Bel Sprinter Working Towards Moir Stakes Return

Explosive gelding Bel Sprinter has begun his 2013 Spring Racing Carnival preparations with the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley penciled in as his first start.

Bel Sprinter

Bel Sprinter is working towards a return in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley in September. Photo by: Steve Hart

Bel Sprinter finally lived up to his potential during the 2013 Autumn Racing Carnival, producing an amazing finishing burst to record a dominant three and a half lengths victory in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill before going on to run third behind equine superstar Black Caviar in the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m).

The son of Bel Esprit was taken to Singapore for the Group 1 Krisflyer International Sprint (1200m) and did Australia proud, flashing home late to finish second behind five-time Group 1 winner Lucky Nine.

Trainer Jason Warren told Racing Ahead that Bel Sprinter had recovered well from his maiden overseas trip but will still be racing against time to be ready for the recently upgraded Moir Stakes that will take place on Friday September 27.

“He went 600 even on Tuesday and I’m really happy with his progress,” Warren said on RSN.

“He came through his quarantine time really well.

“He is going to have to have everything go really well to get to the Moir but he is a chance.”

Another international assault in the Hong Kong International Sprint (1200m) was on the agenda for the six-year-old but connections are set to chase further Group 1 victories in Australia with the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on November 23 the most likely end-of-year option.

“The horse has got a few owners that live in Perth and we are sort of leaning towards that instead of going to Hong Kong as we feel it might tighten up his autumn if we go to Hong Kong,” Warren said.

With the retirement of wonder mare Black Caviar earlier this year, Bel Sprinter is one of several horses who will be looking to claim the title of Australian Champion Sprinter.

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.