Vinery Stud Stakes goes to Kiwi filly Belle Cheval by nose
New Zealand filly Belle Cheval was locked in a photo finish once more in back-to-back races, but she came out on top this occasion by getting her snout out right on the line to win the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
This three-year-old had lost by the barest margin to Well Written in the NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie March 7, with trainer Mark Walker owning up to getting both results wrong, though happy with Saturday's outcome.
"I actually thought we got beaten today, but I thought we'd won the NZB Kiwi, so I'm not a very good judge," Walker said.
Her victory in the 2000m Vinery Stud Stakes handed Walker a trans-Tasman Group 1 brace, after Seize The Day, co-trained with Sam Bergerson back home, snared the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) earlier.
Walker expressed belief in her New Zealand trial form for Sydney impact, citing her grit for stepping up in trip debut.
"The formline at home is really strong," Walker said.
Connections stuck to their Sydney plan of one start only, unmoved by the success.
The trainer affirmed a prompt spell follows, gearing up for spring from Victoria.
Zac Lloyd, fresh off steering Guest House to the $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) last weekend, revisited Group 1 glory on Belle Cheval despite surviving Billy Egan's objection from second-placed After Summer.
Contact occurred as Lloyd moved off the inside straightening, yet stewards pinned fault on the placegetter drifting in.
The $2.60 favourite Belle Cheval drifted marginally late without impeding After Summer ($61), protest dismissed.
"Normally, she's known for her dazzling turn of foot, whereas today she built and showed a bit of fight," Lloyd said.
"She's a good mare, and it was a tenacious win."
Belle Cheval ($2.60 fav) held on by a nose against After Summer ($61), Salty Pearl ($4.20) neck back third.
Ohope Wins ($2.70), victor of New Zealand Oaks, ended fourth, beaten three-quarters length.
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