Belle Poised for Double Bid Be My Belle, winner of last year’s IAWS Thyestes Chase, is reported to be on target for a repeat bid in the Gowran Park feature on Thursday 22nd of January. One of the leading chasing mares in training, the Sean Treacy-trained candidate performed creditably when second to runaway winner Cloudy Bays in last Sunday’s Pierse Leopardstown Chase. On Monday Treacy said: “She has come out of the Leopardstown race almost as if she didn’t have a run. A day out in the field has freshened her up nicely and it is all systems go for Gowran.” Treacy added: “One thing I have to say is that Timmy (Murphy) gave her a beautiful ride on Sunday and when he realised that they did not have a winning chance he did not abuse her. We are lucky to have him on board.” “Also I would like to compliment handicapper Noel O’Brien as he has only raised her 1lb for the Leopardstown run which leaves her with a fighting chance at Gowran. I would be the first to criticise him when he gets it wrong but he has been very fair on this occasion.”
