The Chris Waller Belladeel was having his second start, having debuted with a
fifth on New Years Day on the Kensington Track and was sent out a short-priced favourite.Settling off the pace for rider James McDonald, the three-year-old colt sustained a strong finish in the straight and never looked in any danger of being beaten.
"On debut he jumped and was a bit keen so it was good to see him do things right today," Waller said.
"I wouldn't say he's a stayer but he's a genuine miler and I think he could poke his way into some good races.
"If the autumn comes a bit quick, it will only be because of timing. He's already had two runs."
"I think he's by a stallion that's going to make it, they just need that little bit of time," Waller said.
"And Belladeel is a good example. He's a very good colt who's always had the ability.
"He's raced by some of the owners who were in Dundeel as well, so he's got the ownership there."
Belladeel is out of the New Zealand bred Iffraaj mare Giovanna Bella, who is out of a half-sister to former top class NZ filly Love Dance from the family of Hula Chief and Hula Drum.
He is the first foal of his dam who has an un-raced two-year-old by Hinchinbrook and her yearling filly by Press Statement made $120,000 at last week's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Not surprisingly the Dundeel progeny are starting to hit their straps with a bit of time and distance on their side with winners in Australia, NZ and South Africa and and include the current NZ Derby second favourite Cutadeel.
