Actionbelle announced herself as one of New Zealand’s most promising juveniles with a dominant victory in the John Turkington Forestry Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on Friday.
Run on a testing heavy surface, the $80,000 Listed feature often comes down to which youngster best handles the conditions, but the daughter of Bivouac also displayed plenty of natural talent.
After an encouraging debut third at Matamata behind Dubawi Diva, trainers Ben and Ryan Foote were confident enough to target black-type company with the filly.
Despite attracting support, Actionbelle was overshadowed in the market by Te Akau’s last-start winner Honour Roll and proven mudlark Shamelia Kirk, with Honour Roll starting favourite through leading betting apps Australia.
Honour Roll won the battle for the lead after the start, while Actionbelle enjoyed a soft run along the rail just behind midfield under Sam McNab.
Shamelia Kirk ranged alongside the leader approaching the home turn, but it was Actionbelle who emerged as the biggest threat after finding clear running on the inside.
Honour Roll fought on strongly for much of the straight, however Actionbelle continued to build through her gears before drawing away late to score by three-and-a-half lengths.
Shamelia Kirk stayed on well to finish second ahead of Back Of The Bus.
Ryan Foote praised co-owner Jim Bruford, who purchased the filly for $90,000 from Henley Park’s draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale.
“It was great to get a stakes win for the team, they are big supporters of ours,” Foote said.
“She’s a nice horse with a bright future.
“This is one that Jim selected, he is a very good judge. We’re just happy to have backing from him.
“It (the race) didn’t really go as planned, I wanted to get off the fence, but they all came out wide and she just seemed like she handled the track conditions best.
“We’ll see how she gets home and pulls up as to whether we come back in two weeks.”
The victory also continued a breakout season for jockey Sam McNab, who has now ridden 51 winners, including three at stakes level, just over a year after opening his winning account.
“Her debut run couldn’t have been much better I thought, and stepping up to 1200m today, she was always going to be a very good chance,” McNab said.
