Bien Nicole best in Honeymoon

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Bien Nicole was prominent throughout for a length and a quarter win over Naturally Wild in the $50,000 Honeymoon Stakes at Louisiana Downs on Saturday.

It was another length and a quarter back in third to Due To Win Again.

Bien Nicole($3.80) broke well, and settled in a stalking position behind Delray Dew until that one bore out in the first turn. Due To Win Again inherited the lead from there, racing about a half-length in front of Bien Nicole.

Around the half-mile pole, Bien Nicole took over, and was strong through the stretch in the filly and mare race, which was held on firm turf. She covered the distance, listed at about one mile, in 1:34.53.

Tim Doocy rode Bien Nicole for trainer Donnie Von Hemel. She earned $30,000 for her owners, John and Kristine Richter.

In all, Bien Nicole has won 11 of 21 starts and $559,580.