Queen Of The Turf Stakes tilt ahead for impressive Grinzinger Belle

A bold front-running ride by Declan Bates proved to be a stroke of genius as Grinzinger Belle delivered a commanding victory in the Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley, reminiscent of his thrilling performances aboard star mare Pride Of Jenni.

With regular jockey Damian Lane in Sydney, where he secured Golden Slipper success, owner John Wheeler recommended trainer Danny O'Brien call on Bates to employ an aggressive ride—an approach that played perfectly into the hands of the $4 betting apps favorite. The result was a dominant 2¾-length triumph over Wrote To Arataki ($6), with Another Prophet ($6) rounding out the placings.

"John was the driving force behind booking Declan, and it turned out to be an inspired decision," O'Brien said following the Group 2 1600m feature for fillies and mares.

"Declan gave her a perfect ride. She's a mare who, when the conditions suit, can roll along and be incredibly hard to peg back, let alone get past."

With Sydney's notoriously wet April weather potentially playing to her strengths, O'Brien has his sights set on the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 12 as Grinzinger Belle's next target during The Championships.

Currently rated a $26 chance, she could face top-tier opposition, including Fangirl, Atishu, and Amelia’s Jewel.

"A huge thanks to Damian Lane—I had a great chat with him this morning," Bates said.

"He knows her inside out and gave me a full rundown on all her little quirks.

"Getting her out of the gates was one of the key points he stressed, and he gave me a few great tips."