3 minute read

Young sire El Roca secured his first winner when his filly Bella Mente recorded a hard-fought win at Matamata on Sunday.

El Roca, who stands at Westbury Stud, has only had four runners. The Shaune Ritchie-trained Bella Mente atoned for her unlucky third on debut, prevailing over race favourite Killin (Snitzel) in the final stages to win the 1200m race.

Ritchie said he is likely bring Bella Mente back to the same track on February 23 for the G2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes.

“Today has probably helped us make that decision,” Ritchie said. “She is a lovely filly, quite muscular but not too heavy, who can really hit the line hard.

“She is a very good mover.”

Ritchie bought the Swiss Ace half-sister to Bella Mente for $100,000 at the NZB National Yearling sale last week.