Unique Bella preps for stakes debut in Santa Ynez

Unique Bella worked a half-mile Wednesday for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and could start favored Sunday when she makes her stakes debut against a good field in the Grade 2, seven-furlong Santa Ynez at Santa Anita.

Unique Bella is perhaps the most highly regarded 3-year-old filly in California even though she has started just twice. She finished second in her debut and then won a Del Mar maiden by more than 10 lengths Nov. 26.

Sired by Tapit and produced by Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Unrivaled Belle, Unique Bella worked alone in 47.80 seconds.

“Just a half-mile blowout to get her ready for the race,” Hollendorfer said.

Unique Bella will be tested for class because the Santa Ynez is coming up tough. The field is expected to include Shane’s Girlfriend, who won the Grade 3 Delta Princess by more than 13 lengths in her most recent start Nov. 19 at Delta Downs.

Noted and Quoted also is expected to enter the Santa Ynez. Noted and Quoted won the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes in October at Santa Anita before finishing seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Others expected for the Santa Ynez include It Tiz Well, Miss Sunset, Princess Karen, and Resilient Humor.