Aurora Belle shines on Australian debut

Promising New Zealand-bred mare Aurora Belle (NZ) (Belardo) made an immediate impression in her first Australian appearance with a commanding victory at Ballarat on Wednesday.

The four-year-old was well placed by trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes in the BM66 Handicap (1200m) and justified that placement with an authoritative two-and-a-half-length success under Ethan Brown.

Having won both of her starts in New Zealand for Pukekohe trainers Conor and Sarah Fahy, Aurora Belle was subsequently sold to Australian interests and transferred to Lindsay Park with an unbeaten record to protect.

JD Hayes was delighted to see the daughter of Belardo extend that record to three from three.

“She came over from New Zealand and she was well found by Jay Snedden, Punt Road Syndications and the Johnny O’Neil crew,” Hayes said.

“They have been great supporters of ours and it looks like they have a nice one here.

“We wanted to be nice and forward because at her jump-outs she has been really jumping into her bridle, so we thought she would resent going back.

“I didn’t expect her to cross that easily. She is a real game-day horse and is quite lazy at home, which is how we like them.

“She had her ears pricked at the line and that shows she has plenty of upside.”

Aurora Belle arrived in Australia having created a strong impression in two appearances at Te Rapa, with the Fahys reluctantly selling the talented galloper after receiving an offer too good to refuse.

Hayes said her former trainer had given Lindsay Park a glowing report on the mare before her Australian debut.

“A good friend back in New Zealand used to train her, Conor Fahy, and he said she is pretty special,” Hayes said.

“It was a good first win in Australia and that’s hard to do off the plane. I think we are going to have a bit of fun with her.”

Fahy was similarly bullish about Aurora Belle’s potential when she was sold earlier this year, believing her two New Zealand victories had only provided a glimpse of her ability.

“I think the world is her oyster. We were only scratching the surface with her and I know there’s a hell of a lot left under the bonnet,” Fahy said at the time.

“The rate she was improving each run was frightening.

“She’s got a high cruising speed and can quicken off it.”