Racing: Step towards Group Ones for Kiwis

Belle du Nord, pictured here, left New Zealand after running seventh to Savvy Coup in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Photo / File

A couple of Cambridge gallopers preparing for Group One goals will hold most New Zealand interest in Australia today.

In Adelaide Belle du Nord will tackle the Gr.3 Schweppervesence (Auraria) Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville, while up in Queensland the Stephen Marsh-trained Chocante will kick off his latest Australian campaign in the Listed Ray White Ascot Tails Stakes (1600m) at Doomben.

Belle du Nord left New Zealand after running seventh to Savvy Coup in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham and made her Australian debut in the Listed Lealia Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville a fortnight ago when running on for fifth behind Blue Morpho.

"I was expecting a run similar to that," said Belle du Nord's co-trainer Emma-Lee Browne. "She had so much travelling and was dropping back from the 2400 metres of the Oaks. I was very happy with that run.

"She has improved and she needed to because this is tougher again this weekend."

Belle du Nord and stablemate Monarch Chimes have been stabled with former Kiwi trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young at Cranbourne and Browne said both have thrived.

Zac Spain was aboard Belle du Nord in the Laelia Stakes and will again take the mount this weekend as the Reliable Man filly attempts to secure a start in the Gr.1 Schweppes Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on May 5.

Stephen Marsh isn't expecting a winning run from Chocante in his Doomben assignment.

"He's obviously going to improve with Saturday's run and after this he'll go for the Hollindale Stakes and hopefully the Doomben Cup. That's the plan."

- NZ Racing Desk