A Lot (USA) filly Becalotti refused to surrender when headed by Invincible Ruby at Belmont on Saturday and her will-to-win made all the difference in the Western Racepix Hcp (1200m).
Jade McNaught and Tiarnna Robertson with the connections of Becalotti
Photo / Western Racepix
Never out of the first two in all six starts since February, Becalotti was coming off a brave second at Belmont a fortnight ago to claim the last 3yo race of the season for owner-breeder Bruce Robertshaw.
“She’s very consistent and is still learning,” trainer Tiarnna Robertson said. “She hit a flat spot but dug deep to get there. We will see how she pulls up before continuing this prep. She probably wants it further and there’s more improvement ahead.”
Becalotti is a 3yo daughter of Westbury Park stallion A Lot (Tapit) and is the only foal to race from Asifbecnic (Blackfriars) whose older half-brother Call Me Henry (Hennessy) won a LR Belmont Newmarket.
Jockey Jade McNaught knew she was riding a fighter on Saturday. “It was super run last time when we worked outside the leader from a wide barrier. She’s a speedy filly and easy to ride. She’s jumps, relaxes and is very tough. She’s the ultimate professional.”
A Lot (USA) has transferred from Willaview Park in the Great Southern to cover his first mares under the care of Westbury Park studmaster Phil Ibbotson this season. “Moving him closer to Perth has secured more bookings,” Willaview’s Claire Williamson confirmed on the weekend. “Phil has had more people come out to inspect him at Pinjarra.”
Meanwhile, Williamson and her partner Col Hunter have sent their homebred youngster Almighty Class for a spell following a disappointing debut at Belmont on Saturday. Touted as a potential top-liner following a five-length trial win at Lark Hill, the Playing God 2yo faded in the straight after stewards reported he pulled hard through the early and middle stages in the race won by Ancient Guidance.
Despite not living up to the hype first-up, trainer Mitch Pateman has a big opinion of Almighty Class. “He’s very promising and I’m hoping he will be a carnival horse,” he told The West Australian. “I picked him out of a paddock at Willaview Park. I was looking at other horses with Claire and my cousin Col but was taken by him.”
A Lot’s service fee has been set at $9,350 for his first book at Westbury Park where he stands with My Admiration (Encosta de Lago) at $4,400. Both fees (inc GST).