Alpha Bella backs down pace, wires CTT-TOC field
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Alpha Bella ended a 10-race losing streak since January 2024 by leading throughout Friday’s CTT-TOC Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on turf for fillies and mares at Del Mar.
After finishing 2 3/4 lengths clear of nine rivals, Alpha Bella was not done. She ran aggressively down the backstretch after the race until she was picked up by an outrider.
Alpha Bella ($11.40) was timed in 2:17.32 after she set slow fractions of 25.94 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, 51.51 for a half-mile and 1:17.23 for the first six furlongs. Alpha Bella earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 91.
Ridden by Hector Berrios, Alpha Bella led by 1 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining and maintained a comfortable advantage in deep stretch. Alpha Bella started from post 9 and was immediately sent to the front by Berrios. She was never seriously challenged.
Starry Heavens (13-1) closed from well off the pace to finish second, a neck in front of even-money favorite Mrs. Astor, who was second in the stretch.
Mrs. Astor, a four-time stakes winner since late November, was well placed in a stalking position throughout the turf marathon, but could not close ground in the final furlong.
Nadette finished fourth, followed by Kentucky Gal, Sakura Blossom, Khinjani, Venganza, Sunset Glory, and Sun of Hill. Hopeful was scratched.
Alpha Bella, a 5-year-old mare by Justify, races for Don Alberto Stable and trainer John Sadler. The CTT-TOC Stakes was Alpha Bella’s first win in her eighth start for Sadler since joining his prominent stable in the late summer of 2024.
Previously trained by Todd Pletcher, Alpha Bella had one prior stakes win, the Grade 3 La Prevoyante Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/2 miles on turf at Gulfstream Park in January 2024.
Alpha Bella has won 4 of 24 starts and earned $565,615. Friday’s win was worth $60,000.
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