Onwards and Upwards for Grinzinger Belle

Mark Smith - Wednesday September 13

An intriguing maiden over 1300m for 3-year-old fillies to start the day at Sandown Hillside, with the first two finishers looking capable of playing a part in better races in the spring.

The bold-striding Grinzinger Belle holds off Roll On High (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Grinzinger Belle was sent off favourite following two impressive performances in maidens at Werribee and Geelong.

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Damian Lane controlled the race from the front on the daughter of Shamexpress. She was never in any real danger in holding the finish of the Shamus Award Roll On High, which motored home from last to get within a length and a half of the winner.

It was a neck back to the experienced, stakes placed, Zoustar filly Zousuko, which provided the measuring stick.

“O’Brien’s racing manager, Jack Howard, said the result was more impressive since it was not originally scheduled.

“We are pleased with how she has done this preparation. We were disappointed on Friday when the races at Mornington were called off because we thought 1500m around that circuit would suit her, especially the way she races up on the speed,” Howard said.

Plenty of dad in Grinzinger Belle (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

She has a high cruising speed. It was a perfect ride by Damian to let her roll in front and ensure it was not a sit-and-sprint.

“It’s great for (owner) John Wheeler, who is overseas enjoying a holiday. He is having a hot streak with the Grinzinger horses, and hopefully, we can keep it rolling for him.

“We will take her through her grades. There is a bit of form that came from her debut run at Werribee (second). We were a touch disappointed with her run at Geelong first up, but she bounced through it well.

“We will build her up. We expect to get her to some nice staying races in the spring.”

Grinzinger Belle a $32,000 Karaka yearling

John Wheeler purchased Grinzinger Belle for $32,000 from the Windsor Park draft in Book 2 of the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale.

The daughter of Shamexpress is the first foal of the once-raced Rip Van Winkle mare Ripsomemore, a half-sister to the South African group III winner Golden Parachute (Montjeu), stakes-placed Flax (Falkirk), and to the dam of ARC Eclipse Stakes winner Play That Song (Showcasing).

Ripsomemore has a 2-year-old filly by Rageese named Porthouse Lady in training with Ken Rae and Krystal Williams.

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Race Result - Ladbrokes Communities Mdn 1300m

Sandown-Hillside Track: Good(4) Time: 1:18.58
1
Grinzinger Belle
- 3f Shamexpress (NZ) x Ripsomemore (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle (IRE))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: Damian Lane 57
2
1.5
Roll On High
- 3f Shamus Award (AUS) x All Highs On Me (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: P G Moody & Katherine Coleman Rdr: L Nolen 57
3
1.8
Zousuko
- 3f Zoustar (AUS) x Tetsuko (AUS) (I Am Invincible (AUS))
Tnr: John McArdle Rdr: J Mott 57
4
2.0
Socks Nation
- 3f Sioux Nation (USA) x Tahnee Tiara (AUS) (Commands (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: John Allen 57
5
2.1
Ersa
- 3f Lonhro (AUS) x Erato (AUS) (Street Cry (IRE))
Tnr: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes Rdr: M J Dee 57
6
4.6
Ichiberu
- 3f Bel Esprit (AUS) x Itchy Ears (AUS) (Unencumbered (AUS))
Tnr: Jason Warren Rdr: D W Stackhouse 57
7
6.3
Usk Valley
- 3f The Autumn Sun (AUS) x Valley Girl (NZ) (Mastercraftsman (IRE))
Tnr: Liam Howley Rdr: W Egan 57
8
6.4
Another You
- 3f Frosted (USA) x Bahamas (AUS) (Teofilo (IRE))
Tnr: Dan O'Sullivan Rdr: Jye McNeil 57
9
7.7
Kowhai
- 3f Sacred Falls (NZ) x Chuffed (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: J Noonan 57
10
7.9
Cattrall
- 3f Into Mischief (USA) x Chick Flick (USA) (Tapit (USA))
Tnr: A & S Freedman Rdr: M Zahra 57
11
10.4
Finale
- 3f Extreme Choice (AUS) x Good Looking Mare (AUS) (Medaglia D'oro (USA))
Tnr: C I Brown Rdr: Jamie Kah 57
12
10.5
Undaunting
- 3f Almanzor (FR) x Aleria (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: Mark & Levi Kavanagh Rdr: B Shinn 57
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