Riccarton Triple Treat - Win No.2 Belle of the Ball

Backed as if unbeatable, Belle of the Ball (4 m Savabeel - Lady Tatia, by Duke of Marmalade) justified her favouritism ($1.40) in the $14,000 Maiden 1400 metres on 1 September at Riccarton.

Ending her previous campaign in good form, running the fastest last 600m (34.6) for second in the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) on 23 April at Riccarton, Belle of the Ball had shown her liking for the poly-track when quickening for second in a trial on 19 July at Cambridge (poly-track), and subsequently won a trial on 16 August at Avondale.

When resuming in the Maiden Fillies & Mares 1300 metres on 24 August at Taupo, she ran the fastest last 600m (35.9) for second to stable-mate Savito (Savabeel), and the form looked good after fifth placed stable-mate Illicit Miss (Hinchinbrook) stylishly won the Maiden 1600 metres earlier in the programme.

There were a few moments of concern for Belle of the Ball, after beginning awkwardly and requiring room approaching the home turn, but once Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin seized on space at the 300m she quickly put the issue beyond doubt.

At the line, she had raced away to score by three and three-quarter lengths, running 1400 metres in a polished 1:22.9 on the poly-track.

“She was pretty unlucky here in the autumn in the Warstep Stakes out of a wide gate, but she's stronger now and looks set for a good campaign,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“The owners have been patient and she's got a really nice future.”

Depending on her progress through the grades, Walker outlined possible targets of the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) on 22 October at Riccarton, or the Coupland's Bakeries Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m), for which she is nominated, during Cup Week on 9 November at Riccarton.

Owned by Te Akau Belle of the Ball Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $300,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud.

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, good colour, with 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