Grinzinger plan stays the same

[Wandering Eyes]

Danny O’Brien had his sights on starting Grinzinger Belle (NZ) (Shamexpress) in the Gr.1 Tattersall’s Tiara Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm for some time, but he knew there was a caveat on this plan as she was to be sold at the Chairman’s Sale in May.

Luckily for O’Brien, after Yulong Investments purchased the mare for $1.45 million from her owner John Wheeler, they elected to leave her with him and allow him to fulfil his plan.

Now the O’Brien stable is hoping they can impress the behemoth ownership group by winning the final Gr.1 race for the season.

O’Brien’s racing manager Jack Howard said they were hoping it was going to be the start of a long and fruitful relationship.

“We were lucky enough to get her back and hopefully we can get a result for them, which will hopefully continue the relationship going forward,” Howard said.

Grinzinger Belle won the Gr.2 Sunline Stakes at The Valley two starts ago, and she followed that with a seventh placing in the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes at Randwick on April 12.

Howard said after that O’Brien set his sights on the Tatt’s Tiara Stakes knowing Grinzinger Belle fires when she is fresh.

“She’s definitely ready to go. She has a good fresh record over that trip and hopefully we can get a result for Yulong. She probably deserves a good race,” Howard said.

“She’s done enough work. She had a jumpout here before and she went along as one of Gai’s really went along.”

“We’re hoping for rain as it assists her and detracts from the others.”

After the Tatt’s Tiara, Howard said they will discuss Grinzinger Belle’s future with Yulong.

“She’s been extremely consistent throughout her whole career. There’s plenty of good races she can target through the spring and the autumn.”

Grinzinger Belle is an $11 chance with Sportsbet and will be ridden by Tim Clark.

O’Brien will also have a last-start winner in two-year-old colt Brave Design, who won the Listed Oxlade Stakes (1200m) on June 14, at Eagle Farm and he will run in the Listed Tattersall’s Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.

“Hopefully we can continue the good strike-rate up in Queensland as he’s been our only other runner there.”

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