The first of three Black Type races at Gosford’s Thursday twilight meeting sees fourteen Mares line up for the Belle of the Turf over the mile. All bar one, (Irish Dream – Winter Stakes) will be hoping to register Black Type against their name for the first time in what will be a competitive race.

Belle of the Turf Stakes Guide

1. IRISH DREAM – J McDonald (14)

She’s had two runs back from an eleven week spell with the latest being a 3.1 length fifth of ten to Adebisi in the Listed Razor Sharp Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm a fortnight back. She was doing her best work late there in a race dominated by those on-pace and the step up to the mile will suit however, she does have 59kgs and a wide gate to contend with and will need to run down some in-form mares in the straight.

Odds: $13.00 

2. CLASSICS – C Reith (11)

She won her second and third runs in this prep before a eleventh (beaten 2.9) to Malavio in the Listed Festival Stakes and at her latest outing, a seventh of eighteen (beaten 2 lengths) behind All Legal in the Villiers Stakes (1600m). She’s been solid this time in and will appreciate being back to her own sex but she also rises 5kgs and has an awkward draw.

Odds: $11.00

3. PIPETTE – J Bowman (2)

She didn’t have much to beat two starts back when recording her maiden Australian win at a mid-week Canterbury meeting over 1900m before being ridden a treat by Bowman last start and scoring a decisive 2.8 length win at Rosehill (1800m) on New Year’s Day. Faces a much tougher field compared to her last two outings but will have gained plenty from her recent wins and drawn to get a lovely run again.

Odds: $4.00

4. MADAM NASH – K O’Hara (1)

She’s struggled to produce her best at three starts this preparation and capitulated at her most recent outing after leading to finish last, beaten near on ten lengths behind Circle Of Power last week at Warwick Farm. Her barrier position is the best thing she has going for her and on her current form, cannot see her figuring in the finish.

Odds: $41.00

5. CATHAY LADY – B Shinn (12)

She’s won her last three on the trot, all at the Canterbury circuit and all over 1550m. Her latest victory was a tough effort when setting a solid pace and finding plenty when challenged in the straight by Havana Rey and Mecir to win by a head. If she can find a spot early from her wide gate, she’ll be a live chance.

Odds: $6.00

6. HAPPY HUSSEY – J Collett (13)

Railed home well under 54kgs last start to run third (beaten ¾ ) behind Samui Lad and Capital Commander a little over three weeks ago. Form from that race not bad considering she drops back to Mares grade here and her only attempt at this trip was a 1.7 lengths behind Appearance (winner of the G1 Myer Classic) in the G3 Keith Nolan Classic however, from her gate, fancy she’ll have a job in front of her.

Odds: $17.00

7. SAN ZAIM – J Penza (10)

Did well two starts back to hold on to third under 57kgs behind Disciple and again was in the mix at her most recent start when third to Circle Of Power and Disciple again last weekend at Warwick in a BM 80 (1600m). Drops 4kgs and back to her own sex here, can camp off what should be a decent speed and finish well.

Odds: $6.50

8. BABEL – K McEvoy (4)

Took benefit from a first up fourth behind Holy Moly and Pentasia to score a good head win over Princess Layla in a BM 80 (1300m) before getting the better of the same horse again at her most recent start, a BM 85 (1400m) when getting every chance in the run. Tackles this trip for the first time in her sixteen start career but drawn to get every chance again and hard to knock a Darley horse that is in winning form.

Odds: $8.00

9. MABASM – N Berry (5)

A David Hayes representative that is coming off a good ¾ length win over Secret Liaison at Sandown a little over three weeks back. Had no luck in the Listed Summond Stakes the start before behind Cabernet and was close up over the Spring Carnival in handy Mares’ races including a third to Star Of Giselle. Will get back and a bigger track would be more preferable but look for her finishing late.

Odds: $7.50

10. TITBIT – B Avdulla (6)

Got back further than anticipated from her good draw last start and didn’t have much luck in the run home when finishing fifth (beaten 1 ½ ) last start behind Babel in a BM 85 (1400m). From a good draw, might sit a little handier today and although she can be a frustrating prospect at times, inclined to include her as a place chance at good odds.

Odds: $17.00

11. TRIPLE SIX – J Ford (7)

Hasn’t win since claiming her second victory in a BM 74 at Canterbury on a Heavy track back in November 2011. In nine runs since she’s placed three placings including her last start third (beaten 2.2 lengths) behind Disciple in a BM 75 over 1400m before Christmas. Chased hard then and the combination of stepping up in distance and dropping in weight does appeal but her strike rate of 2 from 20 doesn’t.

Odds: $12.00

12. SHAMARDANI – T Berry (9)

Despite being beaten over five lengths two starts back, her run wasn’t that bad in a BM 85 F & M’s (1200m) race dominated by on-pacers and she has since finished two lengths behind Babel in a BM 85 where again, she closed well. Trip should pose little concern but find it hard to see her turning the tables on those who finished in front of her last start.

Odds: $31.00

13. REIBY REGINA – G Buckley (3)

Ran third to the in-from Panko three starts back before recording a good win at a Canterbury mid-weeker. At her last start, she sat second outside eventual winner Ceaser’s Princess and weakened to finish fifth of seven. Will go forward but can’t see her holding some of these out late.

Odds: $41.00

14. LADY PAGET – P Mertens (8)

Ligthly raced but well bred 4yo mare (half to Casino Prince) by Testa Rossa who only had her fourth race appearance when first up four weeks back and finished last behind Skip Town in a BM 75 at Canterbury. Didn’t have a great deal of luck early and never recovered, she can do better but not quite sure if that better will be good enough here.

Odds: $51.00

OVERVIEW

As it is most years, this is a good race with several legitimate chances including Cathay Lady who should cross to lead from her wide gate – with Madam Nash and Pipette also prominent. Happy to bet around Pipette at her early quote of $4.00. Mabasm but an unlucky run behind her and bounced back with a good win last start. Respect the fact that the stable has ventured north for this race and she’ll appreciate the anticipated strong pace here. Babel gets a lovely run again from four and is good each-way odds at $8.00. Also give a chance – yet another one – to Titbit who was unlucky behind Babel last start but believe she’s a better chance then the $17.00 currently on offer.