Big day for Bidlake in bagging Challenge Stakes

AARON BIDLAKE upstaged the big names at Trentham yesterday.

The Masterton trainer dominated the North Island Challenge Stakes when he produced Elusive Tracy and Bella Carolina to finish first and third in the $40,000 open sprint.

Bidlake has just 10 horses in work and his Challenge Stakes pair were his only runners yesterday.

‘‘It’s the first time I have had two horses in the same race and it was a great thrill,’’ Bidlake said.

‘‘I race Bella Carolina myself and I only put her in to make sure they didn’t can the race.’’

Despite an attractive stake, the Challenge Stakes attracted just seven acceptors and Bella Carolina, who had a 73 handicap rating, was racing out of her class.

Elusive Tracy was the fifth favourite but likes Trentham, and Bidlake was expecting a good run.

‘‘We were pretty confident. Her work has been sensational and she cops the sticky stuff at Trentham.’’

Elusive Tracy was a $5000 weanling buy for Masterton owner Barry Southey and has now earned more than $80,000.

She is likely to get a couple more opportunities at Trentham this winter, including the Whyte Handicap, and Bidlake will look at the $100,000 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton.

Elusive Tracy was ridden yesterday by Robbie Hannam, who returned to race riding on May 12 after being sidelined for three months by injury.

Fromelles, who won the $40,000 Trentham Gold Cup (2100m), was the only favourite to win at Trentham yesterday. The Savabeel mare, trained by John Sargent, has won three of her last five starts but is unlikely to do much more this campaign, said rider Lisa Allpress.

‘‘I think that track today was as bad as she would cope with.’’

Fromelles settled midfield on the inner and got a rails run in the straight.