Queen Kelly best in Southern Belle

Bossier City, La. - Queen Kelly, a convincing maiden winner in her last start, made it two straight in Saturday's Southern Belle Stakes, defeating four fellow Louisiana-bred juvenile fillies under patient handling by Chadra Rennie. Rubies N Roses finished in the runner up position for the third race in a row, including the Laurel Lane Stakes in her previous start. Pacesetter Itsmybag tired through the stretch to finish third followed by Top Her.

Owned by M. M. Boyes and trainer Kelly Broussard, Queen Kelly ($10.60) found an opening along the rail turning for home after stalking the early pace and challenged soon after. Under steady handling by Rennie, the daughter of Bold Pac Man edged clear by a length and a half at the wire in a time of 1:12.18 for the six furlongs over a fast track.