Bella Danza shows class in Mares Final

Promising mare Bella Danza (Bettors Delight) atoned for her close defeat in her Heat at Penrith when she stormed away to win the $30,600 Go Girlfriend Final at Menangle Park last night.

Starting a warm favourite Bella Danza was allowed time to settle down by driver Jack Callaghan, who was able to secure the perfect one out and one back trail.

BELLA DANZA MAR 14 REPLAY MARES FINAL

Her task was made easier when second favourite Ozzie Joybell refused to score up and was tailed off for the whole trip. The Bathurst heat winner Platinum Jewel commenced well but driver Bernie Hewitt was caught outside the leader Oceanic Art.

Callaghan bided his time on Bella Danza but she looked to be slightly labouring on the final bend. Platinum Jewel tackled Oceanic Art on straightening but then Bella Danza was let go and in the twinkling of the eye she dashed away to record a most impressive win over Platinum Jewel with Kia Ora Beauty coming from well back for third.

Bella Danza was originally with Victorian trainer Alex Ashwood but she was transferred to Jason Grimson’s stable at the beginning of the year and in her six starts for Grimson she has won on three occasions. But it was heat placing at Penrith where she caught the eye after racing three wide for well over the last lap thus justifying her favouritism in last night’s Final.

Bella Danza recorded 1.52.4 for the mile trip but on last night’s effort she is capable of going to greater heights. Platinum Jewel lost no friends in holding on for second and Kia Ora Beauty was an eye catching performance as she was rattling home for third.

Bella Danza completed a big night for the Grimson-Callaghan combination as earlier in the evening they were successful with Supa American (American Ideal) who showed great courage holding off Sweetheart Bart in a fast 1.49.9 in the Second Heat of the Autumn Gift.

Their second winner was in the Third Heat of the Autumn Gift with the former Victorian Timmy Rictor (Modern Art) who finished too well to defeat an unlucky Scared Stiff who was inconvenienced at the top of the straight but still run the winner to a metre.

Timmy Rictor was runner up in the Bathurst Gold Crown two years ago which was his only defeat in just six appearances. Last night’s win was his first appearance under Grimson and he looks to have a good future in front of him which augurs well for the Grimson stable.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink