Bella Sofia working way toward first race of 4-year-old season

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The Grade 1 winner Bella Sofia continues to progress toward her 4-year-old debut, which is expected to come during the Belmont Park spring/summer meeting.

On Saturday, Bella Sofia went five furlongs in 1:01.20, working in company with Summer to Remember. It was her fifth work - but first at five furlongs - since she returned to trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s barn in late winter.

“She went very good,” Rodriguez said. “We put a little company with her, put a little more pressure on her, but she did it very comfortabl. Everything was very good.”

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Rodriguez said he is under no pressure to make a specific return race with Bella Sofia. He said the long-range goal is the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint in November at Keeneland. Last year, Bella Sofia finished fourth in the Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita.

Bella Sofia’s options at Belmont include the Grade 3, $150,000 Vagrancy on May 14 or the Grade 2, $300,000 Bed o’ Roses on June 10.

Bella Sofia won last year’s Grade 1 Test at Saratoga and Grade 2 Gallant Bloom at Belmont before the Breeders’ Cup.