Darren Weir will keep his exciting filly Le Bel Away in Tasmania after she scored an impressive win in the Aceland Stud Thousand Guineas (1600m) in Launceston on Thursday night.

Le Bel Away (3f Bel Esprit – Let’s Fly Away by King Of Kings) sprinted clear of her rivals in the home straight and easily held Darley filly Exchanges (Domesday) to score by two lengths.  “She felt terrific throughout the run,” Brendon McCoull said.  “And she gave me the impression there was a fair bit left in the tank.”

Weir will almost certainly leave Le Bel Away in Tasmania after consulting the winning jockey.  “She will definitely be competitive stepping up to the 2100m of the Tasmanian Oaks,” McCoull predicted.

Le Bel Away is a homebred for Melbourne businessman Rod Menzies and connections targeted the Tasmanian carnival after she won at Morphettville on January 15.  

The Bel Esprit filly is from Murray Bridge maiden winner Let’s Fly Away.  The mare has since foaled colts by Bel Esprit and Magnus.  Let’s Fly Away is a half-sister to G2 MVRC Bill Stutt Stakes winner Mr Martini (Bianconi).

Aceland Stud sponsored the Thousand Guineas and owner Alwyn ‘Ace’ Shaw has catalogued four yearlings for the Tasmanian Magic Millions including a Magnus filly from the brilliant racemare Raven’s Pal.