BELLA NIPOTINA – Runner Profile
APRIL 9, 2024 – Jaike Altieri,
Group 1 winner returns to the west with $5 million on the line.
After placing in the inaugural running of The Quokka in 2023, Group 1 winner Bella Nipotina is heading west once again on April 20.
Betting powerhouse Sportsbet have selected the mare in their slot for the second running of the rich 1200m sprint, having just missed the placings in 2023 when represented by Asfoora.
The confirmation of Bella Nipotina means the trifecta from last year will all line up in the second edition of The Quokka, with just a half-length separating them at the Ascot winning post a year ago.
Since then, the daughter of Pride Of Dubai has gone to a new level and comes into The Quokka with a Racing and Sports rating of 122, the same peak as last year’s winner Overpass.
She achieved that figure when edging out Private Eye in the Giga Kick (Winners) Stakes in November.
While she hasn’t run to an R&S Rating of 122 this campaign, she arguably brings the strongest form of the eastern raiders, running a close second in the T J Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 7.
The six-year-old mare had only been a length away from Imperatriz throughout the campaign prior to beating her at their most recent clash, with I Wish I Win also behind Bella Nipotina in the T J.
The 118 R&S Rating produced in the T J Smith was her best of the campaign, and matched the figure Oscar’s Fortune ran to win the Roma Cup at Ascot on the same day.
In The Quokka last year, Bella Nipotina settled out the back and ran home from last on the turn, while in her current campaign she has sat in a much better position when circumstances permit.
Her 118 rating is competitive to what was needed to win this race last year and she’s arguably a more consistent mare this season.
The ratings profile she brings into The Quokka is similar to what she brought out west 12 months ago, and that saw her start a $4.60 chance in the inaugural running.
Bella Nipotina has trimmed up to be a $4* second favourite with TABtouch for The Quokka, after being as much as $8.50 a fortnight ago.
With TABtouch, WA’s star mare Amelia’s Jewel is still favourite at $3.80* with Overpass the third favourite at $4.80* and Oscar’s Fortune at $6*.
*Odds correct as of April 8.
About the Slot Holder: Sportsbet
Sportsbet can boast being one of the largest wagering operators in Australia with more than 2million customers nationwide.
They are known for some impressive marketing which has included the notorious early payouts of several events to customer which would have subsequently been losing bets.
They also regularly deliver justice payouts on both racing and sporting events.
Sportsbet are a major supporter of the Western Trilogy Series, owning in The Quokka and The Sandgroper for which they’ve secured Fernando Phil.