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Vinery Stakes next for Belle Cheval
Dennis Ryan, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • March 9th, 2026 5:00 pm
Belle Cheval is set to cross the Tasman to contest the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) | Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
After coming within inches of the upset of the season in Saturday’s $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), rising star Belle Cheval is set to head to Sydney for the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained filly put in a massive effort to go down by a short head to hot favourite Well Written in the marquee race on Champions Day.
Now plans are being put in place for her to travel to Sydney and take on the likes of Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Ohope Wins, who carries the same green and white Yulong colours as Well Written and has already been transferred to champion trainer Chris Waller.
The step up to a middle-distance at the end of the month looks made to order for the Savabeel filly, who won both her lead-up starts over 1200 and 1400m and on Saturday made up lengths on Well Written after still being in the rear on the home turn.
“She was so close to what would have been a dream result, but we’re still thrilled with her, so proud of our wonderful filly,” co-owner/breeder David Archer said.
“I had a good talk with Mark (Walker) yesterday and he was pleased to tell me she pulled up as if she hadn’t had a race.
“That being the case, and subject to everything going to plan in the meantime, she will be flown to Sydney and run in the Vinery, which looks ideal as a fillies’ Group One over 2000 metres.
“That will be it for this season, she won’t be going to the (ATC) Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m), and the most likely plan then will be to head down to the Mornington Peninsula for a spell with a view to a spring campaign in Victoria.
“As much as we would like to start her in the first Group Ones of the spring back here, the risk of wet tracks at that stage of the season in New Zealand makes Melbourne a more attractive target.”
In confirming those plans, Walker reiterated that provided Belle Cheval continues to please, she will be given the chance to add further Group One form to go with her third placing in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).
“While it would have been fantastic to win on Saturday, you could hardly be disappointed with her, it was a very good effort,” Walker said.
“The way she races she should manage the step up in distance in the Vinery, so she’s gone to the water-treadmill this week and then we’ll build towards Sydney.”
With plans already in place for star two-year-old Lara Antipova to be transferred to Te Akau’s Cranbourne stable with a view to one further start either in Melbourne or Sydney, Walker reports that his pair of proven mares Quintessa and Damask Rose have further confirmed targets.
“The way it panned out we were happy with Quintessa’s third from well back over 1400m on Saturday and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) at Trentham at the end of the month is an obvious next start.
“Damask Rose just missed getting up over 1600m at Flemington on Saturday and she’ll run next in the Sunline Stakes (Gr.2, 1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday week.”
