27 Oct 2016
Grant Searle has plans for a rare trip north with his in-form Keeper mare Bel Sorriso.
The Levin trainer produced the five-year-old for a first-up success in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap at Trentham on Saturday to bag the opening leg of a black type double.
"We're looking at the mile at Tauranga next ? I only brought her back for the two races," said Searle, referring to the Gr.2 Preston Rowe Patterson, Property Valuers Tauranga WFA on November 12.
Bel Sorriso was given a break after she had run consecutive thirds under big weights in open handicaps during the winter.
"She's only a little mare and carrying 60kg was killing her," Searle said. "Getting down to 56kg today was ideal."
Bred by Cambridge Stud's Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan, Bel Sorriso was ridden as usual by Johnathan Parkes and he brought the daughter of Keeper home with a strong finishing burst to collar Cruiser by a long head with Big Dreamer taking third money ahead of Get That Jive.
"Johnathan knows her so well and she's been a great mare to us," Searle said. "She goes out and gives her heart and soul every time.
"I certainly knew that she would be coming late at them, but to be honest I just wasn't sure if it was wet enough for her." ? NZ Racing Desk