2021 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint: Bella Sofia getting feel of Del Mar track
DEL MAR, Calif. - Trainer Rudy Rodriguez is glad he brought his Grade 1-winning 3-year-old filly Bella Sofia out to Southern California early to prepare for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint next Saturday at Del Mar.
On Sunday morning, Rodriguez guided Bella Sofia through a half-mile in 48.64 seconds over Del Mar’s main track, getting her last quarter in 23.06 seconds under minimal urging.
Rodriguez brought Bella Sofia to Del Mar on Tuesday and was planning to work her Saturday morning. But, he said, the filly struggled with the track a little bit the first few mornings here and he pushed the work back one day.
“The first couple of days she was fighting it a little bit, but the last couple of days she’s getting more comfortable,” Rodriguez said. “That’s why I waited an extra day.”
Bella Sofia, the 3-year-old filly who won the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga and Grade 2 Gallant Bloom Handicap in her last two starts, will be given the best chance to upset heavily favored Gamine in the Filly and Mare Sprint.
Estilo Talentoso, beaten four lengths by Gamine in the Grade 1 Ballerina at Saratoga in August, arrived in California on Sunday after being part of the New York-based contingent that came via a Federal Express flight out of Newark, N.J.
She had her final breeze at Delaware Park, going five furlongs in 1:00.80.
The six horses, with riders, expected to enter the Filly and Mare Turf on Monday are Bella Sofia (Luis Saez), Ce Ce (Victor Espinoza), Edgeway (Joel Rosario), Estilo Talentoso (Jose Ortiz), Gamine (John Velazquez), Proud Emma (Mike Smith).