Bellatrix Star to Bel Esprit
Comeback mare Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) took a step closer to a return to racing when stepping out in a track gallop between races at Seymour on Thursday.
The Mark Walker-trained mare is preparing for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on May 30 after only one start in 18 months.
In January last year Bellatrix Star suffered a potentially career threatening injury when she reared up when walking back to her stable, fell over, and fractured vertebrae in her neck.
The multiple Group winner and Group One placed mare had just one run when last of nine in the Listed Doveton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield but the Fortuna-owned four-year-old has pleased building into a new campaign.
“She is here for a good hitout today,” Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson said.
“She has had the two jumpouts and we are very pleased that Seymour let us come here for a track gallop.
“She will have a good hitout ahead of kicking off in the Bel Esprit Stakes on Saturday week at Caulfield.
“She has done so well in the feed bin.She is a big heavy mare now and a real sprinting type. It is great to have Luke Currie aboard so we can get some good feedback as to where she is at prior to her resumption.”
