Oaks Dream for Bargain Buy Staying Filly

Media Release - Thursday September 7
Blanco Belle will face an early test in black type company on Saturday and her performance at Wanganui could fuel a longer-term dream of an Australian classic.

Blanco Belle - Race ImagesShe will make her second appearance in the Listed The O'Leary's Fillies' Stakes following a dominant effort to win on debut at Hawera last month.

"She's a staying filly and this is her first preparation," part-owner and trainer Susan Rainford said.

"She was difficult to break in – she's tough and strong for her age, even though she doesn't actually turn three until October.

"There's not a lot around for staying fillies in New Zealand so we might give her a spell after this.

There's a nice race in Australia – the VRC Oaks, that's ambitious but you never know."

Rainford said she had been particularly pleased with Blanco Belle's recent work at New Plymouth.

"She galloped last Tuesday, the 29th, in a faster time than Kawi and this Tuesday her track rider said she galloped better, more settled."

The only glitch in the preparation has been confirming a jockey for the filly.

"I thought I had Chris Johnson, but his agent rang on Monday to say he was riding at Riccarton and a lot of the other jockeys were taken," Rainford said.

"Kate Cowan, who won on her at Hawera, is also riding down there so I've got Sarah MacNab."

Blanco Belle could prove a smart piece of business for Rainford and her partners as she only cost them $3000 out of Cambridge Stud's draft at New Zealand Bloodstock's National Weanling Sale at Karaka in 2015.

"She was the only Cape Blanco in the sale and I thought a lot of him," she said. "He was well-performed and by Galileo." – NZ Racing Desk.

Footnote : Blanco Belle is from the family of Group I WATC West Australian Derby winner Wonder Dancer and claims Champion NZ 3YO Star Belle as her fourth dam.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday January 28
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday January 27
Here is the full list of 8 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Stars Step Out at Caulfield Trials on Thursday
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) will host a comprehensive morning of official trials at Caulfield Heath on Thursday 29 January, with 15 trials scheduled to commence from 7.30am featuring stars such as Treasurethe Moment and Giga Kick.   
Building future leaders: Aushorse Graduate Program underway for 2026
The 2026 Aushorse Graduate Program officially commenced yesterday in Victoria, welcoming 10 outstanding university graduates from across Australia for the opening of the program’s two-week intensive learning block.
Third Declarations for G1 Blue Diamond - Who is in the Mix?
Third declarations have been confirmed for next month’s $2 million Group 1 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), with more than 60 two-year-olds still in the mix for Victoria’s premier juvenile feature.
Share in Debut Runner-Up Popular on Magic Millions Digital
A share in recent Magic Millions The Debut runner-up Say You Will has been snapped up by one of the country's leading racehorse owners when selling today on Magic Millions Digital for $30,000.
Karaka Colts Can Boost Thompson Stable
Flemington trainer Glen Thompson is keen to build up his stable numbers and was pleased to come away with a pair of colts by Sword of State at Tuesday’s Book 2 session of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales.
First Stakes Win for Dark Princess
Progressive mare Dark Princess continued her rise up the ranks with her first victory at stakes level when successful in Saturday’s Group III Gee & Hickton Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham.
Home Affairs 2YO Primed for G3 Assignment
A week after the pick of the eligible crop did battle in the Listed Karaka Millions (1200m), a second wave of quality juveniles are set to line up at Ellerslie in Saturday’s Gr.3 Colin Jillings Classic (1200m).
One to Watch – Kembla – Pedigree Gurus Take Note
Widden Stud’s Russian Camelot (IRE) has struck a purple patch with four winners since last Saturday and a maiden winner at Kembla today from the John Sargent stable produced a freaky finish to snatch what seemed a highly unlikely win and he also has a freaky pedigree!