3 minute read

Bello Beau shows his best.

Racing on his favourite track and ridden a treat by Jason Maskiell, Bello Beau ($7.50 – $13) was back to his best, taking the $75,000 WFA Ladbrokes Stakes (1200m) in Launceston on Friday night.

After a couple of disappointing efforts, Bello Beau sat third for most of the race and held off a charging Indispensable ($10), with Turk Warrior ($6) third. A little more than two lengths covered most of the field at the finish.

"It's common he's had his issues, he's very tough, he did go poorly in the Carpet Charge at Devonport, his run in Hobart was only fair but back to Launceston tonight (where) he's won six times (from seven starts).

"So, I think this is definitely his track, and aided by a very good ride, we are so happy to see him bounce back," Leah Goodrick from the Adam Trinder stable said after the win.

Bello Beau is now likely to have his next run in the $125,000 Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) in Hobart on Cup Day.

Favourite Geegees Gemstone ($3.20) from the inside barrier couldn't muster any early pace and was buried back toward the tail of the field in a run that would best be forgotten.

The Ladbrokes Stakes winning ride wasn't the only special on the card, as hard-working jockey Mehmet Ulucinar gave Noxious a super steer to score a last stride win in the second division of the 1400m maiden.

Ulucinar had Noxious ($3.90) third on the fence, and it took a near-perfect ride to land the money. The Stephen Shaw-trained mare, who was having her 10th race start, scored by the shortest of margins from Rowdy Girl ($10) and Smart Artie ($5.50).

"We had all the favours when we jumped from gate three, we got the cover; it was a gun ride by Mehmet, Shaw said.

"She'll go to a (1600m) maiden/class one on (Hobart) Cup day now, that's what she needs."