Trainer continues to face weighty problem

Grant Searle is fast running out of options with his Group-winning mare Bel Sorriso.

The Levin trainer is facing a handicap battle with the five-year-old, who will again carry topweight of 60kg in Saturday’s 100% Appliances Magness Benrow Trentham Gold Cup.

“She’s got seven kilos more than those on the minimum again and on a very heavy track over 2100 metres it’s very, very difficult for her,” Searle said.

Bel Sorriso has been successful in eight of her 27 starts, including the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap, but she has twice failed to successfully carry 60kg.

“She tries hard, but the weight just keeps getting to her,” Searle said.

As a black type-winning grand-daughter of Zabeel and the Group One winner Smiling Like, Bel Sorriso has broodmare value and her future may soon lie in that role.

“If the right offer came along then the owners would have to look at it, maybe it’s the best thing for her as a rising six-year-old,” Searle said.

Her place in the handicap aside, he is more than happy with the daughter of Keeper’s condition following a disappointing trip north for last month’s Gr.2 Travis Stakes at Te Rapa.

“She just wasn’t right, she didn’t travel that well but she is right now,” Searle said.

“I think she’s back to her best and her last two gallops have been very good. It’s up to Chris (Johnson) to try and save her up for that last sprint at them.”