Bellatrix Star Brilliant in Schillaci

High-flying filly Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) completed a superb treble of spring features in Melbourne with a rare achievement in Saturday's A$300,000 Group Two Henley Homes Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

Bellatrix Star was bought for $80,000 by David Ellis and Fortuna Racing from Book 1 of Karaka 2023. After winning the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) and Group Three Scarborough Stakes (1200m) in her two previous starts, she has now become the first three-year-old filly to win the Schillaci since 2003.

Also a Group Two winner in New Zealand as a two-year-old last season, Bellatrix Star has earned A$620,557 from a nine-race career that has produced five wins and two placings.

Bellatrix Star and jockey Craig Williams launched a potent finish from beyond midfield in Saturday’s Schillaci, dashing to the lead inside the final 100 metres and winning impressively by a length and a half.

“Credit to Mark (Walker, trainer) and his team, they’ve presented a really nice three-year-old filly at weight-for-age level,” Williams said. “She was taking on some really seasoned horses today and they were confident of doing so, and she delivered.

“You sit on top of her and there’s a lot to like about her. She was a bit cantankerous before the race and eager to get on with it, but then she raced really well. She was very effective late.”

Walker’s assistant trainer Ben Gleeson has been impressed with Bellatrix Star’s progress in Melbourne this spring.

“Full credit to Mark and John (Galvin, Fortuna Racing principal) for taking the punt and sending her over here early in the spring,” he said.

“It was a big step up and she’s made that beyond belief. She just thrives. Every race, she just gets better and better. She deserves a crack at the Coolmore (Group One, 1200m) now.”