Be My Belle backers expecting repeat win
Connections of Be My Belle are confident of a bold show from the mare as she goes in search of back-to-back victories in the Goulding Thyestes Handicap Chase tomorrow.
The eight-year-old beat Edward O’Grady’s Takagi by two and a half lengths in last year’s renewal and the runner-up is one of nine rivals this time around in the Gowran Park showpiece.
Others with claims in the €75,000 contest are the Willie Mullins-trained trio of Alexander Banquet, who has top-weight of 12st, Rule Supreme (10st 13lb) and Hedgehunter, who carries just 10st 2lb.
Satco Express, The Bunny Boiler, Native Jack, I’vehadit and Sigma Dotcomm complete the line-up.
“She’s well and I don’t think the weight (10st 12lb) will be any big burden to her,” trainer Sean Tracey said.
Be My Belle was last seen finishing second to the progressive Cloudy Bays at Leopardstown earlier this month.
“Cloudy Bays got away from her on her last run,” Treacy explained. “Timmy (Murphy) felt he got to his tail at one stage in the race but he just didn’t have the gears.
“So he was tender on her after that and kept the Thyestes in mind – she was still 20 lengths clear of the third horse and the winner is improving no end.
“Prior to that her run against Sacundai over hurdles was an absolutely fantastic one.
“She’s a very genuine, tough mare. Most of her races have been top-grade races and she’s a real credit. I know she’ll give a big running tomorrow because she always does.
“Timmy is fantastic on her and he knows her inside out. He gives her a good ride and he minds her – that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.
“I’d love to win two with her but if she comes home safe and sound I’ll be quite happy.
“Hedgehunter is well in and Satco Express is a fair horse.
“It’s a good field and to be fair if Alexander Banquet was back to his best he is probably the class horse of the race.”
As for future plans, Treacy added: “She’s entered for the Hennessy and, though she’s probably not as good as the real top horses, she’s entitled to go for those sort of races.
“I’d love to find something for her at Cheltenham but I feel you have to have been over and raced a couple of times in England to acclimatise to the style of racing.
“She likes to be up there and stroll along but she is getting a little older now and more settled. She was quite happy to sit in behind Cloudy Bays.
“Everything looks set for a good run. I rode her out myself this morning and she’s in good old spirits.
“She’s enjoying life and hopefully she’ll run well and come back safe. I only have 22 horses and she’s been the star here for me for the last couple of years - she’s kept the place on the map.
“People don’t really like buying mares but I don’t mind.
“I think if you’ve got a good mare and she’s on song getting the 5lb sex allowance, it takes a good enough horse to get buy them.”
