Fox On The Run
Talented mare Friar Fox is in line to return to Melbourne after she made a sparkling return for trainer Justine Erkelens at Belmont on Saturday.
Racing first-up since July, Friar Fox settled back and rocketed down the outside to win the Tabtouch-Better Your Bet Handicap (1600) impressively.
Ridden by Steven Parnham, Friar Fox, defeated Missile Launch by a half-length with a similar margin to third placegetter Western Temple.
Favourite Taxagano battled away for fourth after he was given a perfect run behind the leader, Sense Of Power.
Friar Fox, bought for $14,000 as a yearling, improved her record to six wins and three placings from 16 starts for prizemoney of $246,085.
The daughter of Blackfriars, who won the Listed Natasha Stakes (2200m) as a three-year-old, is back with Erkelens after a stint in Melbourne last year.
Under Darren Weir she enjoyed a mixed campaign with her best result in four starts a second to Snipfit over 2040m at Moonee Valley in November.
Erkelens, who shares ownership in the five-year-old, said if the right conditions could be found then Friar Fox could soon continue her racing in the eastern states again.
“It’s really hard because I have to find someone who can accommodate her,” Erkelens said.
“She can’t stay in a box like she did before and I don’t want her stabled on-course anywhere.
“So, if anyone has got a nice little paddock that they can take her into then give me a call.
“Programming wise there are not too many races here in Perth for her.”
Julio Santarelli