Weight a huge concern
just keeps getting to her,’’ Searle said.
As a black type-winning granddaughter of Zabeel and the Group I winner Smiling Like, Bel Sorriso has broodmare value and her future may soon lie in that role.
‘‘If the right offer came along then the owners would have to look at it, maybe it’s the best thing for her as a rising six-year-old,’’ Searle said.
Her place in the handicap aside, he is more than happy with the daughter of Keeper’s condition following a disappointing trip north for last month’s Travis Stakes at Te Rapa.
‘‘She just wasn’t right, she didn’t travel that well but she is right now,’’ Searle said.
‘‘I think she’s back to her best and her last two gallops have been very good.
‘‘It’s up to Chris (Johnson) to try to save her up for that last sprint at them.’’
Bel Sorriso is a $3.50 favourite ahead of Zartan ($3.80) with Dr Watson and Blathwayt on the third line of betting at $4.60.
Meanwhile, leading jockey Rosie Myers remains on the sidelines following a broken leg suffered in an incident at the starting gates during the Wanganui jump-outs in March.
‘‘She is about two weeks away from another x-ray,’’ Myers’ partner William Fell said.