While Belle Vue might be light on opens at this time of year, there is no lack of interest in the stayers and this week sees the clash of the biggest three names at the track: Freedom Roisin, Coonough Clodagh and Mill Mon Amie.
Racing manager Dave Brayshaw said: “Freedom Roisin clocked the fastest (calculated) time of the year in her last race over 590 and I haven’t been able to grade her. Coonough Clodagh is of very similar ability, as is Mill Mon Amie, who won the S1 last time out. I expect Freedom Roisin to start at a similar price to when she last won, evens, but it looks a very tough race to call.”
The Belle Vue grader strives to provide an interesting mix of races and The Zoo remains the last Northern outpost for hurdle racing.
Brayshaw said: “We are just about managing to hold onto them. We were up to about 15, lost a couple to in-season, and injury, but have two new dogs just qualifying. Unlike somewhere like Crayford where Barry O’Sullivan schools for other trainers, most of our handlers, at least those who want them, school their own hurdlers. Jill Llewellyn produces the most, but she is meticulous in their schooling and it isn’t a quick process.
BELLE VUE TRACK CHAMPS
470–SCOOP THE LOOT bk d (Crash-Honeymoon Clara, Oct 13) Owner Mrs WN Wagner Trainer John Walton Won three of his last four A1s including a 27.75 (calc).
590–FREEDOM ROISIN bd b (Razldazl George-Freedom Seacrest, Sep 13) Owner Mrs D Saunders Trainer Nigel Saunders Won two of her last three S1s. Title is at stake this weekend.
