Racing: Goodwood beckons

Robbie Griffiths has earmarked the Goodwood Handicap as the Group One target for promising sprinter Beltrois after he posted his first feature win in the Listed LT Cleary Stakes at Caulfield.

Backing up from a long neck second to Royal Ida in the Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year's Day, Beltrois snatched victory on the line from Going Spending and Miss Matari yesterday.

The win was a special thrill for Griffiths as the race was named for his mentor, the veteran trainer Laurie Cleary who died on Christmas Day.

Beltrois ($3.50 fav) was also part of Griffiths' first-ever city treble and the first city winner for jockey Luke Currie since returning from a riding stint in Mauritius four months ago.

Currie also won the John Moule Handicap (1400m) on the Griffiths-trained Rainband ($26) while Griffiths' other winner was Its Prince ($3.80) who was ridden by apprentice Nathan Rose in the Ian Miller Handicap (1600m).

Griffiths said the plan was to spell Beltrois after the Standish but he pulled up so well he decided to back him up.

Beltrois may have his summer campaign extended but Griffiths is mindful that could jeopardise a crack at the Goodwood Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville in May.

Last year the Goodwood was run for the first time under weight-for-age conditions and won by Takeover Target.

Beltrois has won five of his 12 starts, including twice in four starts this campaign.

Griffiths believes it may be just the start of an exciting career for the Bel Esprit gelding.

"He is bit untapped because he is a progressive young horse," Griffiths said.

- AAP