 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Bella Nipotina is being aimed at a slice of racing history as she prepares to tackle the Gr.1 Russell Balding Stakes (1,300m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, just weeks after her stunning triumph in The Gr.1 Everest.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare, who pocketed US$4.5 million for her Everest success, is looking to become the first horse to complete the prestigious double. The 6YO will face stiff competition from a quality field of 20 runners.
Leading the opposition are Everest contestants I Am Me, Private Eye, and Sunshine In Paris, all seeking redemption after their runs in Australia's richest race. Private Eye, trained by Joe Pride, brings Group One-winning form to the table, having claimed the Doomben 10,000 earlier this year.
The Russell Balding Stakes, formerly known as the Winners Stakes, has seen its share of champions, with Nature Strip (2021) and Masked Crusader (2022) among its recent victors. Nature Strip went on to claim Royal Ascot glory in the King's Stand Stakes, while Masked Crusader added the Canterbury Stakes to his trophy cabinet.
The Russell Balding Stakes, which is a special conditions race, secures runners double points in the Sydney Sprint Series, which finishes on Saturday.The race, now worth US$1.9 million, has evolved into one of Sydney's premier spring features, attracting top-class sprinter-milers from across Australia. Saturday's renewal is shaping up as one of the most competitive editions in recent years.