Belle Biddy wins Auckland feature

Driver Tony Herlihy knew Belle Biddy (Bettor’s Delight) had the horsepower to lead early and outstay her ten rivals in the $100,000 Group One Caduceus Club Two Year Old Fillies Classic at Alexandra Park tonight.

“I wasn’t sure how much gate speed she had but she’s learning all the time and she’s quite strong with it. She’s such a relaxed girl. She was jogging along at the 400, I clicked her up and she really got going. Once she gets going you like to keep her going. She just keeps rolling,” Herlihy said.

At the line Belle Biddy had a massive four length margin on Pepinyastep.

BELLE BIDDY REPLAY

Belle Biddy was bred by Tardina Stud and is out of the seven win Somebeachsomewhere Opoutama whose wins included the Sires’ Stakes Northern Mares Classic and Uncut Gems Mares Classic.

“We always had horses from them (Tardina Stud) when Tony and Anne (Parker) were alive. They spread their horses around but I’ve always had a couple. I’ve been lucky to get this one.”

It’s the sixth time Herlihy has won this race dating back to Gitten in 1988 through to This Time Franco 1992, Megaera in 1996, Tiger Turner 2000 and Western Dream 2005.

After stepping away brilliantly Higher Power (Father Patrick) led and was too dominant in winning the $25,000 John Boyle Commercial Realty Cup.

While favourite Hillbilly Blues galloped, driver Harrison Orange kept the handlebars down on Higher Power and when he cut out a last 800 in 56.8, the chasing bunch had no chance for reining in the gelding.

“The manners are coming along and he’s stepping so well, which is a massive bonus. He put them away quite nicely,” said Orange.

Earlier in the night Orange adopted similar tactics, leading all the way with Bamm Bamm (Tall Dark Stranger) in the $30,000 Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes Two Year Old heat.

The ride that  American Me (American Ideal) has provided his owners continued in the $25,000 IRT Spring Cup, with the nine year old defying his age, leading all the way and beating a handful of younger rivals.

“He’s an old marvel. You wouldn’t think he’s had the racing he’s had and the age he is. He’s pretty spritely. He was back to his forte tonight with the 2200 metre stand. Stepping away and getting across as easily as he did was the winning of the race,” trainer driver Matty White said.

American Me had a head advantage on Better Knuckle Up at the line, with Jeremiah a nose back in third.

The Holmes DG in a fortnight will be the horse’s next task, but beyond that White says there are no specific targets planned for American Me.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink