Bellezza Nera takes out 2026 Italian Cup
The Harding family’s successes in the feature Italian Cup continued at Globe Derby Park on Saturday with an all-the-way victory by Bellezza Nera.
It was David Harding’s first success in the race as a trainer, but he drove two winners of the feature – Jay Pees Ruler (2007) and Timeless Era in 2013.
However, his father Les has prepared two Italian Cup winners – Bettor Party (2017) and Jimmy Mack (2022).
Bellezza Nera was driven by Danielle Hill who trumps the Hardings with four winning drives.
She partnered Bettor Party, Jimmy Mack and in 2021 was in the sulky of Joes A Character for trainer Yvette Zitterbart.
On Saturday, Hill made the most use of gate one to hold the front on Bellezza Nera ($1.80 into $1.45 fav) and rated the eight-year-old perfectly to score by 1-1/2 metres from Dhaulagiri ($4.40) with Artillery ($15), nine metres away third.
Trainer David Harding said Bellezza Nera had been an excellent purchase from WA for owner Lachie Cormack.
“Tonight was his 12th win in the 12 months we have had him,” Harding said.
“There is no doubt gate one was a huge bonus tonight and allowed Dani to hold the top.
“The runner up kept the pressure on with no cheap sectionals and his winning rate of 1:57.1 was very good.
“We will keep him going and head into the Cup races that come up over the next few months.”
Dhaulagiri, winner of the Christmas Cup in December, and trained in Terang by Matthew Horsnell, was a gallant second.
Driver Samantha Hill had the nine-year-old away quickly from gate four but just could not cross Bellezza Nera and was forced to sit parked throughout.
He continued to apply pressure to the winner, but the tough run told over the final 50 metres.
Balladoro made the trip from Port Pirie worthwhile for trainer-driver Dale Afford in the Bargain Steel Centre Pace (1800m).
Afford was able to settle Balladoro one-out, one-back in the run before making a winning sprint coming off the back straight.
The gelding, an $8,50 chance, held on to beat the fast-finishing The Notorious R G B ($4.80) by a head with Lunchinheaven ($151) running on well, 22 metres away third.
The six-year-old had been placed at two of his previous three runs and running consistently for Afford.
- Story: Graham Fischer
- Photo Walter Bulyga