Bellatrix Star brings up hat-trick with Schillaci Stakes win
Bellatrix Star ($6) has claimed a hat-trick of wins this preparation, following another strong victory at Caulfield in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes.
Mark Walker and Craig Williams combined with the three-year-old filly, who got into the 1100m contest with only 51kg on her back, and that light weight told late as she sprinted past her rivals to claim another impressive victory.
As expected, the speed was hot in the Schillaci, with Recommendation ($3.80), Celui ($61) and Star Patrol ($8.50) running the race three-abreast throughout, while Mornington Glory ($6) and Oscar’s Fortune ($4.80) settled in behind and waited for gaps to appear.
Damian Lane pushed Oscar’s Fortune through a gap at the 200m mark and took over with 150m to go; however, the eventual winner was finishing stronger on the outside, and Bellatrix Star took over in the final 50m to run away with her second Group 2 success of her short career.
2024 Schillaci Stakes replay – Bellatrix Star
Ben Gleeson represented the winning stable in the post-race interview.
“John and Mark taking the punt, sending her over here early in the spring. It was a big step up and she’s made that beyond belief,” Gleeson said.
“She just thrives. Every race, she just gets better and better. The way she might come away from them, it certainly gives us every chance to go to the Coolmore now.
“She can be a little bit inconsistent the way she jumps, but we knew the pace would be on.
“There’d be good speed. Sort of said to Craig before the race if she could possy up similar to Moonee Valley, that’d be great.
“But, look, he just rode her beautifully. She travelled in behind them really kindly. She’s very strong on the bridle. I think coming to the middle of the track and letting down like she did just shows how well she’s going.
“Dare to dream, dare to dream (on the Coolmore). She deserves a crack at it now.
“Hopefully all the good colts and sprinters will go and bash each other up in The Everest and we get every chance at it. But we’d love some rain as well. I guess it’s not a worry now. She deserves it.”
Craig Williams brought up his third win on Caulfield Guineas Day, and he spoke post-race.
“Credit to Mark, Ben Gleeson, all their staff, they’ve presented a really nice three-year-old filly at weight for age level, taking on some really seasoned horses today and they were confident of doing so and she delivered,” Williams said.
“It certainly was. She’s, you know, you sit on top of her, and there’s a lot to like about her.
“Her mannerisms now after, you know, she was a bit cantankerous before the race and eager to get on with it.
“She raced really well. She’s very effective late, solid and for future, she’s even really effective down the straight.
“So for a three-year-old filly this time of year, I think there’s a nice race in store in a couple of weeks at Flemington for her.”
Bellatrix Star is a $15 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes in futures markets.