Browne happy with Oaks prospect

A couple of Cambridge gallopers preparing for Group One goals will hold most New Zealand interest in Australia today.

In Adelaide Belle du Nord will tackle the Schweppervesence (Auraria) Stakes at Morphettville, while up in Queensland the Stephen Marsh-trained Chocante will kick off his latest Australian campaign in the Ascot Tails Stakes at Doomben.

Belle du Nord left New Zealand after running seventh to Savvy Coup in the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham and made her Australian debut in the Lealia Stakes at Morphettville a fortnight ago when running on for fifth behind Blue Morpho.

‘‘I was expecting a run similar to that,’’ said Belle du Nord’s cotrainer Emma-Lee Browne. ‘‘She had so much travelling and was dropping back from the 2400 metres of the Oaks. I was very happy with that run.

‘‘She has improved and she needed to because this is tougher again this weekend.’’

Belle du Nord and stablemate Monarch Chimes have been stabled with former Kiwi trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young at Cranbourne.

‘‘She is so settled here and her work has been super. I’m very happy with her,’’ she said ‘‘She’ll have to run well to be a chance in the Oaks, which is the main aim.’’

While Belle du Nord will be under pressure to shape up this weekend, Stephen Marsh isn’t expecting a winning run from Chocante in his Doomben assignment.

‘‘The mile is short of his best and you wouldn’t expect him to win, but I think he’ll go a cheeky race,’’ Marsh said.

‘‘If he had drawn an alley I’d be a bit more confident of him being in the money.’’

Chocante has drawn 13 in the 16-horse field and will carry the topweight of 59.5kg with Jim Byrne booked for the mount.

He rode Chocante in his threestart Queensland winter campaign last year, which included a victory in the Brisbane Cup.