The Stephen Marsh-trained mare got into a hopeless spot, last before the home turn, before charging into third in last month’s Wingatui feature.
Marsh’s stable foreman and Belle Fascino’s part-owner, Rhys Mildon, had to watch as the chance of putting a win in a valuable group 3 race on their mare’s resume went begging.
Belle Fascino gets another shot at group 3 glory in tomorrow’s 1600m feature.
And she could not be in better order.
"She is racing in the form of her life, that is for sure," Mildon said.
"She is just doing everything right — from the moment she landed in the South Island she has not put a foot wrong."
Belle Fascino produced a powerful victory over 1400m at Riccarton a month after her excellent Wingatui effort.
The mare initially felt some minor effects from racing on a good track before she began to thrive from the run.
"She has come through it fantastically," Mildon said.
"The hard Riccarton track tickled her up initially, but it was nothing the chiropractor couldn’t undo.
"She worked brilliantly on Tuesday morning, so we are really happy with her."
Belle Fascino has been rated the $5.50 second-favourite behind Monza Circuito ($5), despite beating her in their last clash at Riccarton.
Quintuple Twins ($6), Ticket To Ride ($8) and The Precious One ($10) look to be among the biggest threats to Belle Fascino.
The Precious One steps up to 1600m after being caught wide in her last start for sixth over 1200m at Wingatui on February 29.
Fellow Wingatui galloper Patrick Erin will be having in his second start since returning from Australia in the Hororata Cup.
The Brian and Shane Anderton-trained 8yr-old was eighth in the same Wingatui race as The Precious One.
"He went a good race. He just ran out of room when a few tired ones stopped in front of him,’’ Brian Anderton said.
"He has improved, but he is a pretty fit horse anyway.
"He is not the sort of horse that takes a lot of work."
The Anderton stable is expecting a bold run from Patrick Erin when he steps up to 1800m tomorrow.
"Shane has been pretty pleased with him, and he worked [well] this week.
"We would be disappointed if he didn’t go a good race."
Patrick Erin will carry 61.5kg, with rider Jacob Lowry aboard.
That weight was confirmed after weights for all thoroughbred races were lifted 2kg in an effort to support jockey welfare during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Patrick Erin has been rated a $9.50 win chance in the Hororata Cup, behind leading contenders Camino Rocoso ($5), Owen Patrick ($5.50), Neeson ($6) and Who Dares Wins ($9).
