Bellatrix Star impresses on debut
Te Akau Racing unveiled another promising juvenile at Wanganui as Star Witness filly Bellatrix Star clinched the opening two-year-old race of the season.
Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson had previously showcased her in trials at Te Rapa on August 1, where she displayed her potential with a heat victory over 650m.
Despite starting from the outside gate in a six-horse field, jockey Michael McNab expertly guided Bellatrix Star, positioning her off the pace before making a decisive move in the final stretch. She overcame the odds, chasing down leader Hard Attack and securing victory by a mere nose.
Mark Walker praised the filly’s performance, highlighting her resilience in a challenging race. Bellatrix Star will now undergo a period of rest and preparation with the ultimate goal of participating in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) in January.
She was purchased for $80,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis from Phoenix Park’s 2023 New Zealand Book 1 Sale draft on behalf of Fortuna Syndications.
Walker expressed confidence in her potential, anticipating growth and progress during her break.
Fortuna Syndicate Manager John Galvin shared the enthusiasm, considering Bellatrix Star a possible contender for the Karaka Million, a race Fortuna Syndications had previously won in 2017 with Melody Belle.
With a strong syndicate backing and promising debut, the road to the prestigious race looks promising.