Bella Ballerina fights back to claim Rachel Alexandra

Bella Ballerina maintained her undefeated record while overcoming a bit of adversity in the $289,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds on Saturday.

Making her first start since a half-length triumph in the Nov. 29 Golden Rod (G2) at Churchill Downs, the half-sister to Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner and champion Pretty Mischievous was favored at 4-5 in the 1 1/16-mile Rachel Alexandra, contested over a fast track.

While able to dictate the pace under Tyler Gaffalione, Bella Ballerina was headed by Luv Your Neighbor on the far turn, and at the furlong pole had fallen behind that in-form rival. However, after switching leads, Bella Ballerina battled back on the inside and regained a half-length advantage at the wire.

"I thought she was getting a little tired on me but the more I asked of her the more she dug in," Gaffalione said.

Luv Your Neighbor settle for second for the third consecutive time during the Fair Grounds meet. She had also narrowly lost the Untapable S., after her rider lost an iron in the stretch, and the Silverbulletday S., when stuck behind a tepid pace.

"I had Bella Ballerina under pressure the whole way. I had the horse but as soon as she opened up she just stopped," jockey Luis Saez said. Luv Your Neighbor had a 2 1/2-length margin on Just Singing. Powered by Family, Classic Glide, and Majestical completed the Rachel Alexandra order of finish.

Bella Ballerina covered the course in 1:43.38 and paid $3.60. Bred in Kentucky, she is a homebred campaigned by Godolphin and is trained by Brendan Walsh.

"I think she'll improve a lot from her run today," Walsh said. "She probably needed today's race I was still able to get the job done."

Bella Ballerina earned 50 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points, increasing her total to 60. Luv Your Neighbor increased her total from 15 to 40, and Just Singing from three to 15. Powered by Family earned 10 points and Classic Guide five points.

By Street Sense, Bella Ballerina was produced by Grade 1 winner Pretty City Dancer, a daughter of Tapit.