The most competitive of the features on Tasmanian Derby Day at Hobart, the Group III Kevin Sharkie Bow Mistress proved a triumph for local hero Craig Newitt.
In a race that changed dramatically over the final 100m, Newitt launched down the centre of the track on the David and Coral Feek-trained Belsielle.
The 5yo daughter of Brazen Beau came from well back in the field after copping interference in a rough house race.
With just two of the 13 runners behind her with 250m to run, Belsielle overpowered the Super One mare Embeller by a length and a quarter, with the Stryker mare Sirene Strykera half-neck back in third.
With her first stakes triumph, Belsielle advances her record to four wins, three seconds, and four thirds from 23 starts with earnings of $347,890.
It’s such a thrill; we are delighted,” Coral Feek said.
“We targeted this race, and it’s been on the radar all prep. We wanted to get black-type, and it’s fantastic that she has been able to win it.
“It didn’t go to plan. We thought she would be further forward. She looked like she might have clipped heels early in the race. I was a bit concerned, but Craig managed to negotiate a way through, and she finished it off strong.
“We brought one here about five years ago, and she finished second, so it is a super thrill to get this win today.”
A Mancinelli Family homebred, Belsielle is the lone winner from two to race for the Caulfield winner Catherine Louise.
A daughter of Lonhro. Catherine Louise had not been covered in three years before being one of eight mares to visit the Redoute’s Choice stallion Great Choice in 2021.
Belsielle is the 21st stakes-winner for Darley Stud’s Brazen Beau.
