A start in the $140,000 Wagga Gold Cup next month hinges on the performance of Ring Da Belle in the $30,000 Murrumbidgee Cup (1800m) at Wagga on Sunday, reports Racing NSW.
Trainer Paul Murray said if the four-year-old Sebring mare wins on Sunday the Wagga Gold Cup on May 1 was the logical path.
However, Ring Da Belle, owned and bred by Gerry Fischl and his family, also has a date at the Inglis broodmare sales where she will go up for sale.
“Gerry has got a number of his broodmares going up for sale including Ring Da Belle,” Murray said. “If she makes the right money he’ll probably sell her.
“If she can win on Sunday we’ll go to the Wagga cup otherwise I’ll try and find another race for her before the sales.”
Left:Four-year-old Ring Da Belle
As a young horse Ring Da Belle was kept back from the sales. “When she was a foal she had to have a large melanoma cut out of her neck,” Murray revealed. “They didn’t know then if she’d even race.
“Because of the problem Gerry didn’t put her through the sales in case there was something wrong.
“In the end he decided to keep her.
“It’s been a good decision. She’s got a real good record (16 starts for four wins and eight placing’s).”
Ring Da Belle still bears the scars of her operation.
Ring Da Belle is coming off a last start 2.8 length win in the Tom Patton Cup (1800m) at Wagga on March 15 when rider Richard Bensley, in a smart move, circled the field from the 600m with Ring Da Belle dashing clear in the home straight for a decisive win.
“It was a very good win albeit in a small field,” Murray said. “Richie showed a bit more aggression and put her into the race earlier than normal. He had to ride her a bit upside down but Ring Da Belle responded very well.
“It’s a bit harder grade on Sunday but she’s done very well since the run.
“She loves the track and distance which are good pluses and Richie knows her very well now.
“She should be hard to beat.”