Belle Miraaj Reigns in Southland Guineas

Leading South Island three-year-old Belle Miraaj (NZ) (Iffraaj) triumphed in the $50,000 Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1600m) at Ascot Park on Saturday.

Belle Miraaj wins the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas. Photo courtesy of Robyn Parkes.

The three-year-old filly has been a consistent performer, never finishing further back than fourth, and has won five of her eight starts for trainer Gay Robinson.

A contender in New Zealand Bloodstock’s Filly of the Year Series, the daughter of Iffraaj has 3.5 points towards the Series after placing third in the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas.

Having her second start over a mile, Belle Miraaj, ridden by Samantha Wynne, went forward to track frontrunner Nurmi (NZ) (Nom Du Jeu). As the race progressed, Belle Miraaj quietly made up ground on the outside of Nurmi to lead the field on the turn for home.

Belle Miraaj powered away from the field to win by two-lengths, ahead of Riding Shotgun (NZ) (Iffaaj), who finished strongly in second position, with Joby (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) third.

“It was a great ride by Samantha (Wynne),” commented Gay Robinson. “She is a lovely horse to train and she relaxes nicely into each race which will do well for her if we decide to start her in the Oaks.

“We will have a good think about whether to press ahead with the Oaks campaign or take her to Wingatui and then to Riccarton. We will do what we think is best for her,”

Winning five of her eight starts, Belle Miraaj has earned a total of $126,125 for her trainer Robinson who part-owns the filly with J Dooley.

Sired by New Zealand’s Leading Three-Year-Old Sire Iffraaj, Belle Miraaj was purchased from the 2012 National Weanling, Broodmare and Mixed Bloodstock Sale for $14,000 by NZB as agent from Haunui Farm.

Bred by Haunui Bloodstock, Belle Miraaj is out of Australian winning mare Beach Dance (Carnegie), a half-sister to stakes placegetters Florinda (Lord Ballina) and Getty (Last Tycoon).