Northern Netti romps to stay perfect

In a battle of unbeatens, Northern Netti smoked Dance Gal Dance by 9 1/4 lengths in the $109,300 Bouwerie Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies at Belmont Park.

The victory kept Northern Netti undefeated in three starts, while Dance Gal Dance suffered her first defeat in her fifth lifetime race.

Under Eibar Coa, who was subbing for the injured Tyler Pizarro, Northern Netti stalked Dance Gal Dance through fractions of 22.28 seconds and 45.25 before taking command in upper stretch and rolling home a powerful winner. Northern Netti, a daughter of City Zip owned by Jim and Susan Hill and trained by Reade Baker, covered the seven furlongs in 1:21.24 and returned $22.80.

"I knew nothing at all about the horse," said Coa, who picked up Northern Netti when his mount, Love Co, scratched. "She finished up well. I am glad she was outside so she could break and sit. She was very professional."

Northern Netti, who earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure for the race, vanned back to Woodbine on Monday morning, but is expected to return for the Grade 1 Acorn on June 7, Baker said.

"How much faster can they run?" Baker said. "If there was a restricted race for $200,000, I'd go for that."