Loving life in new state

LIFE in South Australia continues to suit Bellezza Nera.

Purchased from Western Australia last January, Bellezza Nera has become SA's leading pacer since crossing the Nullarbor.

The son of Rock N Roll Heaven has had 16 starts for top horseman David Harding, which have netted eight wins and six seconds.

Bellezza Nera's form includes seven wins and three seconds from his last 10 outings, with his latest victory coming at Globe Derby last night.

"He is enjoying life here and has done a top job," Harding said. "He got to a decent grade in Perth, where he was racing in metropolitan class on a Friday night, so we expected him to do a good job.

"He is well-gaited and doesn't take much work as he races regularly and is one of those horses which pretty much looks after himself...he doesn't need much maintenance."

Driven by Dani Hill during his recent triumph, Bellezza Nera was caught three-wide from barrier seven before being sent forward to test the leader, Last Tango in Heaven, from the 'death seat'.

Powering his way to the front at the top of the home straight, the gelding rated 1:58.4 over 1800 metres as Told You Twice and Artillery filled the placings.

"That was a good strong run from him," Harding said. "He is pretty versatile and doesn't mind doing a bit of work."