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A two-time winner of the group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, Belclare spent the first half of the season in Sydney with Bjorn Baker, adding a pair of group 2 wins and over $A1 million ($NZ1.1m) in earnings to her already
dazzling Kiwi record.
Returning to the care of Lisa Latta, the Per Incanto mare attempted a defence of her group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) crown on Karaka Millions night but faded after a tough trip three-wide, a result her trainer is happy to forgive.
"She had a really tough run. She was caught three-wide with no cover and I think that effort told," she said.
The soft conditions at Ellerslie were not in Belclare’s favour on that occasion, but after pleasing Latta in the leadup, a firm track should bring her back into contention.
The TAB market has her fourth favourite at $14.
"Ellerslie suits her when it’s really firm, which it wasn’t on Karaka Millions night, but the forecast looks good for this weekend," Latta said.
"She had a few days in the paddock and come back. She’s been for a trip to Ōtaki for a gallop and I’m really happy with her. She looks great."
Latta confirmed that, all going well tomorrow, the 7-year-old would return to defend her title and chase a threepeat in the Breeders’ Stakes on Champions Day.
The Awapuni horsewoman will have a busy week with more than a dozen runners lining up at Whanganui today and Otaki tomorrow, the latter featuring talented mare Belle’s Echo in the open 1200m sprint.
A winner of five, Belle’s Echo impressed winning first up and continued that form into third at the Wellington Cup meeting, before disappointing on the backup over 1400m.
"We gave her a week off. It was a really disappointing run and I just don’t think she backed up, which she’s done once before," Latta said.
"We’re going in here a bit on the fresher side."
Stable stalwart Lincoln Star and group 1 winner He’s A Doozy had both been nominated for the open 1600m, but the latter may be seen further south on March 1, as Latta is considering a tilt at the group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA at Wingatui.
— Jess De Lautou. LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
