Cambridge trainer John Bell had double the reason to smile after a successful day at Te Rapa.
Sentimental stable favourite Athena Baby notched his first New Zealand success when he took out the BGP Battlers Cup (2200m) on Saturday while earlier in the day classy sprinter Julius confirmed he ison track for a potential Group One assignment when impressing onlookers during an exhibition gallop.
Bell has the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy in mind for Julius who won twice at Group Three level during a three-start campaign over the summer.
Bell was also delighted to see Athena Baby notch his first New Zealand success after the Swiss Ace gelding had won four times during an eighteen-month stint in Hong Kong.
"You don't win four up there if you're not a classy customer.
"He's a real favourite of my staff and after they all backed him on Saturday I would think he might be getting some extra special attention this week."
