Venturing to last year’s Sydney Classic, trainer Robbie Griffiths took a shine to the Bel Esprit colt from the Kala Dancer mare, Gogo Doll.

With a couple of Bel Esprits already in his Cranbourne stable, Robbie was more than pleased to add another … especially when he snapped up the colt for just $18,000.

Naturally enough, Robbie considers the money well spent with the Bel Esprit – now named Cascabel – grabbing his maiden victory at Ballarat today (4 December) from a ‘hot’ lineup which included Coubertin, a Redoute’s Choice half brother to Elvstroem and Haradasun.

A moral beaten on debut at Sale in mid November, Cascabel showed he has above average ability with jockey, Peter Mertens, forced to use him up early and finding no peace among the front runners.

Moving to the lead on turning for home, Cascabel never looked in danger with Peter easing him down on the line. Taciturn as ever, Peter was, however, confident that: “he (Cascabel) will just get better with each run”.

The trainer wasn’t backward in coming forward though, predicting Cascabel has a good future and lauding the ability of his sire, Bel Esprit. When asked how many Bel Esprits he had in his stable, Robbie didn’t blink: “Not enough!”

In reality, Griffiths Racing houses six sons and daughters of Bel Esprit and Robbie hinted at the prospects of another up and comer in the Bel Esprit filly from Song of the Sun, bred by Eliza Park and leased to the stable in partnership with the Thoroughbred magazine.

“This filly is very promising,” Robbie enthuses. Out of a half sister to Group One winner and sire, Magnus and 2008 Schillaci Stakes-G2 winner Wilander, the filly: “trialled this morning and galloped beautifully.

“Everyone should get themselves a subscription to The Thoroughbred and take a share in this filly.”

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Recently cracking the ton, it appears it won’t be long before Bel Esprit produces the winners of another 100 races, particularly with half a dozen winners in the past week including a double last Saturday with Esprit de Roses and Apple Esprit, Spirited Halo at Sandown, the unbeaten La Bella Roo and 5 length winner Beau Esprit.