Bel Thor on fire for Hunter

Bel Thor took time to find his feet but he’s firing on all cylinders as a spring four year-old for rookie trainer Wez Hunter.

The God’s Own galloper won the $100,000 Antler Luggage Hcp (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday to complete a fairy-tale carnival for the Mornington horseman.  “I’ve had him from Day 1,” Hunter said.  “He’s been running out of his class but this was the right race and he put them away pretty well.”

Hunter also trains Smokin’ Joey who won at Flemington on the first day of Melbourne Cup week.

Bel Thor (4g God’s Own – Bellonic by Redding) broke his maiden second time at Bendigo in August 2012 but it was another 12 months before he saluted again at Ballarat a day short of his fourth birthday.

He put the writing on the wall for Flemington with a fast-finishing second to Hvasstan at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day.  “I couldn’t time it any better,” Hunter added.  “We’ve always had a good opinion of him and it’s fantastic to win another race at the carnival.”

Bel Thor’s dam Bellonic won the 2002 South Australian St Leger and she has since foaled a filly by God’s Own and a colt by Bianconi.

God’s Own is a Group 1 winning son of Redoute’s Choice and has climbed into third place on the Victorian sires’ premiership behind Reset and Bel Esprit.  He stands for a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee at Greta West Stud.

– Karl Patterson