Bell reunites with Shades Of Gold

By Tony White

SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP - Star apprentice Tim Bell's association with Shades Of Gold, who resumes at Grafton on Tuesday, dates back to his early days with trainer Sue Grills.

"Tim and the mare sort of arrived together," the Tamworth-based Grills said.

"Shades Of Gold was an idiot at first, a real handful.

"Tim did all the hard work riding her, getting her to settle and helping her become a racehorse."

Shades Of Gold tackles the XXXX Gold Benchmark 60 Hcp (1000m), the final event on the 10-race program.

Bell has been aboard the lightly raced six-year-old in 11 of her 15 starts netting three wins and four placings.

The daughter of Intergaze and Dancing Power has not raced since winning over 1440m at Walcha on February 12.

"She hasn't trialled but has been back in work for around nine weeks," Grills said.

"She normally goes pretty well first up (3-1-1-1).

"It's been pretty wet here (Tamworth) which has buggered everything up but she ranks as my best chance on the day by a long shot.

"The 1000 metres might be a bit short but she's drawn barrier two which will help."

Shades of Gold is a half sister to Hypnotize (by Belong To Me) who lines up with Bell aboard in the Coffs Coast Prestige Benchmark 50 Hcp (1200m).

Both mares are part-owned by long term Grills clients Paul and Bindy Frampton.

Hypnotize disappointed when a first-up 4-1/2 lengths eighth to Tuesday's rival Latika over 1200m at Coffs Harbour on August 4.

"She was certainly disappointing at Coffs, I thought she'd go a lot better," Grills said.

"She's better than that.

"Hopefully she can bring her best form to Grafton."

Hypnotize won her maiden at Armidale in January then was placed behind eventual Armidale Cup winner Prussian Secret in a strong Class 2 event at Scone on February 20.

Grills will also saddle up debutant Paris Light in race three.

The Alan Abrahams Memorial (1408m) will honour the former popular jockey-trainer who died following a car crash in August, 2005.

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