MA BELLE NOIRE BACK IN THE WINNERS’ ENCLOSURE AGAIN

A step up in trip and positive tactics paid dividends for Ma Belle Noire as she won her second race of the summer, a mares handicap hurdle, at Worcester on Sunday 3 September off a mark of 96.

She has been consistent at her level, having been successful at Market Rasen two months ago before finishing third last time at Southwell where she was a bit outpaced. We felt going up in trip to almost three miles would be in her favour as she keeps galloping and jumps well.

Sean Bowen dictated matters perfectly on Ma Belle Noire who was handy early, then led before half-way and kept on strongly as she beat the favourite Rubys Reward by eight lengths.

She is going the right way and is eligible for GBB races which offer such attractive  bonuses.
We now have to decide whether to turn Ma Belle Noire out quickly under a penalty at Fontwell next Sunday or wait to see how the handicapper reacts. With a very warm forecast over the coming days it’s possible the ground at the Sussex track might be quicker than ideal.