Grinzinger Belle delivered an impressive victory in the Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley, with Declan Bates stepping in for regular jockey Damian Lane and executing a brilliant ride.
With Lane away in Sydney and successful in the Golden Slipper, owner John Wheeler suggested Bates for the “hit the front and go for home” strategy, which played out perfectly. The $4 favourite stormed to a 2¾-length win over Wrote To Arataki ($6), with Another Prophet ($6) in third.
Trainer O’Brien credited Bates for his “terrific ride,” noting the mare’s ability to get rolling when the conditions suit. “She can be hard to get on the back of, let alone get past,” O’Brien said.
Looking ahead, O’Brien plans to target the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 12 as her next challenge, with the mare rated a $26 chance.
Bates, grateful for Lane’s advice, added, “A big thanks to Damian for running through all her little things with me.”