Rodeo Licious wire-to-wire in Bouwerie

ELMONT, N.Y. - Rodeo Licious took advantage of her unchallenged lead in Sunday's $113,600 Bouwerie Stakes at Belmont Park to win by a length over Mistda.

Rodeo Licious, under Mike Luzzi, sprung to the early lead in the seven-furlong Bouwerie for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies. Capeside Lady, the 8-5 favorite, was off slowly from the rail, which allowed Rodeo Licious to assume a comfortable advantage down the backstretch.

Luzzi had some difficulty getting Rodeo Licious to change leads in the stretch and the filly ducked in toward the rail and lost some momentum. After switching to her correct lead, Rodeo Licious was able to hold off the late-closing Mistda.

Capeside Lady, who rushed up to chase Rodeo Licious after her slow break, finished third, 1 1/4 lengths behind Mistda.

On her way to winning the Bouwerie in 1:23.07 over a fast track, Rodeo Licious set fractions of 22.16 seconds, 45.68, and 1:10.17.

Rodeo Licious ($7.30) is trained by Bruce Levine. Owned by Our Blue Streaks Stable and Pre K Stable, Rodeo Licious is undefeated in three starts at Belmont. Last year, she won a maiden race and the Fashion Stakes at Belmont.