Factorbella's turnaround continues with Regret Stakes triumph
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Whatever has gotten into the 4-year-old filly Factorbella the last couple months, her connections can only hope it lasts. But even if this proves her career zenith, Factorbella became a stakes winner – an unlikely one, at that – when she easily defeated five foes Sunday at Monmouth Park in the $100,000 Regret Stakes.
Winless in 14 races during 2024, a one-time winner in her first 23 starts, Factorbella captured her second straight race in the Regret and validated what appeared to be a breakthrough performance last out in a first-level allowance. In dirt races, Factorbella never had earned a Beyer Speed Figure higher than 74 before she popped an 86 on June 22. Bettors took notice, sending her off the strong 7-5 second choice behind even-money favorite St. Benedicts Prep, and Factorbella came through.
After his mount broke sharply, jockey Sonny Leon eased Factorbella a couple lengths behind pacesetting Ms. Bucchero, who went a half-mile in a quick 44.77 and briefly looked cornering for home like she might put the Regret to bed. Leon had plenty of horse. Factorbella drifted wide, but still easily took the measure of Ms. Bucchero past the furlong grounds, going on to a 3 1/4-length victory.
“She loves Monmouth Park,” said trainer Tony Wilson, who sent out his first stakes winner since 2011. “She has always done well here, so we figured we'd give her a shot in a stakes race since she is so sharp right now.”
Wilson said Factorbella, by The Factor out of Mariglianella, by Stephanotis, has matured and filled out this season. Her jump in performance level came organically.
“We haven’t done much different. She is just on her game now and she tells us when she is ready to run,” Wilson said.
Ms. Bucchero held second by 2 1/4 lengths over St. Benedicts Prep, who never made a real impression. Factorbella ran six furlongs over a fast track in 1:09.64 and paid $4.80. Wilson trains the filly for the Happy Tenth Stable, and her connections have thought enough of Factorbella that, despite a litany of losses, they’ve never run her for a claiming tag. Nor is that happening anytime soon. One-for-23 followed by 2-2: Factorbella suddenly has become a factor.
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