Fifth stakes performer for Starcraft
Arrowfield’s 2nd Season sire Starcraft added two very good performances to his stud record yesterday when 3YO gelding Mr Spock bolted in at Riccarton in New Zealand, and 2YO filly Hallowell Belle gained black type at Randwick in Sydney.
Mr Spock (ex Impulsive Rhythm by Rubiton) had two starts at 2, for two placings, including third in February’s Matamata RC Slipper S. LR before spelling. After trialling at Te Teko in August he was sent south on a 2000 Guineas G1 campaign and justified that decision today with a six-length victory over 1000 metres. Bred by Bill Gleeson, Mr Spock was a $180,000 purchase from the Wellfield Lodge draft at the 2009 NZ Premier Yearling Sale, and is trained by John Sargent for T. Li, D.E. & Mrs S. Lindsay & W J Bloodstock Ltd.
Meanwhile in Sydney, Hallowell Belle (ex Bella Inez by Beautiful Crown) finished second in the AJC Gimcrack S. 1000m LR, 3.5 lengths from the winner Defiant Dame. The scopey chestnut filly’s effort was particularly good, given that she ran erratically around the bend and in the straight, and that the winner broke the race record, running 57.41 seconds for the distance. Hallowell Belle was purchased for $170,000 by Star Thoroughbreds at the 2010 Melbourne Premier Sale and is trained by Gai Waterhouse for Mt Hallowell Stud & D.K. Walpole.
Hallowell Belle is the fifth Australasian stakes performer by Starcraft, following G1 Star Witness, SW Singapore Sling and stakes-placed We Can Say it Now & Mr Spock.
