Bella Vincenza surges in deep stretch to win Added Elegance

Bella Vincenza continued her rise to local prominence Saturday by sweeping to victory in the $75,000 Added Elegance at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Rallying from several lengths off the pace after settling comfortably in midpack for Luca Panici, Bella Vincenza flew past front-running She Takes Heart in deep stretch to win the seven-furlong race by two lengths. She paid $6.20 as second choice in a field of seven fillies and mares when finishing in 1:22.99 over a fast track. Sweet Tooth Haven, the 8-5 favorite, was third.

Trained by Kathleen O’Connell for Pinnacle Racing Stable and Stein Racing, Bella Vincenza now has been first or second in all eight starts this year. The 4-year-old Florida-bred filly by Biondetti raced for an $8,000 claiming tag in her first start of the season.

The Added Elegance, restricted to fillies and mares that had not previously won a stakes, was directly preceded by the $60,000 Copingaway, a 1 1/2-mile turf race for 3-year-olds and upward who previously had competed at least once for a claiming tag. The winner was heavily favored Archer Road, who held off a late bid by Kikinboy to prevail by a half-length, with 130-1 shot Affluential another half-length back in third in a bulky field of 13.

Archer Road, ridden by Jeffrey Sanchez for owner-breeder Arindel and trainer Stan Gold, returned $4 after finishing in 2:38.60 over a course rated good. The 4-year-old Leroidesanimaux gelding now has won three of his last four starts and is 4 for 15 overall.