SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Bellezza surged from last place to capture the $500,000 Flower Bowl Stakes (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday,earning an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T). The 4-year-old filly covered 1 3/8 miles on the firm turf in 2:27.89 under jockey Junior Alvarado.
Trainer Christophe Clement noted the significance of the victory, stating, “She’s been able to get grade 1 black type, grade 2 black type, and now a grade 2 win. She’s really enhanced her page.” Bellezza’s previous graded stakes performances included a third-place finish in the New York Stakes (G1T) and a second in the Glens Falls Stakes (G2T).This Flower Bowl triumph marks her first graded stakes win in the United states.Owned by Breeze Easy LLC, Bellezza sat at the rear of the eight-horse field early on, steadily advancing along the rail. She unleashed a powerful late kick, overtaking the leaders in the final furlong to secure a 1 1/4-length victory over Coastella. Clement also entered In Time and la Mehana in the race, but In Time was scratched on race day, and La Mehana finished fourth as the favorite.
Bellezza’s two U.S. wins have both come on firm turf, with her losses occurring on yielding courses. Clement is currently evaluating Bellezza’s readiness for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar on November 1, considering either the Waya Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 5 or keeping her fresh for the championship race. “It depends on her well-being,” Clement said. “She’s never missed a beat since joining us,and she’ll continue to be based here in saratoga. she trains very well here.”
The Flower Bowl Stakes is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” event, guaranteeing Bellezza a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.