Since winning the opening two-year-old race of the season in New Zealand a year ago, the Star Witness filly Bellatrix Star has been a model of consistency.
The Group II Eclipse Stakes winner at Pukekohe Park on New Year's Day, Bellatrix Star was a troubled fifth behind Drifting at her Australian debut in the Group II Quzette Stakes at Caulfield.
At her most recent start, the Mark Walker-trained filly captured the Listed Cap D'antibes Stakes on a soft track at Flemington.
She faced a similar field in Friday night's Group III Ladbrokes Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. Under a peach from Michael Dee, Bellatrix Star Star disposed of her rivals with a minimum of fuss, defeating the Tassie star Geegees Mistruth (Wordsmith) by three-quarters of a length with Tobeornottobe (Pierata) one and a half lengths back in third.
The 3-year-old daughter of Star Witness advances her record to four wins, a second, and a thirds from eight starts with earnings of $419,300.
"It's a massive confidence booster that she can do it on good and soft tracks," stable representative Ben Gleeson said.
"She won dominantly last start, but for her to put that field away again and improve and show that she is up to a better level. It's a good boost for us.
"Mark and I both thought she'd improved in her condition and her work at home being exceptional. Mick gave her a 10 out of 10 ride. He put her in the box seat, and she just showed her class."
"(Owner) John (Galvin), for what he spends on horses, does an amazing job. He finds a great syndicate of people and consistently buys a very good horse, whether it's in New Zealand or here. Every year, you see Fortuna turn up with a good set of silks on a nice horse. So I'm really pleased for John Galvin, a massive supporter."
Bellatrix Star was an $80,000 buy for Te Akau principal David Ellis out of Phoenix Park's 2023 New Zealand Book 1 Sale draft on behalf of Fortuna Syndications.
Bred by Rob Dunnett, she was foaled and raised at Seymour Park in Victoria and is the best of two winners from Alana's Party, a half-sister by Exceed and Excel to Group III placed Petition from Group I winner The Party Stand.
Alana's Party was a $17,000 purchase for Mark Pilkington Management at the 2021 Magic Million National Broodmare Sale when carrying Bellatrix Star.
Unsurprisingly, David Ellis shelled out $280,000 for Alana's Party's Royal Meeting (IRE) colt consigned by Newhaven Park to the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Named Royal Rendezvous, he is in training with Mark Walker.
Alana's Party has a yearling colt by Nicconi and missed last year.
