Unique Bella has options on both coasts

ARCADIA, Calif. – Unique Bella, second in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park on Friday after a poor start, is unlikely to race again until early June.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said at Santa Anita on Sunday that Unique Bella is a candidate for two Grade 1 races for fillies and mares – the $400,000 Beholder Mile at Santa Anita on June 2 or the $750,000 Ogden Phipps Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Belmont Park on June 9.

The next Grade 1 stakes in the filly and mare division is the La Troienne at Churchill Downs on May 4, but Hollendorfer said it is doubtful Unique Bella will run in that race.

In the Apple Blossom, Unique Bella was restless before the start and bobbled when the gate opened. The 123-pound topweight and 1-5 favorite, Unique Bella recovered to lead by a length on the far turn but was passed in the final furlong by Unbridled Mo, who carried 116 pounds. Unbridled Mo won by 2 1/4 lengths.

Hollendorfer said Unique Bella will be schooled in the gate, which has been part of her routine.

“She’s always been a little problematic,” Hollendorfer said. “We always work with her at the gate. I school every horse that I run. No exceptions.”

Owned by Don Alberto Stable, Unique Bella was the champion female sprinter of 2017. She won her first start this year, the Grade 2 Santa Maria Stakes in February, but missed the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Invitational on March 18 because of illness.

Unique Bella has won 7 of 10 starts and earned $852,400.