Te Akau Oaks' Winner on Exhibition

New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Belle En Rouge (Burgundy) had an exhibition gallop with dual Group One winning sprinter Levante (Proisir) between races on Saturday at Te Rapa.

Bred by David Ellis CNZM & Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM, and owned by Te Akau Beautiful in Red Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Belle En Rouge tied for New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year last season with stable-mate Self Obsession (Shocking), who was seen getting home stylishly alongside stable-mate The Perfect Pink (Savabeel) when the pair resumed over 1400 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

Ridden by Opie Bosson, with Ryan Elliot aboard 2021/22 Champion Sprinter Levante, they worked over 1000 metres in 1:02.3, 800m in 49.1, and final 600m in 34.7.

After overcoming adversity for close second in the Open 1400 metres on 24 September at Ruakaka, in what was a tough first-up run, Belle En Rouge disappointed in the Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m) on 8 October, but Bosson was satisfied on dismounting.

“I can't fault her, really, and she did well to keep up with (sprinter) Levante,” he said.

Safely through the gallop and providing she does everything right in the interim, Belle En Rouge is scheduled for the Open (Listed, 1500m) on Melbourne Cup Day (1 November) at Pukekohe.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz