LaPenta, Kumin buy Bellavia, transfer him to Pletcher

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – A majority interest in the 2-year-old Bellavia, who finished second to Tumbling Sky in a highly regarded maiden race here on Aug. 10 has been sold, and the son of Honor Code has been transferred to trainer Todd Pletcher.

Robert LaPenta and Sol Kumin’s Madaket Stables headed a group that partnered to buy a 70 percent interest in Bellavia. His previous owners, Randy Bradshaw and Fred Rosen, have retained a minority share. The horse was trained by Jena Antonucci.

“This is the best and worst part of the business,” said Antonucci, who had to give up her ownership stake in the colt. “I could not advise my people not to sell.”

Pletcher, who got the colt on Tuesday, said: “I thought he ran very well. It was a pretty hot maiden field. Good effort.”