Unbridled Belle gives Pletcher another Delaware Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Stanton, DE (Sports Network) - Eclipse Award winning trainer Todd Pletcher picked up another Delaware Handicap victory on Sunday as Unbridled Belle cruised to an easy win in the $1 million race at Delaware Park.

It was no surprise that Pletcher would win the race, but his mare Indian Vale was the odds-on favorite. Unbridled Belle went off at 8-1 in the eight horse field.

Asi Siempre, the second choice at post-time, was the first to leave the gate followed by local favorite Peak Maria's Way and Indian Vale. Peak Maria's Way took the lead heading into the first turn followed by Indian Vale and Unbridled Belle.

These three led the field up the backstretch and into the far turn. Peak Maria's Way still had the lead coming out of the final as Indian Vale appeared to struggle to keep pace.

At the top of the stretch Unbridled Belle moved off the rail to the outside of Peak Maria's Way and took command approaching the furlong pole. Jockey Ramon Dominguez rode the four-year-old to the wire, registering a 7 3/4-length victory.

Longshot Lila Paige finished second with Promenade Girl getting third for the third time this year in three starts. The time for the 70th Delaware Handicap was 2:01.16 on a fast track.

Completing the order of finish was Peak Maria's Way, Indian Vale, Asi Siempre, Daytime Promise and Ice Cool Kitty. Take a Check, third in last year's "DelCap", was a scratch.

Unbridled Belle is owned by Team Valor and picked up her third win at Delaware Park. She won last year's Go For Wand Stakes and was second to Peak Maria's Way this year in the Obeah Handicap.

She has four career victories in 11 starts and adds $600,000 to her bankroll. Unbridled Belle has earned $772,840.

Ramon Dominguez won this race in 2001 for Pletcher with Irving's Baby and Pletcher won last year with Fleet Indian. The Delaware Handicap was the fifth win of the day for Dominguez at the track.

Unbridled Belle returned $18.60, $8.00 and $6.80. Lila Paige paid $34.80 and $17.80, and Promenade Girl paid $8.60 to show.