Racing: Up and comer Bazelle prevails in Auckland Cup

Bazelle, a recent graduate to open class ranks, took another step up when winning the $350,000 Auckland Cup at Ellerslie today.

Bazelle, a five-year-old mare by Zabeel, only gained a start in the group one 3200m event when taking out the Nathans Memorial Handicap (2200m) at Ellerslie last Tuesday.

Today's win was Bazelle's sixth from 19 starts and she is trained in the Waikato at Matamata by Paul Jenkins.

He is a brother of Brian Jenkins who trained Jezabeel to win a Melbourne Cup.

Bazelle, at odds of 13-1, was ridden today by Mark Du Plessis who led early on the horse before taking a trail when Bel Air went to the front with about 1800m to run.

Bazelle was back in front early in the run home and after coming clear his only challenger over the concluding stages was Melbourne visitor, Bondy, although Bazelle clearly had his measure at the finish.

Bondy, 14-1, just as easily held second after receiving a good run four back on the inside, while third went to Zabeat, 20-1, after racing three back on the outer. The trifecta dividend was more than $4900.

The win was almost a farewell one for Du Plessis.

The former Zimbabwean rider, who came to New Zealand several years ago, heads to Singapore in the next week or so to ride on a permanent basis.

Du Plessis had previously ridden in Singapore where he has had his share of success.

Fourth today was The Mighty Lions while fifth was last year's winner Upsetthym. Sixth was the second favourite Tantalic who made up ground after setting second-last of the 18 runners on track rated as easy (Eds: dead in Australia).

The favourite Garrard raced mid-field on the rails but was unplaced.

- NZPA