Meadowlands: Bella Bellini blitzes foes in Graduate Mare Trot

Bella Bellini, content to sit last against four rivals in the lone $40,000 Graduate Series division for 4-year-old trotting mares, devoured her foes for Dexter Dunn in the stretch to win in a 1:51 mile at the Meadowlands on Saturday night.

HP Mama B and driver Tim Tetrick jetted to the front with little dispute and set sensible fractions of 27 2/5 and 56 3/5 for the opening-half. Herculisa, the second choice in the field, moved on the turn for David Miller to engage the leader but was kept at bay briefly as Tetrick accelerated to a 1:24 1/5 three-quarters.

Dunn waited until late on the final turn to activate Bella Bellini, sending her three-deep with purpose as the field rounded into the homestretch. The daughter of Bar Hopping kicked into high gear as HP Mama B and Herculisa battled head-to-head, surging by that pair and coasting to her 13th career victory. Herculisa edged HP Mama B for the place spot.

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Owned and bred by David McDuffee, Bella Bellini pushed her career bankroll above the $1.2 million mark with the win. Trained by Nifty Norman, Bella Bellini returned $2.60 as the overwhelming favorite in the field.