Bell's the One, Serengeti Empress set for rematch in Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bell’s the One and Serengeti Empress, who were separated by a nose in the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff on Saturday at Churchill Downs, could have a rematch in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on Nov. 7 at Keeneland.

Bell’s the One ran down Serengeti Empress in the final yards to give both herself and trainer Neil Pessin a first Grade 1 victory.

“I was just happy that she ran her race and ran a good race, and didn’t care if she won or not,” a proud Pessin said of the close finish.

Pessin said Bell’s the One would train up to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland, where she won the Grade 2 Raven Run last fall and finished third in the Grade 1 Madison over the summer.

“She’s won a couple races over there, and at the distance,” Pessin said.

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Serengeti Empress, the 2019 Kentucky Oaks winner who was coming into the Derby City Distaff off a win in the Grade 1 Ballerina at Saratoga, set a wicked pace Saturday – going an opening half in 43.77 seconds – and was just caught at the wire.

"It was a great horse race, and the winner ran great," trainer Tom Amoss said. "Make no mistake – I couldn't be more proud of my girl."

Amoss said Serengeti Empress also would train up to the Breeders’ Cup, which he indicated would be her final career start.