Latta Preps Belclare for Empire Rose Goal

A trip across the Tasman could be on the cards for Belclare, with the Lisa Latta-trained mare set to chase a A$1 million bonus on offer if successful in the Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 4, reports loveracing.nz. Belclare (Per Incanto-Miss Rhythmic, by O'Reilly) became eligible for the bonus following her win in the Gr1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe in April, and her connections are keen to take their shot. Belclare has pleased Latta in her two public appearances this preparation, particularly with her runner-up effort to Times Ticking in her 1000m heat at Awapuni's synthetic trials on Tuesday. "She may well head to the Taupo trials next Wednesday just to have another hit-out on a grass track. She is coming to hand nicely and we are just looking for the tracks to improve for her," Latta said. While the Hawke's Bay Spring Carnival remains her initial objective this spring, the allure of the A$2 million on offer in the Empire Rose in November remains the goal. Latta stressed, "We will just get through the first two runs at Hastings and then we will go from there, but we are looking at the Empire Rose in November."

Belclare could progress to the Gr1 Empire Rose (pic: Peter Rubery Race Images)