Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams aiming Wrote To Arataki at Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes at Sandown

A snippet from a radio interview gave trainer Matthew Williams a little more hope that stable star Wrote To Arataki could return to form in Saturday’s Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes at Sandown.

A snippet of a radio interview gave Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams something to consider ahead of Wrote To Arataki’s bid for a second Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes win at Sandown.

Wrote To Arataki won the Bellmaine Stakes when the race was last held at Sandown in 2023 before the mare notched her career-best success in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes later that year.

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The now six-year-old finished fourth in last year’s Bellmaine Stakes but Williams said the mare raced below her best when unplaced in three spring runs.

“Last time in, even when she was at the trials, we thought she was a couple of lengths off her best,” he said.

Williams said there was no obvious reason for Wrote To Arataki’s below-par spring form.

He said a training colleague might have given the simple answer in an interview.

“I did hear a comment from Mark Walker on the radio saying mares are better in the autumn than the spring,” Williams said.

“I hope that’s the case with our mare.”

Wrote To Arataki and jockey Dean Yendall will again combine in Saturday's Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes at Sandown. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Williams noted that comment while his decision to change Wrote To Arataki’s gear could have improved his charge’s output this time in work.

Wrote To Arataki won a trial in good style at Camperdown this month, boosting Williams’ confidence of the dual stakes winner returning to her best.

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“We sent her down for pre-training at Cheryl Weller’s down at Balnarring to give her something different.

“That seems to have worked well.

“Also taking the black ear muffs off her has helped as well because she just settles a bit better.

“In her trial at Camperdown, I thought she trialled well.

“Until we get back to race-day conditions, we’re really not going to be sure.”

Punters are also unsure whether Wrote To Arataki will get back to top form as bookies ease her quote from $13 to $19 in early Bellmaine Stakes betting.

Dean Yendall will ride Wrote To Arataki at Sandown.

Originally published as Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams aiming Wrote To Arataki at Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes at Sandown