Valley race the next step for Bel Sonic

Bel Sonic (l) will return to Moonee Valley to race after passing a barrier trial test at Werribee.

A fitter Bel Sonic is set to continue his campaign at Moonee Valley after passing a barrier test in a trial at Werribee.

The talented three-year-old was narrowly beaten in his return from a spell at Caulfield on May 12 but trainer Jason Warren was forced to take the gelding back to the trials on Monday because he proved difficult to load into the gates.

With regular jockey Ben Melham aboard, Bel Sonic won his 800m-heat and got the tick of approval from stewards to be re-instated.

“He trialled super and I’m really happy with the horse,” Warren said.

“He was a bit big in condition and he probably needed the run first-up. Yesterday’s trial will just tighten him up a bit more as well which he needed.

“Unfortunately he had to go back to the trials to be re-instated and he behaved himself well at the gates in the blindfold.”

The enforced trial will double as Bel Sonic’s major work-out ahead of Saturday’s second heat of the A R Creswick Series over 1200m at Moonee Valley.

“That’s his main gallop for the week but it was a nuisance all the same,” Warren said.

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Bel Sonic’s stablemate Tarcoola Spirit is also nominated for Saturday’s race but Warren said the filly would be kept for Flemington a week later.

Warren expects Bel Sonic to be one of the main contenders in Saturday’s event which has attracted 38 nominations.

Bel Sonic won at Moonee Valley in December, one of three victories from his seven starts.

“Hopefully he can go on to the final of the series in about a month or so,” Warren said.

The Listed A R Creswick Series Final (1200m) is at Flemington on July 7.

“He’s a genuine stakes level horse, so hopefully we can get that soon enough,” Warren said.

“He’s won at the Valley and he likes the track. So it’s full steam ahead.”

The trainer is also happy with Violent Snow heading to Saturday’s Fillies and Mares BM84 Handicap (1500m).

Violent Snow won at the corresponding meeting a year ago.