Belle Cheval heads to Vinery Stud Stakes after NZB Kiwi near-miss

After coming within inches of the upset of the season in the $4 million NZB Kiwi, rising star Belle Cheval is set to head to Sydney for the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes.

The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained filly put in a massive effort to go down by a short head to hot favourite Well Written in the marquee race on Champions Day.

Now plans are being put in place for her to travel to Sydney and take on Group 1 New Zealand Oaks winner Ohope Wins, who carries the same green and white Yulong colours as Well Written and has already been transferred to champion trainer Chris Waller.

The step up to a middle-distance at the end of the month looks made to order for the Savabeel filly, who won both her lead-up starts over 1200 and 1400m and on Saturday made up lengths on Well Written after still being in the rear on the home turn.

“She was so close to what would have been a dream result, but we’re still thrilled with her, so proud of our wonderful filly,” co-owner and breeder David Archer said.

“I had a good talk with Mark (Walker) yesterday and he was pleased to tell me she pulled up as if she hadn’t had a race.

“That being the case, and subject to everything going to plan in the meantime, she will be flown to Sydney and run in the Vinery, which looks ideal as a fillies’ Group 1 over 2000 metres.

“That will be it for this season, she won’t be going to the (ATC Australian) Oaks, and the most likely plan then will be to head down to the Mornington Peninsula for a spell with a view to a spring campaign in Victoria.