The locals finally nabbed a feature juvenile race of the Brisbane Winter Carnival when quality filly Belle d’Amour cruised home in the listed Lancaster Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm today.
After weeks of Sydney horses dominating the two-year-old events it was local trainer Barry Baldwin who struck with his filly leading home the Darley filly Abstract to win by over a length.
Belle d’Amour went into the race as a maiden after four runs – three of which she was placed – but connections knew they had on their hands a filly of great ability.
“She’s just had no luck at all. Even at her first start she was unlucky and should have almost beaten Pane in the Glass,” Baldwin pointed out.
“We’ve always had a good opinion of her and it’s nice to see her get some luck today.”
The filly is set to travel north and race outside of the metropolitan area at her next start.
“Believe it or not she will be probably have her next run at Rockhampton in a couple of weeks (on Rockhampton Cup Day),” he noted.
“There is a race with $96,000 to the winner ($150,000 total prizemoney) – a QTIS 600 race over 1200 metres.”
Proven big race rider Chris Munce was suitably impressed with the performance from Belle d’Amour, a filly he feels has a bright future ahead.
“She’s a good filly,” he said moments after unsaddling. “She always has been (good). It has taken her a little while to hit her straps but she will make the grade – mark my words.”
Baldwin parted with just $12,000 for Belle d’Amour when she went under the hammer at last year’s Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.
The filly was bred and sold by renowned Queensland thoroughbred nursery Glenlogan Park.
“I really liked her at the sales and she only cost $12,000,” Baldwin said. “There was something I liked about her and obviously noone else thought the same.”
The filly is by Flying Spur’s former outstanding sprinting son Jet Spur, a residen of Glenlogan and one of the most promising second season sires in the country.
She is one of four winners produced by her dam – the city performed Military Plume mare Troop the Colours.
A three time winner at distances from 1600 to 2100 metres, Troop the Colours is a half sister to the 15 time winner and stakes placegetter Change of Fortune.
Winner: Belle d’Amour
Breeding: Jet Spur-Troop the Colours (Military Plume)
Race: BRC Lancaster Stakes LR (1200m)
Sold for: $12,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale
Vendor: Glenlogan Park
Buyer: Barry Baldwin
Earnings: $123,000
Owner(s): Mrs K Darrouzet & M Ellison
Trainer: Barry Baldwin (Eagle Farm)
