Heeza Phoenix has emphatically bounced back from a disappointing season resumption, posting a resounding trial victory over his long-time rival Rock Fest at Belmont on Monday morning. The three-year-old colt put his Ascot setback firmly behind him with a smooth and commanding performance over 1000 metres, signalling his preparation is firmly back on track.
A Commanding Return to Form
After enduring a torrid run and weakening to beat just one runner home when resuming over 1200 metres at Ascot on January 24, Heeza Phoenix showcased his true potential in this important trial. Starting sharply under jockey Lucy Fiore, the son of Grunt scooted across to lead after 200 metres from Golden Vale and Country God, establishing an early advantage he would never relinquish.
In his typical rolling style, Heeza Phoenix entered the straight with a length lead and began to extend without any serious urging from Fiore. This proved decisive as Rock Fest, who had required some encouragement through the middle stages, mounted a determined closing effort but ultimately fell a length-and-a-quarter short of the long-time leader.
Campaign Adjustments and Future Targets
Originally touted as a Group 1 Australian Guineas prospect in Melbourne with a campaign scheduled to begin in Flemington's C S Hayes on February 14, trainer Mitch Pateman and connections have made a significant strategic shift. Instead of heading east, Heeza Phoenix will now remain in Western Australia for a race on the same day.
His Valentine's Day assignment will be the Listed $250,000 Magic Millions 3yo Trophy over 1200 metres at Pinjarra, where he is expected to face Saturday's impressive winner Twisted Steel. The latter recorded what observers described as an arrogant success over 1100 metres, with jockey Clint Johnston-Porter barely needing to ask for an effort as he cruised home a length-and-a-half clear.
Historical Context and Rivalry Renewed
The trial victory continues an intriguing rivalry between Heeza Phoenix and Rock Fest that developed during the late spring. Although Heeza Phoenix finished second behind King Of Light in both the Fairetha Stakes and WA Guineas, he managed to finish ahead of Rock Fest on each occasion, with his rival filling third place in those feature events.
This latest encounter suggests their competitive dynamic remains very much alive as both horses prepare for their upcoming campaigns. The Magic Millions 3yo Trophy nominations also include last year's 2yo Trophy victor Do I Feel Lucky alongside Country God, setting the stage for a compelling contest.
Other Trial Highlights and Emerging Talent
The Belmont trials session also showcased several other promising performers worth noting. While she won't contest the Magic Millions, the regally bred Aurum Belle emerged as a two-year-old to watch in coming months following a comfortable 400-metre triumph in the second trial.
A Snitzel filly and daughter of Dame Giselle, who won four Sydney Group 2 events in 2020, Aurum Belle was purchased by Ridgeport and Yarradale Stud for $725,000 at last year's Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. She demonstrated brilliant early speed to seize the initiative before being allowed to coast home for a half-length victory over Grey Ol' Day under jockey Brad Parnham.
Unraced Gallopers Make Their Mark
Unraced gallopers owned by prominent racing identities Bob and Sandra Peters created positive impressions in trials 11 and 12. Celebratory, trained by Steele Casey and ridden by William Pike, set the tone with a narrow success over proven raceday performer The Crimson Pirate in the eleventh heat.
By So You Think and from Peters' black-type-winning mare Celebrity Miss, Celebratory showed promising signs. Meanwhile, Cinque Stelle, who impressively and comfortably accounted for her rivals in the following trial, is by Toronado and out of staying mare Zazparella. Purchased for $325,000 at the 2024 Easter Sale, she looks every bit a winner in waiting.
In the two-year-old division, convincing weekend winner Maria Lucia leads the charge, with fellow fillies Daryte and They'reallsisters among the chief starters for upcoming juvenile events. These performances collectively highlight the depth of talent emerging through the Western Australian racing system as the season progresses toward its major autumn features.
