The Westbury Stud stallion, who was successful at the elite level in France and
in Australia, has only had a handful of representatives and Belle du Nord
opened the handsome grey's account on Saturday.The youngster made a highly favourable impression on rider Lisa Allpress when they combined for a hollow win in the Richardson Racing 2YO Premier.
"She's a lovely, big type and one of nicest types I've sat on for a while," she said. "She gave me a really good feel and she just powered through them."
Belle du Nord came from off the pace with a sizzling finish to distance her rivals and put her in line for a crack at the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes at Awapuni on April 1.
The filly, who is a half-sister to the Group performer What Choux Want, had finished runner-up on debut at Te Aroha last month before she disappointed when finishing among the tail-enders in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes.
"She's always showed a lot of ability and it was a mystery what happened in the Breeders' Stakes," said David Browne, who trains Belle du Nord with his wife Emma-Lee at Cambridge.
"It's nice to see her back and we may head on to the Sires' Produce Stakes now."
Belle du Nord waltzed home by three and three-quarter lengths from Aloisia, who hit the line well, and the resuming Hard Merchandize. – NZ Racing Desk.
