It’s hard to make driving plans in a mile and one eighth contest at the Meadowlands when starting from the second tier, but somehow driver Dexter Dunn managed to find the path to victory with the lone mare in the field, Bella Bellini, capturing the $432,000 E.T. Gerry Jr. Hambletonian Maturity for 4-year-old trotters in world record time of 2:04 1/5. Dunn did the unconventional at the start, placing Bella Bellini behind Balenciaga (post five) as the got unfolded. "It really didn't make a difference," said Dunn of the decision. "I could have gotten away in the same spot had I stayed inside." While Dunn was trying to find a spot, those with placement behind the starting gate set sail, with Take All Comers and Tim Tetrick exploding from post seven to cross to the lead. Balenciaga made a miscue after leaving but favored Rattle My Cage was on his game, with Yannick Gingras sending him hard to clear past the 25 4/5 opening quarter. Cuatro De Julio and Andy McCarthy followed the favorite and took command three-eighths of a mile into the contest, but that lead was short-lived as Gingras removed Rattle My Cage to the front. The fractions were not taxing on the leader, as Gingras was able to get a half in 54 2/5 and three-quarters in 1:22 with Rattle My Cage unchallenged. Dunn came out at the half and patiently worked his way on the outside with Bella Bellini, and the mare kept advancing, only to find cover with a quarter-mile left in the contest when Cuatro De Julio moved to challenge for the lead. "She was so relaxed and then she swelled up when Andy pulled and gave her cover," said Dunn. ► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter Bella Bellini moved to even-terms with Cuatro De Julio, and that pair slugged it out through the 1:50 mile and then in the final eighth, with the Bar Hopping-sired mare getting up for her fifth win on the season and first against all-male competition. Cuatro De Julio was second, with Ambassador Hanover a solid closing third. Owned and bred by David McDuffee, Bella Bellini returned $5.80 to win. "Dexter found a way," said McDuffee in the winner's circle after the victory. Nifty Norman trains Bella Bellini.