New Zealand 3yo La Bella Beals has kept Star Turn’s 100% international record intact after winning her maiden with some authority at Tauranga.
Settling in the back-half of the field for Danielle Johnson, she burst through a wall of horses to win Wednesday’s Ultimate Mazda 1200 by over a length from the favourite Eyesonlyonme (Free Eagle). The Stephen Marsh-trained filly had been an unlucky third at her previous run when repeatedly held up rounding the home-turn and into the straight at Taupo.
Vinery sire Star Turn has been represented by 31 individual winners of 44 races from his first crop. He’s three-from-three off-shore with his Kiwi filly joining expat winners Cordyceps Six (Hong Hong) and Fortune Boy (Macau).
La Bella Beals (3f Star Turn – Miss Beals by Savabeel) has a pedigree dominated across the ditch by her dam’s Stakes winning full-sister Savour The Moment (Te Rapa Legacy Sprint LR) and half-sister Seize The Moment (Trentham Anniversary Hcp Gr.3).
Miss Beals was one of the first mares sold in foal Star Turn when she was sold by Vinery (as agent) at the 2018 Inglis Easter Broodmare Sale. “Some sales just work out,” Melbourne agent Sheamus Mills said following a winning bid of $180,000 at Newmarket. “She’s an outstanding type and I’m super confident in the purchase.”
La Bella Beals was bred in Victoria by Ed McNulty and was sent to New Zealand after being purchased by Marsh for $70,000 at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. He races her in partnership with Dennis Foster and the Carter-Kendall Syndicate.
Star Turn’s visiting Brisbane filly Startantes will continue her Sydney spring campaign in the $2 million The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick this Saturday. She is coming off a Group 1 placing in the Flight Stakes (1600m) and will line up against deep field of mares including the Vinery-sired Forbidden Love (All Too Hard ) and Sweet Deal (Casino Prince).
“She’s as bright as can be and is going to have to be at the top of her game,” trainer Robert Heathcote said. “The race is choc-full of Group winners but she’s tough and the (52kg) weight allowance could kick in.”
Vinery stands Star Turn for $16,500 (inc GST) with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
