Classic (Gr. 2, 1600m).

Her dam sire, Duke of Marmalade (Danehill), was a Group One winner to 2400 metres, from an excellent family, and amongst his progeny was ultra-consistent seven-time winner Marmelo who finished runner-up in the Melbourne Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m), while winning three 3000 metres races at Group Two and Group Three levels.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “We really liked her and thought she was one of Waikato Stud's best fillies. She's very correct, has good colour, and a lovely pedigree.”

While vendor Mark Chittick concurred, when saying: “She's a beautiful classic type filly and been a lovely filly all the way through her life. She's always been great to do anything with, and from the family of great galloper Shogun Lodge (Grand Lodge).”

Belle of the Ball was strapped by Hunter Durrant.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz