Belle Cheval targets Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes after NZB Kiwi heartbreak

Belle Cheval heads to Sydney with unfinished business. The Kiwi filly lost the $4 million NZB Kiwi by a whisker. Now she wants Group 1 glory in the Vinery Stud Stakes.

The Savabeel three-year-old went down by a short head to Well Written at Ellerslie on March 7. She was held up on the home turn. Unleashed a withering finish. Came up just short.

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But the effort screamed class. The filly pulled up perfectly. Connections from Te Akau Racing immediately pointed to Sydney.

Perfect Preparation for the Vinery

Belle Cheval entered the NZB Kiwi undefeated. Two wins from two starts over 1200m and 1400m. The step up to 1500m was always going to test her.

She passed with flying colours. The manner of her defeat suggests the 2000m of the Vinery Stud Stakes will suit perfectly. Closing sectionals that good don't lie.

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson know what they have. The stable's Sydney strike rate speaks volumes. This filly shapes as their next big-race weapon.

Taking on Ohope Wins

The Vinery field promises fireworks. Ohope Wins looms as the major danger. The New Zealand Oaks winner transferred to Chris Waller after her Group 1 success.

But Belle Cheval brings different strengths. Lightly raced with just three career starts. Improvement to come. The right style for 2000m.

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Connections bred and own the filly themselves. David Archer backed her from day one. The Group 1 target was always the plan.

Value Angle for Punters

The betting markets will focus on established names. That creates opportunity for Belle Cheval backers.

She proved her class in Australia's richest spring carnival. Nearly toppled the favourite in the NZB Kiwi. The Vinery represents a much easier assignment.

Filly-only Group 1 races suit improvers. Belle Cheval fits that profile perfectly. Her closing style kills rivals at 2000m.

Watch for market moves. Te Akau horses often start longer than they should. This stable knows how to win big races across the Tasman.

The NZB Kiwi defeat stings. But it might have been the making of Belle Cheval. Sometimes the best horses need to taste defeat before they conquer.

Sydney awaits. The Vinery Stud Stakes shapes as her moment.