Mott does it again at the Rock

SALEM, N.H. - Stylish rolled to a four-length victory over Sword Princess and defending champ Step With Style in the $75,000 Rockingham Breeders' Cup Handicap, giving trainer Bill Mott a third straight stakes victory this meet.

Herb Castillo Jr. rode Stylish when Julian Pimentel, who was originally named on the horse, didn't make the trip from Monmouth Park.

Stylish kicked clear in the final furlong in withering heat and humidity to win her second stakes this year. She covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.93 over a firm turf course.

"My filly just ran her head off today," said Castillo. "She really did her job today. Mr. Mott did all the work, and I just had to keep her out of trouble. We lost here in a close race last year. Bill asked me to come back up and help get some revenge."

Mott-trained horses have won all three stakes held this meet. He previously had won the New Hampshire Sweeps with Del Mar Show and the Rockingham Oaks with High Maintenance.

Thursday's victory was Mott's third in the Rock Breeders' Cup. Owned by The Thoroughbred Corp., Stylish paid $4 as the favorite.

Sword Princess and jockey Dodie Duys finished second after bumping with Step With Style and jockey Joe Hampshire at the top of the stretch. Duys had to survive two foul claims to hold second.