In a tactical masterstroke, the booking of Declan Bates brought back memories of his daring rides on frontrunner Pride Of Jenni, as Grinzinger Belle delivered a dominant performance in the Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley.

With regular jockey Damian Lane competing in Sydney, where he secured victory in the Golden Slipper, owner John Wheeler suggested trainer Danny O’Brien call on Bates to execute a bold front-running strategy. The move paid off as the $4 betting apps favorite surged to a commanding 2¾-length win over Wrote To Arataki ($6), with Another Prophet ($6) rounding out the placings.

“John played a huge role in securing Declan Bates, and it proved to be an inspired decision,” O’Brien said after the Group 2 1600m contest for fillies and mares.

“He rode her brilliantly. She’s the kind of mare that, when the conditions are right, gets rolling and becomes incredibly tough to catch, let alone overtake.”

With hopes that Sydney’s traditionally wet autumn weather will play to Grinzinger Belle’s strengths, O’Brien is now eyeing the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 12 as her next target during The Championships.

Despite the prospect of facing elite competition such as Fangirl, Atishu, and Amelia’s Jewel, Grinzinger Belle is currently rated a $26 chance for the Queen Of The Turf.

“A big thank you to Damian Lane, who I spoke to at length this morning,” Bates said.

“He knows her inside out and gave me plenty of insight into her little quirks.

“Getting her out of the barriers was one of the key aspects, and he passed on some valuable tips.”