Baronova a Strong Hope in Belmont Oaks

Promising 3YO filly Baronova (Fiorente-Twinkle Toes, by Danehill) is progressing through the grades where she is shaping into a quality staying prospect with plenty of upside for owners Lynward Park Stud. Trained by Justin Warwick, she is a daughter of Widden Stud Victoria's former Gr1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner Fiorente (Monsun), who was subsequently brought back in distance the following season to win the Gr1 Australian Cup (2000m). Since being stepped up in distance, Baronova has knocked up a hattrick at Northam, Pinjarra and Belmont, and heads into Saturday's Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m) as one of the fancies. Warwick enthused, "Baronova has only ever got better and is bred to do exactly what she's doing… She struggled in shorter races but gets into a rhythm and relaxes now that she's getting over ground." Unfortunately, tbwa.net.au reports she could be in need of another trainer as Warwick is planning to take some time off in the upcoming months having recently dispersed a number of horses from his stable.