NEWS
Unbridled Belle dominant in Delaware Handicap
Posted: Sunday, July 15, 2007 7:36 PM
UNBRIDLED BELLE
Lydia Williams photo
by Jeff Apel
Unbridled Belle, one of two entrants in a field of eight trained by Todd Pletcher, seized command approaching the stretch and drew off in the closing strides for a 7 ¾-length win in the $1,000,900 Delaware Handicap (G2) on Sunday at Delaware Park.
Tracking the pace in third through one mile after being boxed in for seven furlongs, Unbridled Belle gained command on the outside of Peak Maria’s Way and opened a two-length lead in early stretch. Unbridled Belle continued to increase her advantage approaching the finish while responding to brisk urging from Ramon Dominguez, who earned five wins on the 12-race card.
Unbridled Belle was positioned near the rail at the start. To her outside was stablemate Indian Vale, the 9-to-10 favorite who faded to fifth.
Peak Maria’s Way maintained a half-length advantage through four furlongs in :47.89. Tiring after opening a one-length lead through one mile in 1:35.94, Peak Maria’s Way quickly relinquished her advantage to Unbridled Belle, who eagerly earned her first graded stakes win.
Time on the fast track was 2:01.16.
Lila Paige, a 56.20-to-1 longshot ridden by Roberto Alvarado Jr., rallied from seventh to secure second, 1 ¼ lengths in front of Grade 2 winner Promenade Girl. Grade 1 winner Asi Siempre finished sixth.
Team Valor Stables’ Unbridled Belle finished second, two lengths behind Peak Maria’s Way, in the Obeah Handicap on June 16 at Delaware in her previous start. The four-year-old Broken Vow filly earned her first career stakes win in the 2006 Go for Wand Stakes at Delaware.
Unbridled Belle earned her fourth win in 11 starts over three seasons and increased her earnings to $772,840. Bred in Kentucky by Charger Six Venture, the dark bay or brown filly is out of stakes winner Little Bold Belle, by Silver Buck.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily editor
