Gulfstream: Belle Watling gets a shot at Rampart

Trainer Patrick Biancone confirmed Friday that Belle Watling, the Chilean wonder filly who has been a disappointment in two local starts since coming to the U.S. earlier this winter, will return next Saturday in the Grade 3 Rampart. Belle Watling worked five furlongs in 1:00.18 with her regular rider from Chile, Hector Berrios, aboard.

Belle Watling finished fourth after setting a very slow pace in the Grade 3 The Very One to launch her U.S. campaign and tired to be a distant third behind Amazing when switched back to dirt in an optional claiming race earlier this month.

“She knocked herself in the gate and cut her nose last time,” said Biancone. “She was bleeding pretty badly and choked a little from the blood. She’s coming along, it usually takes four to six months for horses from South America to acclimate, and she’s been here just about four months now.”

Biancone said Berrios, who won 13 races aboard Belle Watling, including several Group 1 races in Chile, will be back aboard for the Rampart.