GREAT START TO THE DAY WITH LA COUREUSE.

Even though it was more relief than expectation, I must admit to getting a special kick out of the win of LA COUREUSE at Belmont yesterday. After having sold part of the filly to long time stable clients and even longer time friends, LEX and SHIRLEY PIPER along with my good mate BRIAN BRADLEY, the filly did not appear to be racing anywhere near the form that I had expected.

There is nothing like a horse not racing up to expectations to get a horse trainer frustrated and this filly was no exception. During the week I decided to take off her blinkers, work the filly harder and step up her race distances. A chance meeting with her breeder GRAY WILLIAMSON at the races last Saturday, resulted in him suggesting that although the filly was bred for speed and looked like a speed filly, her family actually performed better when stepped up in distance.

When we sat and analysed her recent runs and why she may not have been performing, it was decided to make a few changes. To my relief, the changes appeared to make the difference and the filly never looked in danger of being beaten yesterday. It was especially interesting to hear PAUL HARVEY comment after the race that he thought the filly would be even better at 1600m. Who am I to argue?