Wheels are in motion for classy pacer Maestro Bellini.
The striking three-year-old stepped out for the first time this season at the Albion Park trial session yesterday (Tuesday) in preparation for a busy season ahead.
Prepared by Chris Petroff, Maestro Bellini has not raced since finishing third behind Changeoverme and Rock With Sam in the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final on July 16 as a short priced favourite.
The Bettors Delight – Santuzza colt was given an easy time in the trial where he was opposing open class rivals.
Sitting back at the rear of the field, Maestro Bellini finished some 8.5m from eventual winner Mattgregor in a time of 1:54.5.
“I was really happy with the effort but it was unfortunate that we had to take on that class of horse, this was his first run in five months and I was determined to give him an easy trial as possible. He did everything that was asked of him.” Petroff said.
Connections are looking at the Gr.1 $200,000 Victoria Derby series at Melton starting next month while a host of features have also been earmarked.
During his rookie term, Maestro Bellini won 4 of his 11 starts including the Paleface Adios Classic and the QBRED Breeders Classic; both features were staged at Albion Park.
He banked more than $80,000 while taking a mark of 1:55.0.
“He did a good job last season, he went to Bathurst for the Gold Crown and then to Melbourne for the APG (Australian Pacing Gold) while taking on the local features. He probably should’ve won the Triad but the conditions that night were shocking, He wasn’t comfortable on that surface.
“He’s definitely come back in good shape; he’s bigger and thicker this time around. I’m planning on giving him another trial next week before looking at a race and then all going to plan, we’ll head to Melbourne.
“His next trial will tighten him even further and then he’ll be ready to go, I’ve been really happy with his work since returning from the break and I’m hopeful he’ll have a good campaign. Most of his features come south of the border so it will be a long season for him.”
Bred and raced by Alf La Spina and his family, they are fully aware of the challenge in front of them but are keen to win the country’s most revered classic.
Back in 2013, they came close when Caesar Augustus ran a courageous third behind Ohoka Punter and Guaranteed while beating home the likes of Bit Of A Legend, Lennytheshark and Arden Rooney among others.
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