Bellazaine’s victory in the Lonhro Plate has sparked fresh hopes for a Golden Slipper start, despite the race being a consolation after missing a run in the Inglis Millennium.
The Zousain filly, an emergency for the $2 million Inglis Millennium, claimed the Listed race at Randwick, and co-trainer Adrian Bott is confident she’s up to the Slipper after her ½-length win over 1000 metres.
“I think that’s certainly some consolation for the owners there,” Bott said.
“Some important black type and residual value for her, and importantly some prize money to count towards going to the Golden Slipper.”
“She’s certainly up to it. She’s a lovely big, strong filly and she’s had the advantage of having a preparation.”
Bellazaine ($5) broke her maiden in her second start after an unplaced debut in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes.
“Things didn’t necessarily go to plan for her in the Gimcrack,” Bott explained.
“Just the wide draw affected her on the day.”
Ridden by Regan Bayliss, Bellazaine held off James Cummings-trained Beiwacht ($12), with Extractor ($3.80) finishing third.
Bellazaine is rated a $34 chance for the Group Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 22, with Wodeton the favourite at $3.50.