Te Akau excited for autumn with gun filly Bellatrix Star

The connections of exciting filly Bellatrix Star have a lot to look forward to in the autumn and have a Group 1 race pencilled in for her return.

Schillaci Stakes winner Bellatrix Star is back in work after a short break. Picture: Michael Klein

Te Akau Racing has Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) aspirations for Bellatrix Star.

The exciting Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) winner and Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) runner-up has just arrived back into trainer Mark Walker’s Cranbourne stable after a short break.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

“She had a couple weeks out, she’s a really gross doing filly so that’s all she needed,” Walker said.

Bellatrix Star won the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes and Group 3 Champagne Stakes last campaign against her own age and sex before taking on the boys and older sprinters in the Schillaci.

The Star Witness filly launched late to run second in the Coolmore behind crack colt Switzerland and ahead of Growing Empire and Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot, who dead-heated for third.

• MRC secures financial future with $195m land sale

“It was a solid (spring) campaign and most fillies I reckon are better in the autumn, if she has that sort of form there’s a lot to look forward to,” Walker said.

“It took a good one to beat her in the Coolmore, so you’re always hopeful.

“She’s a genuine Group 1 contender for sure. We’ll see where we end up.

“Her form was outstanding really, we’re lucky to have her.”

And the first Group 1 of the 2024 #MelbCupCarnival goes to...

SWITZERLAND for @mcacajamez and @cwallerracing 👏

🎥 @wwos | #DerbyDay | #MelbCupCarnivalpic.twitter.com/FwjHl9juG8

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 2, 2024

Walker won the Lightning Stakes last year with champion sprinter Imperatriz.

Bellatrix Star has won five of 11 starts and earned $982,557.

Meanwhile, Walker’s team will be bolstered in the New Year with the arrival of Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Captured By Love.

The three-year-old Written Tycoon filly, who has not missed a place in 10 starts and won five, will trial at Matamata next month and then travel to Melbourne to prepare for the Group 1 Australian Guineas.

“She’ll measure up (here), she’s a very good filly,” Walker said.

Walker will aim to bookend the card at Mornington on Wednesday with first starter Longcross and Scottie’s Legacy $2.45 and $2.20 favourites respectively with Ladbrokes.

Originally published as Te Akau excited for autumn with gun filly Bellatrix Star