An intriguing maiden over 1300m for 3-year-old fillies to start the day at Sandown Hillside, with the first two finishers looking capable of playing a part in better races in the spring.
Grinzinger Belle was sent off favourite following two impressive performances in maidens at Werribee and Geelong.
Damian Lane controlled the race from the front on the daughter of Shamexpress. She was never in any real danger in holding the finish of the Shamus Award Roll On High, which motored home from last to get within a length and a half of the winner.
It was a neck back to the experienced, stakes placed, Zoustar filly Zousuko, which provided the measuring stick.
“O’Brien’s racing manager, Jack Howard, said the result was more impressive since it was not originally scheduled.
“We are pleased with how she has done this preparation. We were disappointed on Friday when the races at Mornington were called off because we thought 1500m around that circuit would suit her, especially the way she races up on the speed,” Howard said.
She has a high cruising speed. It was a perfect ride by Damian to let her roll in front and ensure it was not a sit-and-sprint.
“It’s great for (owner) John Wheeler, who is overseas enjoying a holiday. He is having a hot streak with the Grinzinger horses, and hopefully, we can keep it rolling for him.
“We will take her through her grades. There is a bit of form that came from her debut run at Werribee (second). We were a touch disappointed with her run at Geelong first up, but she bounced through it well.
“We will build her up. We expect to get her to some nice staying races in the spring.”
John Wheeler purchased Grinzinger Belle for $32,000 from the Windsor Park draft in Book 2 of the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale.
The daughter of Shamexpress is the first foal of the once-raced Rip Van Winkle mare Ripsomemore, a half-sister to the South African group III winner Golden Parachute (Montjeu), stakes-placed Flax (Falkirk), and to the dam of ARC Eclipse Stakes winner Play That Song (Showcasing).
Ripsomemore has a 2-year-old filly by Rageese named Porthouse Lady in training with Ken Rae and Krystal Williams.
