The Mark Walker-trained Bellatrix Star has continued her stunning run of form with an impressive victory in the Group II MRC Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday becoming the first three year-old filly in more than 20 years to win the race against older sprinters.
The three-year-old Star Witness filly dashed past her older rivals to bring up a hattrick of victories, after wins in the Listed Cap D’Antibes (1100m) and Group III Scarborough Stakes (1200m).
In a race that lacked the expected strong tempo, Bellatrix Star came from beyond midfield to descend on her rivals and score by a comfortable half-length under Craig Williams, who rode the filly at just 51kgs.
The Group I VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Derby Day now beckons the smart filly.
“Credit to Mark (Walker), Ben Gleeson, all their staff, they’ve presented a really nice three-year-old filly at weight for age level, taking on some really seasoned horses today and they were confident of doing so and she delivered,” Williams said.
“You sit on top of her, and there's a lot to like about her. Her mannerisms now after, you know, she was a bit cantankerous before the race and eager to get on with it. She raced really well. She was very effective late.
“For the future, she is very effective down the straight, and for a three-year-old filly at this time, I think there is a nice race at Flemington for her in a couple of weeks.”
Bellatrix Star is the first three year-old filly to win this race since Haliberry won in 2003.
“Full credit to John and Mark for taking the punt, sending her over here early in the spring,” Walker’s Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson 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 now and hopefully all the good colts and sprinters will go and bash each other up in The Everest and we get every chance at it.”
A Group II winner in New Zealand last season, Bellatrix Star was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $80,000 out of Phoenix Park’s 2023 New Zealand Book 1 Sale draft on behalf of Fortuna Syndications and has the overall record of five wins and two placings from nine starts with prizemoney topping $620,000.
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. A savvy purchase for just $17,000 from the 2021 Magic Million National Broodmare Sale for Mark Pilkington Management, Alana’s Party was carrying Bellatrix Star at the time.
The decision to send Bellatrix Star to Karaka was inspired by a visit to the farm from NZB representative Brent Thompson, who suggested the powerful looking Star Witness filly from the daughter of Kiwi Group I winner The Party Stand could be well received in New Zealand as an obvious Karaka Million type filly.
She was sent to New Zealand and prepared for sale by Janine Dunlop at Phoenix Park with the team at Seymour Park following her subsequent career closely since her purchase by David Ellis and they plan on sending several yearlings across to Karaka again in 2025 by Shamus Award, Fierce Impact (Jpn) and Royal Meeting (IRE).
Alana’s Party has a two year-old colt by Royal Meeting (IRE) that was also bought by David Ellis for $280,000 at Inglis Premier from the Newhaven Park draft earlier this year.
She has a yearling colt to follow by Nicconi, but no foal this year after missing to Dundeel.
Bellatrix Star is the first stakes-winner of a new season for Widden Stud’s stalwart sire Star Witness, who stands in Victoria at the value fee of $8,800.
