by Myra Lewyn

Darley Stable’s homebred Little Belle went from maiden winner to stakes winner on Sunday after she shook off pacesetter Love Co and drew clear in the $81,600 Busher Stakes at Aqueduct.

Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, the A.P. Indy filly entered off a 3 ½-length score in a maiden special weight race at the Jamaica, New York, track on February 1. Racing exclusively at Aqueduct, Little Belle finished third once in two starts as a juvenile and opened the year with a runner-up finish in a maiden special weight race on January 13.

Little Belle raced in second under Rajiv Maragh, a half-length behind Love Co, who completed six furlongs in 1:12.41. At Maragh’s cue, Little Belle reeled in that foe, led by a half-length in early stretch, and drew away under a drive while completing 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.32 on a track rated as fast.

“When I first rode her, she was very young and immature, but I knew she was a horse with a lot of natural talent,” said Maragh, was aboard Little Belle in her three previous starts prior to the Busher. “Today was her best yet; she was focused and intent on winning. Every race has been a step forward.”

Little Belle is the first starter out of stakes-placed winner Dubai Belle, by Mr. Prospector. Notable members of the immediate family include Grade 1 winners Prospectors Delite and Runup the Colors, Italian Group 1 winner Flagbird, and Grade 2 winner and sire Top Account.

For the Equibase chart, click here.

Myra Lewyn is daily news editor for Thoroughbred Times