Bella Gioia big win at Taupo
The good surface at Taupo on Friday helped several emerging Classic contenders make encouraging progress towards major targets.
Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie will ‘‘talk to the big boss upstairs’’ before he decides on the next step for Bella Gioia.
The 3-year-old Swiss Ace filly was super impressive winning the Pearl Series 1100, her second win from three starts.
Ritchie isn’t seeking divine guidance, the big boss upstairs is part-owner, colourful commentator George Simon calling the race perched high above the course in his commentary box.
Simon shares ownership in the promising youngster with his wife Maryanne and IDL Racing’s Dominic Lee, the partners paying $60,000 for her as a Karaka yearling.
Black-type races now beckon with either the Group III Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings or the Listed Northland Breeders Stakes at Ruakaka the races under discussion.
‘‘I was very impressed with the way she buttoned off [early],’’ Ritchie said.
Jockey Danielle Johnson hinted blinkers will improve the filly further.
‘‘She’s still racing quite greenly,’’ Johnson said. ‘‘But once she she was in the clear she finished off strongly.’’
Jockey Craig Grylls made the early part of the card his own winning the first three races.
Two for Graeme and Debbie Rogerson aboard Skylla and Fierte and a star performance aboard Sweet Leader for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.
The O’Reilly 3-year-old colt was destined for Hong Kong but failed the vet examination.
The way he smashed his rivals, ears pricked, seemingly hardly out of second gear suggested his problem is under control.
‘‘It was really encouraging the way he rounded it off,’’ Scott said. ‘‘I’m sure once he gets over 1400 and a mile he’ll improve further.
‘‘He would have learnt a lot today which will help improve him - I’m sure hell get sharper.’’
Connections plan to track towards black-type races.
‘‘Hopefully he will get to Riccarton [for the Group I 2000 Guineas in November].’’
‘‘He’s got a nice stretch to him,’’ Grylls said. ‘‘He let down really well.’’