Australia: Sovereign Stakes a battle of unbeaten stablemates

The $106,100 Sovereign Stakes for Southern Hemisphere 2-year-olds at Launceston Racecourse in Australia on Sunday may develop into a showdown between undefeated stablemates Bella Beau and Jaguar Stone.

Both are from the stable of Adam Trinder, the leading trainer on the island of Tasmania, and are the only winners in the field.

A gelding, Bella Beau has started twice, winning two races at 5 1/2 furlongs at Hobart Racecourse – a maiden race on Dec. 29 and the Elwick Stakes on Jan. 23. In both races, Bella Beau raced near the front throughout.

Jaguar Stone, a filly, won her debut in a five-furlong maiden race at Hobart on Jan. 7, closing from sixth in a field of eight.

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As of Friday, Bella Beau was the 4-5 favorite in early betting, while Jaguar Stone was 7-2. The Sovereign Stakes is run at six furlongs and drew a field of nine. The Sovereign Stakes is the leading race on a nine-race program that begins at 8 p.m. Eastern or 5 p.m Pacific on Saturday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Bella Beau drew post 7 and will be ridden by Brendon McCoull, who was aboard for the maiden race win. Jason Maskiell rode Bella Beau in the Elwick Stakes and also rode Jaguar Stone in her maiden race win. Maskiell rides Jaguar Stone in the Sovereign.

Remuda and Piiink Beauty, second and third in the Elwick, are rated as contenders for the Sovereign even though they remain maidens. Remuda runs from a stalking position, while Piiink Beauty briefly led in the Elwick before fading to finish 2 1/4 lengths behind Bella Beau.