Actionbelle gives Bivouac new Stakes winner

Bivouac adds new Stakes winner to his growing record on Friday as two-year-old filly Actionbelle produced a dominant performance to capture the Listed Castletown Stakes (1,200m) at Otaki.

Having shown ability when placed on debut, the Ben and Ryan Foote-trained filly stepped up to Stakes company in just her second start and proved too strong, surging clear in the closing stages to score by 3½ lengths under Sam McNab.

Purchased by Brewers Bloodstock for NZ$90,000 from Henley Park's draft at the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, Actionbelle is out of the Stakes-performed Not A Single Doubt mare Balancing Act, who is also a half-sister to South Australian Derby winner Femminile.

Co-trainer Ryan Foote was delighted to secure a black-type victory for the ownership group.

"It was great to get a Stakes win for the team," Foote said. "She's a nice horse with a bright future."

Actionbelle becomes Bivouac's seventh Stakes winner, further strengthening the outstanding start made by the son of Exceed And Excel in his second season at stud. His seven Stakes winners this season place him at the head of Australia's second-season sires, ahead of Wootton Bassett and Ghaiyyath.

The victory adds to an impressive season that already includes dual G1 winner Beiwacht, G1 Queensland Oaks heroine Fireball Miss, and fellow Stakes winners Big Sky, Luana Miss and Cellarmaster.