Clinton Isdale trusted his instincts by entering Beebeep in the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa last Saturday, and his decision paid off as the mare secured a runner-up position behind Johny Johny.
Isdale explained, “We had her entered in at Hastings on the final day, in the (rating) 75 1200m, and I just thought the Sweynesse was a little easier option.”
He further emphasized, “There were a lot of older horses that hadn't struck form, besides Johny Johny, and she is a young horse on the way up, so I thought we would have a crack.”
Beebeep, the daughter of Vespa, has now won twice and secured places in three out of her eight starts, including a fourth-place finish in the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders' Stakes (1200m) in April.
Isdale expressed his joy at earning black-type for owner-breeder Tracey Harrold, who has been a steadfast supporter of his training efforts.
He stated, “It is good to get some black-type for the owner, Tracey, she has been with me since I started training.”
Isdale also shared the backstory of their journey, saying, “I bought a horse off her at the sales called Beauty Diva, and she was an unlucky fifth in the Karaka Million. The next year she sent me a horse to train out of that same mare, Ketchme, who was a Super Easy horse. We won a trial with him and sold him to Hong Kong, and Beebeep was the next one out of the mare. She is a small-time breeder, but she breeds horses that run well.”
Having secured black-type status, Isdale now has his sights set on achieving a stakes victory with Beebeep. He's looking ahead to the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1400m) next month.
“She will go to the Breeders' at Pukekohe on the 25th of November. We will monitor her over the next week or so before deciding whether she needs a run in-between or go straight there.”
While anticipating Beebeep's upcoming target, Isdale's focus shifts south this week, where Funfetti is set to compete in the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Funfetti was purchased by Isdale as a two-year-old from Gavelhouse.com and had an impressive debut win over 1200m at Phar Lap Raceway earlier this month.
Isdale mentioned, “I thought it would be a bit short for her at Timaru, but she showed a good turn of foot. I think the better horses will go towards the 1000 Guineas (Group 1, 1600m), so we might dodge some of them with a bit of luck.”