Bella Nipotina scoops Sydney’s spring sprint pool
Bella Nipotina has returned to a rockstar reception at Rosehill after becoming Australia’s second biggest prizemoney earner with a devastating win in the Russell Balding Stakes.
Along with first prizemoney of $1.725 million, the Ciaron Maher-trained mare picked up a $1 million bonus for claiming the most points in the Sydney Sprint Series and another $1 million bonus for capturing The Everest (1200m) – Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) double.
The almost $4 million bump-up boosted Bella Nipotina’s career total to more than $22.5 million, surpassing Nature Strip’s purse of more than $20.7 million and second only to the incomparable Winx, who retired the winner of over $26.4 million.
The Rosehill crowd demonstrated their appreciation of the 11-time winner, giving her a standing ovation on return to scale, much to the delight of Maher’s Sydney foreman Johann Gerard-Dubord.
“To have a horse like that and the fact she has run so many races, been so consistent, people get to know her and I think they are appreciating her now,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“All credit to her, she is an iron horse.”
Regular rider Craig Williams positioned Bella Nipotina ($2.50 fav) in a beautiful spot stalking the speed set by Coal Crusher and I Am Me and the seven-year-old ranged up to the leaders in the straight before sweeping past them for an arrogant win.
Sunshine In Paris ($4.40) ran home well without seriously threating to finish 1-3/4 lengths away in second with her stablemate Lady Laguna ($18) another 1-1/4 lengths back in third.
Gerard-Dubord said Williams was a critical part of Bella Nipotina’s success
“He knows her better than anyone else and he rides her better than anyone else, but he knows exactly what he can do and what he can’t do with her,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“They’ve got a very good association together and I’m sure she loves him as much as he loves her.”
Williams sent all credit Bella Nipotina’s way and said while she could be headstrong some days, on Saturday she was push-button.
“It’s amazing how we can get her some days and she’s like ‘no, it’s my way’. Today it was just the easy way,” Williams said.
“And even the other day, I just said to her ‘you’ve climbed the biggest mountain by winning The Everest, and now to show everyone that’s come out today to support you, I’m sorry girl but you’ve got to keep doing it’. And she just delivers.”
Bella Nipotina is expected to be spelled with a view to a Royal Ascot trip next year, although the stable will see how she comes through Saturday before making a final call.
“She could do more but I’m not sure that would be the right thing to do.,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“In saying that, if she comes through that run and she is jumping around like she has been a couple of days after the run, we might have to rethink that.
“But I think she has done a very good job this prep and she has earned a good rest.”
More Racing News
Pinstriped primed for G1 CF Orr Stakes assault
Trainer Enver Jusufovic was pleased with Pinstriped’s performance during a Cranbourne barrier trial as the gelding builds up for a Group 1 comeback at Caulfield. Pinstriped is set to compete in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) this Saturday. The race has drawn 13 contenders, including Angel Capital, Another Wil, Just Folk,...
North England serves notice to G1 Golden Slipper rivals
North England delivered a timely reminder of his Golden Slipper credentials with a commanding trial win over some leading contenders at Rosehill on Monday morning. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt showcased his speed, leaving rivals Bel Merci and Pallaton in his wake during the 900-metre workout. North England jumped...
Caulfield hit-out for Schwarz in CF Orr Stakes
Trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton have had a long-range goal in place for Schwarz to win a Group 1 race and stamp his potential future as a sire. Right from the start of Schwarz’s four-year-old season, the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) has been the target contest for the...
J Mac to ride Rivellino in the 2025 Inglis Millennium
James McDonald has been confirmed to ride debutant winner Rivellino in the $2 million Inglis Millennium, a decision trainer Kris Lees believes adds significant confidence to their chances. Although stable apprentice Benjamin Osmond guided the colt to victory in his only start, a two-year-old maiden in January, McDonald took the reins...
EJ looking forward to Pinstriped return in the CF Orr Stakes
Trainer Enver Jusufovic is preparing his Group 1 winner Pinstriped for a trial at Cranbourne ahead of his racing return at Caulfield. Pinstriped is set to resume in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday and will trial over 800m at Cranbourne on Monday. The trial, scheduled for 7am, is...
Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes
Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...
She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...
Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention
Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...
Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes
Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...
Jamie Melham getting used to new name
New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...