It was a welcome return to the winners list for the Stephen Rowe trained Baleen In Me today at Belmont, saluting in style in The Swan River Sprint 1000m.
Commencing well from “the river” (barrier 8), jockey Brad Parnham produced a text book ride aboard the 3yo Flying Pegasus filly, winning a battle of attrition against its more favoured opponent before cruising to the line for a determined 1 ½ length victory.
From the outskirts, punters had already declared the event a race in two, pouring plenty into the Simon Miller trained War Prince ($2.20 – $2.00 fav), while Baleen In Me ($3.40) remained steady in the lead up market. And from barrier rise it would seem that the money was correct, as both horses stormed forward early – War Prince finding the lead, with Baleen In Me hot on its heels. Entering the straight, Baleen in Me capitalised on its rivals questionable first up record, leaving the favourite in its wake as it surged to the line in a dazzling display.
Bellaxena ($19.00) also got the better of the tiring War Prince to claim the photo finish for second – the favourite having to settle for third.
Baleen In Me continues its impressive strike rate, with today’s triumph number four from sixth career starts, together with two close seconds blotting an otherwise perfect report card.
Chris Blackwell