Hellova Street Up To Class of Bel Esprit Stakes

Hellova Street will make his mainland debut in Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, and trainer Scott Brunton has no doubt his stable star is up to the class of the talent-rich field.

Ben Melham will take the ride on Hellova Street in Saturday's Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Daniel Costello

Ben Melham will take the ride on Hellova Street in Saturday’s Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Daniel Costello

Hellova Street has been a star of Tasmanian racing through his entire seventeen start career so far and has finished outside the places on only one occasion; claiming an impressive nine wins and seven minors.

While yet to appear on course competitively in 2016, Brunton was pleased with the effort mustered by the Helike gelding in a recent Hobart trial and is confident he is primed for a successful performance in the Bel Esprit Stakes.

“He’s been terrific back here, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him,” Brunton told Racing Ahead.

“He’s had a couple of problems he’s been able to overcome, he’s earned his shot over there and we’re excited to be going there with him.

“I think he’s going into the race probably at about 90% but his will to win is fantastic and he’s got a great attitude when it comes to racing.

“He’s a really good horse and won’t be out of place in that field.”

Hellova Street has been charged with overcoming barrier 17 in the Bel Esprit Stakes, but Brunton believes the draw will not affect the five-year-old’s chances.

“I don’t think 17 is going to harm up. With the rail out 12m hopefully there’s a spot out there we can find and there’s good speed and good horses, and we want to know where we stand,” he said.

“I’d love him to be in the first four or five, he’s got good speed early and a terrific turn of foot but I’m under no illusions there’s some pretty serious horses in this race.

“It will give us a good guide as to where we should go with him next.”

Hellova Street undoubtedly kicked up a gear during his third racing campaign through a strong 2014/15 summer campaign; making a successful transition to black type racing with success in the Listed Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap (1200m) before also winning the Listed Tattsbet.com.au Stakes (1200m).

Having returned to racing in career-best form through his most recent preparation however, Hellova Street won the Tasmanian Goodwood (1000m) with complete ease first-up before successfully defending his crown in the Newmarket.

Hellova Street is currently available at 2016 Bel Esprit Stakes odds of $21 with Ladbrokes Australia.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.