Delaware: 'Belle' takes Go for Wand

Unbridled Belle successfully made the jump from first-level allowance to stakes when she overtook Amandatude in the stretch to prevail by a head in the $100,000 Go for Wand at Delaware Park.

It was the second straight win over the local track for Unbridled Belle ($3) since she shipped north after failing to clear her first allowance condition in three starts at Gulfstream Park.

Amandatude, under jockey Stewart Elliott, made a three-wide move on the far turn to take the lead and was a half-length in front with a furlong remaining. Unbridled Belle, ridden by Ramon Dominguez for trainer Todd Pletcher, drew even in deep stretch and won a head bob at the wire, relegating Amandatude to second for the seventh time in 11 starts.

Dominguez said he feared Unbridled Belle might quit after drawing abreast of Amandatude.

"At that point I was a little afraid she may get intimidated and back out of it," Dominguez said. "But she just kept on fighting and really showed a lot courage to get the victory."

Diamond Spirit, the 2-1 second choice in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies, finished third, 2 3/4 lengths behind Amandatude.

Unbridled Belle, now 3 for 6 lifetime, covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.58.

The Go for Wand was the first of two local preps leading to the $500,000 Delaware Oaks on July 15.