NEWS
Little Belle wins Busher in stakes debut
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2008 5:46 PM
LITTLE BELLE
Brandon Benson/NYRA photo
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
