5 Dec 2018Burgundy looks like he could have something special in the pipelines in the shape of today’s 5.5 length debut winner at New Plymouth, Burgundy Belle.
The three-year-old filly had won both of her most recent trials for owners Fortuna Burgundy Belle Syndicate (Managed by John Galvin) and when she greeted the starter for the first time today, the Jamie Richards-trained filly proved way too good in the hands of Shafiq Rusof.
“She’s shown a lot at home and the blinkers have improved her,” said Richards.
“She’ll probably have another start in a rating race and if she delivers like she did today, we will step her up to a stakes race at start three.”
Bred by Tom and Sue Roper, Burgundy Belle is out of the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic winning and Gr.1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes-placed racemare, Spin ‘N Grin (Spinning World).
“Her dam was very good and won the Eight Carat Classic when trained by Mark Walker,” Richards explained.
“I think the Eight Carat on Boxing Day will come around too quick but we might try to get Burgundy Belle ready for the Gr.3 Mongolian Khan Trophy (1200m) on Karaka Million night, which Fortuna won last year with Melody Belle.”
Down the line, Burgundy Belle holds a nomination for Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham in March.
Photo: Peter Rubery, NZ Race Images