Barbazilla goes last to first in Eavesdrop

Just as she did in her October maiden victory, Barbazilla rallied from last place to win the $75,000 Eavesdrop Stakes at Philadelphia Park on Saturday.

The Eavesdrop, a six-furlong race for Pennsylvania-bred 2-year-old fillies, was Barbazilla's first start with statebreds after she had faced open company in her first three races at Delaware Park. Barbazilla dropped well off the early pace in the Eavesdrop, was taken to the center of the track while rallying entering the stretch, and then reeled in loose-on-the-lead Driven by Winning for the half-length victory.

Driven by Winning made a quick move to the lead along the rail on the far turn and appeared home free after opening up a sizable lead in upper stretch, but she weakened and was nailed for second in deep stretch by Willow Grove, the longest shot in the seven-horse field at 14-1. Love You Not rallied along the rail to finish fourth, a neck behind Driven by Winning. Espindola, the 3-2 favorite, prompted the early pace but tired and finished sixth.

Barbazilla is owned and trained by Michael Petro and was ridden by his brother, Nick Petro. Barbazilla paid $9.80 to win, combined with Willow Grove for a $120.40 exacta, and was timed in 1:12.82 over a fast track.