 Experienced jockey Wayne Treloar labelled unbeaten youngster Bel
Esprit a champion and likened the colt to Kingston Town after he thrashed his opponents in
the $126,500 AAMI Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield today."He's a champion this bloke," Treloar declared to
connections after unsaddling the colt after an effortless four and a half lengths.
Winning trainer John Symons sent a further warning to
potential Blue Diamond Stakes rivals by declaring the colt "only 80% right" for
today's return to the racetrack.
"I was expecting him to win today, but not like
that," a delighted Symons said.
 "His ears were pricked
before the turn and it was an effortless win. He isn't even near his best yet fitness wise
so I was very impressed," he added.
Bel Esprit was quoted as an early Blue Diamond Stakes
favourite with fellow unbeaten youngsters Innovation Girl and Delago Brom, however
bookmakers are expected to tighten his odds after today's dazzling win.
The colt won today's Group Three race like you would expect a
million dollar purchase to, but this colt was certainly no sale topper.
"I really liked him at the sales and due to his bad legs
all the good judges steered clear of him," Symons recalled of his $9,000 Sydney
Classic Yearling Sale purchase from last year.
Treloar said the colt just "toyed" with his rivals
and would be even better next time out.
"We were pulling up on the line. It was a great win.
I've ridden some great horses but this fellow is right up there with the best,"
Treloar said.
Symons said the colt would back up in the Blue Diamond
Prelude at this track in just over two weeks time.
At the line Bel Esprit had streeted his rivals by four and a
half lengths over the Alan Bailey trained C'est Le Reve, with the Sydney visitor Tom
Coureuse a further short head away in third place.
PICS - Quentin
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