Bella Ballerina lands stakes debut in Golden Rod

Bella Ballerina, a Street Sense half-sister to 2023 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner and champion three-year-old filly Pretty Mischievous, is on the road to the 2026 Oaks herself after a half-length victory Saturday in the $397,375 Golden Rod (G2) at Churchill Downs.

A Godolphin homebred trained by Brendan Walsh, Bella Ballerina entered the 1 1/16-mile Golden Rod off of a 4 1/4-length debut win at Keeneland, going six furlongs on Oct. 5. The 4-1 third choice in a field of 10 juvenile fillies, Bella Ballerina got the jump on her rivals in upper stretch and built up a large enough cushion to withstand late challengers.

"It's amazing ever since she ran the first time she appears to be becoming more and more like [Pretty Mischievous]," Walsh said. "We loved her sister, and hopefully this one will be just as good."

A strong pace of :23.45, :46.31, and 1:11.19 set by Letmecounttheways, who built up an early five-length lead, was instrumental in Bella Ballerina's success. Tracking in second behind that leader, Bella Ballerina was in the right place to take over when Letmecounttheways began to tire. Although her lead was whittled down at the wire, Bella Ballerina had opened up a 3 1/2-length margin at the eighth pole.

"Early in the race, I was just hoping we were in the right spot," Walsh said. "Everyone has been on the pace this weekend that has been running well. She just got a little tired late, and that's what's to be expected going two turns for the first time. She passed with flying colors."

Bella Ballerina paid $10.28 after completing the fast-track test in 1:43.50 under Tyler Gaffalione.

Atropa rallied for second by a half-length over Just Singing. Life of Joy, the mild favorite at 2.93-1, finished fourth, followed by Letmecounttheways, Vita Mia, Baracca, Coco Connect, and Raspberry. Essential Coffee dumped jockey Corey Lanerie soon after the start.

Bella Ballerina earned 10 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Oaks, while Atropa earned five points and Just Singing three points. Life of Joy, who captured the Rags to Riches S. in her previous start, bumped her total from 10 points to 12 points, while Letmecounttheways notched one point.

Earlier in the card, On Time Girl ($8.22) was a 3 1/2-length winner of the $225,000 Fern Creek S., a 6 1/2-furlong dash for three-year-old fillies. Immediately behind her were 9-5 favorite Paige Turner and A Fine Chardonnay, who had defeated On Time Girl by a length in last month's Myrtlewood S. at Keeneland.

On Time Girl, a daughter of Not This Time who is now 3-for-4 for owner-breeder Albaugh Family Stables, sped in 1:15.83. She is trained by Brad Cox and was ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.