Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.
This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.
The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will be Bellatrix Star's first outing since finishing last in the Listed Doveton Stakes last November. This followed her run in the Group 1 Champions Sprint more than a year prior, where she finished without distinction.
Having previously finished second to Switzerland in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, Bellatrix Star has yet to achieve the success Walker anticipated for her as a mare. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that the rising five-year-old has further achievements ahead of her.
"We've had a lot of problems with her and she's been off the scene for a long time," Walker revealed.
"She had an accident coming home from the swimming pool, she fractured her neck when a loose horse ran past and she reared up and fell over.
"We got her over that, then she had her first start back and she chipped a fetlock and had to go for fetlock surgery.
"That's just racing, you take the good with the bad. She's still very lightly-raced, so if she ran well on Saturday, hopefully we get things back on track."
Bellatrix Star has compiled a record of five wins from 12 starts. Her notable triumphs include Group 2 victories in the Eclipse Stakes (1200m) in New Zealand and the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) against older horses, preceding her run in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
The Star Witness filly has been prepared with a steady regimen, including two trials and two jumpouts. Her most recent jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday saw her comfortably defeat Midnight Devil and Pinstriped by two lengths.
Craig Williams, who rode Bellatrix Star to victory in the Schillaci Stakes, was also aboard for her latest trial. Walker considers it a positive sign that the leading jockey is committed to riding her on raceday.
"It was encouraging that Craig rode her in the jumpout and he's riding her raceday, so that gives us a bit of a push," Walker explained.
Bellatrix Star was one of nineteen horses entered for the Monash Stakes. Among her potential rivals is Matt Smith's capable gelding Headwall.
With the Sir John Monash Stakes drawing closer, the competition looks fierce. For those interested in placing a wager, exploring online bookmakers will provide access to the latest racing betting markets.
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