Bella Ballerina on point in G2 Golden Rod Stakes

Bella Ballerina maintained a perfect start to her career and earmarked herself as a potential Kentucky Oaks contender with an admirable display in the G2 Golden Rod Stakes on Saturday, 29 November.

The Churchill Downs contest for two-year-old fillies has proved an excellent pointer to the first Friday in May, with Bella Ballerina’s half-sister Pretty Mischievous and Good Cheer both running in the race before going on to Kentucky Oaks glory.

Stepping up to an extended mile on the back of a Keeneland maiden success, Bella Ballerina broke alertly from her wide draw and briefly led heading into the first turn before settling in a clear second as Letmecounttheways tore off into a six-length advantage.

Bella Ballerina loomed up on the outside of the leader turning in and the Brendan Walsh-trained runner hit the front at the top of the straight, powering clear from the field entering the final furlong.

Atropa and Just Singing made late inroads but never seriously threatened Bella Ballerina, with Tyler Gaffalione easing the Street Sense homebred on the line for a half-length verdict.

Brendan Walsh, who also trained Pretty Mischievous, said: “This family has been very good to me and Bella Ballerina ran great. This was her first time going two turns and she was a little out on her feet at the end.

“It was kind of a weird race, but hopefully she can improve from this and go on to bigger and better things. If she keeps improving, who knows what she might be next year?”