Blackline and Salorsci are poised to lock horns in next fortnight’s Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m) after recording impressive wins at Belmont yesterday.
Blackline, prepared by Simon Miller and in the hands of Joe Azzopardi, struck first when she outgunned her rivals in The Gate Bar & Bistro Handicap (1400m).
The Blackfriars filly sat outside of the leader and fought on strongly to defeat the fast-finishing, Bergantina by a half-length with By Decree third.
The win was Blackline’s third from six attempts and further underlined her promise after she won a Pinjarra maiden by nine lengths on debut in March.
“She will go the Belmont Guineas and try and get black type to her name,” Miller said.
“She has had a lot of things go wrong this campaign and I really think she is only going half pace.
“I think the hype she has earned is warranted and it’s just raw ability that is getting her over the line.
“She really has only been on song since winning at Pinjarra and I’m full of admiration for her.”
Blackline, a $90,000 yearling, gave Azzopardi the first leg of a double after he later combined with Majinika.
Azzopardi seized his first opportunity on Blackline and said the three-year-old had displayed a resolute finish.
“She travelled lovely throughout and it was a nice win,” Azzopardi said.
“She had a really strong turn-of-foot at the end.”
Later Salorsci stormed back to the winner’s stall when he gave a bold front-running display in the Ascend Sales Trophies Handicap (1400m).
The son of Discorsi reasserted his superiority when he defeated Minus Looks by 1 ¼ lengths with Trademark filling the minor end of the placings.
Salorsci turned the tables after finishing fifth and suffering his first career loss to Minus Looks at Belmont a fortnight ago.
“Freewheeling out in front he is a freak,” said trainer, Jeff Noske.
“He is still immature and 12-months away from being anything.
“He is still a baby who hasn’t fully developed.
“When he develops he might be a nice horse.
“If everything is 100 per cent he will start in the Belmont Guineas.”
Julio Santarelli