Kiwi filly Belle Cheval was involved in a photo finish for the second start in succession, but this one went the right way as she got her nose down when it counted to claim the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
The three-year-old had been denied in a similarly close finish by Well Written in the NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 7, and while trainer Mark Walker admitted he didn’t pick either result, he was relieved to get the verdict on Saturday.
“I actually thought we got beaten today, but I thought we’d won the NZB Kiwi, so I’m not a very good judge,” Walker said.
Belle Cheval’s Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) success gave Walker a Group 1 cross-Tasman double after Seize The Day, who he trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson in New Zealand, earlier captured the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).
He said he was confident his filly had the right form references to make her presence felt in Sydney, and backed her determination to help her extend to a middle distance for the first time.
“The formline at home is really strong,” Walker said.
“On her pedigree, she is probably more of a miler, but being by our champion sire Savabeel, she has got a big heart.
“We had a Group One at home today and a Group One here, so it’s a very special day.”
Belle Cheval’s connections only ever had the intention of giving her one run in Sydney and they weren’t tempted to change their minds after her win.
Walker confirmed she would go straight for a spell before preparing for a spring campaign at his Victorian base.
Fresh from claiming last weekend’s $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) on Guest House,Zac Lloyd found himself back in the Group 1 winner’s stall aboard Belle Cheval, although he did have to survive a protest from Billy Egan aboard runner-up After Summer.
The two horses brushed as Lloyd came off the fence when the field straightened for home, but stewards felt it was a case of the eventual second placegetter shifting back in.
Belle Cheval ($2.60 fav) also ran about over the final stages but wasn’t deemed to have caused any interference to After Summer’s ($61) momentum, and the objection was dismissed.
“Normally, she’s known for her dazzling turn of foot, whereas today she built and showed a bit of fight,” Lloyd said.
“She’s a good mare, and it was a tenacious win.”
Belle Cheval ($2.60 fav) scored by a nose over After Summer ($61) with Salty Pearl ($4.20) another neck away third.
New Zealand Oaks winner, Ohope Wins ($2.70), finished fourth, beaten three-quarters of a length.
