Dover: Bella Bellini dominant in Matron for 3YO trotting fillies

Bella Bellini took charge from first-over past three-quarters and drew off to the wire to easily capture Thursday night's $148,550 Matron Stakes final for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Dover Downs.

Driven by Dexter Dunn, Bella Bellini got away in the fourth spot while You Ato Dream (Jeff Gregory) made her way to the point from post six and hit the opening quarter in 27 3/5. Moni For Lindy (Yannick Gingras) was already out and on the move from third before that station, though, and she would work her way to the top prior to the 56 second half-mile marker.

Bella Bellini and Dunn pulled the trigger first-over beyond the half, and she hustled up to Moni For Lindy, then forged her way by past the 1:23 4/5 three-quarters. After taking command, Bella Bellini quickly moved away from the rest of the field, and she wound up prevailing by six lengths in 1:52 2/5. You Ato Dream was able to angle out on the final bend and wound up second, and Iteration (Brian Sears) closed well on the cones after sitting on the inside to get third.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

"The elimination and the final of the Breeders Crown was probably the best she's felt, and tonight again was probably the best she's felt all season," remarked Dunn. "We got away handy enough. She's sort of raced most of the season that style. The speed was hot enough there that first quarter and first half for her.

"I know she's going to be bred at the end of this year, I think. There might be one more race maybe for her depending on what they do. She's had a great season, and it's been a pleasure to drive her."

Nifty Norman trains Bella Bellini, a daughter of Bar Hopping, for owner/breeder David McDuffee. She has a record of 11-7-0 from 25 career starts, and she has now earned $1,095,738. She paid $2.40 to win as the 1-5 favorite.