Balmont Belle took advantage of a trouble-free run to win the Bar One Racing Maiden (1600m) at Dundalk on Sunday.

The Balmont filly was prominent early and then Pat Smullen pushed her along approaching the straight.  She closed under pressure to lead inside the final furlong and then kept on well to defeat odds-on favourite Orator (Galileo).

Balmont Belle (3f Balmont – Social Set by Key Of Luck) had been unlucky since blowing the start on debt at Naas in June.  She was brought down in a three-horse spill at Ballinrobe second-up and then wasn’t suited by the undulations when placed at Wexford last time.

“I think that stamina won the day,” trainer Tracey Collins said.  “The flat track here helped and Pat gave her a lovely ride.”

Owner Anthony Murphy bought the filly for a bargain 1,200 euros (AUD 1,475) at the 2012 Goffs February 2YO Sale.  Her dam is a sister to High Society who won the LR Rochestown Stakes at Leopardstown in May 2011.

Transferred to California for a three year-old campaign, High Society won the LR La Habra Stakes at Santa Anita and at stud foaled 2011 G1 Golden Jubilee winner Society Rock (Rock Of Gibraltar).

Balmont (USA) is a son of Stravinsky and was a G1 winner of the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.  The flag-bearer among his 26 winners has been Balmont Mast.  He broke the Dundalk 1000m course record in 57.35s last December winning the LR Mercury Stakes from Starspangledbanner.

After initially shuttling to Alwyn Park in Serprentine, Balmont is now based permanently for a $3,300 (inc gst) fee at Lynward Park Stud.

– Karl Patterson