The Lonhro Plate might have been somewhat of a consolation stakes after missing a run in the Inglis Millennium, but for the connections of Bellazaine, the listed race win reignited hopes of a Golden Slipper start.
The daughter of Zousain was an emergency for the $2 million Inglis Millennium but even though the Lonhro Plate was worth one-tenth of the prizemoney, co-trainer Adrian Bott was satisfied enough that the two-year-old filly was up to Slipper company after her ½-length victory over the 1000-metres at Randwick.
“I think that’s certainly some consolation for the owners there,” Bott said.
“Some important black type and residual value for her, and importantly some prize money to count towards going to the Golden Slipper.
“She’s certainly up to it. She’s a lovely big, strong filly and she’s had the advantage of having a preparation.”
At her second start, Bellazaine ($5) broke her maiden following an unplaced debut in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes over the same course and distance in October.
“Things didn’t necessarily go to plan for her in the Gimcrack,” Bott added.
“She was always sort of one of our leading filly’s going into that race, and just the wide draw affected her on the day.
“No excuses today, she has come back that stronger and more seasoned filly. She can certainly put her hand up.”
Ridden by Regan Bayliss, the filly overcame the challenge from the James Cummings-trained Beiwacht ($12) with Extractor ($3.80) 1¼-lengths away in third.
Bellazaine is rated a $34 chance for the Group Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 22 with Wodeton holding favouritism at $3.50.
