First-up specialist Bel Sprinter returned to his best form when forcing a dead-heat decision in the G2 Caulfield Sprint (1100m) on Saturday.

Group 1 winning filly Miracles Of Life looked home at the furlong only to be collared by Bel Sprinter right on the line.  Shamal Wind was a short-head away third.  “It’s great to see the old-boy back,” trainer Jason Warren said.  “He missed a trial and went in slightly underdone but I was still expecting a big run as he flies fresh.”

Bel Sprinter (7g Bel Esprit – Gavroche by Snippets) is heading to the G1 Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington on November 8and G1Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in Perth on November 22.  He has already won at the elite level in the 2013 The Galaxy at Rosehill.

“He’s had barrier problems and throat surgery,” Warren said.  “But the vets at Ballarat clinic have done a great job fixing his breathing problems.”

Eliza Park International champion Bel Esprit sired him from Bairnsdale winner Gavroche.  She was also trained by Warren and is related to 1997 G1 Underwood Stakes winner Always Aloof (Alleged).  Her second Bel Esprit foal Bel Rain won on debut at Geelong in April.

Bel Esprit is standing for a $24,200 (inc gst) service fee at Eliza Park International.