Maven Belle Grp 3 Gorgeous - KM Night

Champion Two-Year-Old Maven Belle (3 f Burgundy - Doyenne, by Kilimanjaro) made it consecutive wins as a three-year-old in the $130,000 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Saturday at Pukekohe.

Having resumed with an emphatic course victory in the 3YO 1200 metres on 8 January, when running the fastest last 600m (32.7) on the day, Maven Belle had to overcome a three wide trip but summonsed the resolve to deliver.

“It was a rough old race and a couple ran off at the first turn, but luckily we missed that skirmish,” said stable rider Opie Bosson.

“We were three deep the whole way but travelling beautifully, but, boy, that straight is a long way up when you're in front by yourself.

“I wasn't too sure on the line, but threw my hands over her head and just hoped.”

On footing that remained Good4, Maven Belle ran 1200 metres in 1:10.5, last 600m 33.9, and paid $2.20 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

“I wasn't 100 percent sure of the result, but it was a great effort second-up after a short turnaround and she's real class,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“I thought she looked a bit better in the coat today and was good in her preliminary.

“She was bred at Te Akau Stud, has the will to win, and full credit to Opie (Bosson) he knows where the winning post is.”

Maven Belle provided Te Akau with its fourth win in the race over the past six years, following Melody Belle (Commands), Need I Say More (No Nay Never) and Sword of State (Snitzel).

A Te Akau homebred, Maven Belle is owned by the Te Akau Maven Belle Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

By five-time stakes' winner Burgundy (Redoute's Choice), from stakes' placed winner of six to 2000 metres Doyenne (Kilimanjaro), Maven Belle is closely related to triple Group One winner Levante (Proisir).

Maven Belle is a filly with size, quality, class, presence, and has the temperament to match.

“Thank you to Brendan and Jo Lindsay, who made the decision to buy Cambridge Stud from the late Sir Patrick Hogan and Justine, Lady Hogan, and they've done a phenomenal job upholding the outstanding name of an internationally recognised stud farm,” Fenton-Ellis said.

“This race holds a special place in our hearts, after winning it last year with Sword of State, who now stands at Cambridge Stud, and to win it with a little girl that was bred at Te Akau, by Burgundy, who we trained before standing at Cambridge Stud, is very fitting.

“Thank you also to all our owners that support me and David, our trainer Mark Walker, the team at the farm, the stables, you make such a difference and love the racehorses so dearly.”

Maven Belle was strapped by Laura Macnab.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz