Four year-old Zabeel gelding Balestrand has been a work in progress with nine
barrier trials under his belt, but only two previous trips to the races until
today.Primed for his return with a gelding operation, the Peter and Paul Snowden trained runner returned like a man on a mission.
He led throughout to win the 1300 metre maiden by three-quarters of a length as favourite in an encouraging performance.
A half-brother to multi-million dollar earning Group I winners Terravista and Tiger Tees as well as Group II winner Ball of Muscle, Singapore Horse of the Year Super Easy and stakes-winner Our Lukas, Balestrand has big shoes to fill.
Bred by Mike Ryan, who owned Parfore until her death last year at the age of 18 (read more about her here) , Balestrand runs for a syndicate that also includes Torryburn Stud and various partners.
The last foals of Parfore to race are a two year-old Darci Brahma filly called Janicemarie that will be trained by Peter and Paul Snowden and a yearling colt by Rip Van Winkle (IRE).
