Search

Niance impresses in Bel Esprit

Grahame Begg has options aplenty for Niance after a first up win.

NIANCE winning the Sportsbet Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield in Australia.
NIANCE winning the Sportsbet Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield in Australia. Picture: Racing Photos

Niance has bettered her already impressive record with a strong win first-up in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

On an Oakleigh Plate path earlier in the year, a paddock injury forced Niance to miss the Autumn but she showed no ill effects from a head injury, sitting wide and coming clear under Daniel Moor to take her third win at black type level.

Firm throughout in betting, the five-year-old mare by Swiss Ace started $2.40 favourite and held $4.40 second elect Cleo Cat by 3/4 of length on the line while Aviatress ($10) was just a short head away in third.

Begg notched up a double on the card having also prepared Splash Back to win the second event impressively and said Niance had given every indication she was ready to fire fresh.

"She's a gun," Begg said.

"Never knows how to run a bad race and she's come back from pretty significant injuries where she cracked a skull and fragments taken out of her skull.

"To be able to bounce back and come through that, but she hadn't missed a beat once she got back into full training regime, she gave us all the indication she's prepped up really well for today's race."

"It was just the ideal race for her."

"Daniel Moor's first ride on her. Jordan (Childs) had the offer, but he went to Queensland to ride in the Derby up there, but bad luck for that.

"I'm sure that there's better things in store for her."

What those things are remain to be seen, with Begg even suggesting that a possible Queensland tilt could be on the cards this preparation.

"There are a few options," Begg said.

"There is a possibility she may go to Queensland for the Healy Stakes (June 28). With the weather up in Queensland, that's a bit iffy, but we maybe come back for the Heath Stakes something like that, early August."