Bella Sofia dominates Gallant Bloom, sparks thoughts of BC Filly & Mare Sprint
Bella Sofia made short work of Sunday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Gallant Bloom Handicap at Belmont Park with a performance that will have her connections thinking long and hard about the Breeders’ Cup in November at Del Mar.
Making the front rather easily under Luis Saez, the 3-year-old Bella Sofia led at every point of call in winning the Gallant Bloom against three older horses by 3 1/2 lengths.
Lady Rocket, who stumbled badly at the break, chased Bella Sofia all the way around the track, finishing second by nine lengths over a disappointing Lake Avenue. Don’t Call Me Mary finished last. Honor Way was scratched.
The win was the fourth from five starts for Bella Sofia, a 3-year-old daughter of Awesome Patriot who in her last start won the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga. She will be considered for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 6.
“The Breeders’ Cup is definitely going to take strong consideration,” said Nick Sallusto, the racing manager for Michael Imperio, the majority owner of Bella Sofia. “There’s no reason not to consider it after today. Michael Imperio is the majority owner and is definitely interested in running.”
The only reason not to consider the Breeders’ Cup is because it likely means facing the monster filly Gamine, last year’s BC Filly and Mare Sprint winner and the reigning sprint champion.
“There’s one horse in the division that everybody is aware of,” Sallusto said. “My opinion has always been you never run away from one horse.”
Sallusto mentioned there are other owners involved in Bella Sofia, including Medallion Racing, a partnership operated by Taylor Made Farm’s Mark Taylor, Vincent Scuderi, Sofia Soares, and Parkland Thoroughbreds. She is trained by Rudy Rodriguez.
In the Gallant Bloom, Bella Sofia broke running from the rail under Saez, set fractions of 22.46 for the quarter, 45.40 for the half and covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.69, getting a 102 Beyer Speed Figure. She returned $2.80 as the 2-5 favorite.
“I don’t think she necessarily needs to be on the lead, but when you have this type of horse you have to take advantage of it,” Rodriguez said.
The victory was the third on the card for Saez, who also won Sunday’s $150,000 Bertram F. Bongard Stakes on Shipsational.