She Feels Pretty displayed tenacity and tactical prowess to conquer the Grade 1 New York Stakes at Saratoga, prevailing after a spirited stretch duel.
Breaking sharply but wisely taken in hand by her rider, She Feels Pretty settled into a comfortable stalking position on the outside, enjoying cover as the field navigated the first turn. Racing in the three-to-four path early, she maintained a close presence behind the early pacesetter.
As the race progressed around the far turn, She Feels Pretty ranged up alongside the leaders in the three path, poised to strike.
At the three-sixteenths pole, she was given her cue and responded powerfully, seizing the advantage. The battle was far from over, however, as Beach Bomb (SAF) launched a determined challenge to her inside.
The two fillies engaged in a captivating back-and-forth battle through the final furlong. She Feels Pretty, expertly handled by her jockey, drifted slightly inward nearing the sixteenth pole but dug in gamely, refusing to yield.
In a thrilling finish, She Feels Pretty held off the persistent bid of Beach Bomb to secure a hard-fought victory, proving her class at the highest level.
Bellezza (IRE), who had been patiently positioned on the inside, angled off the rail on the far turn and was urged forward. She made a late run in the four-path but ultimately lacked the finishing kick to challenge the top two, settling for a clear third-place finish.
Forever After All, racing while in foal, saved ground early but failed to produce a significant response when asked in the stretch. Miwa (GB) was slow out of the gate and never seriously threatened despite navigating an inside path.
Edict (ARG), who set the early pace, succumbed to pressure around the quarter pole and faded. Gimme A Nother (SAF) was unable to mount a serious bid in the stretch after racing under cover.
Scratched Horse(s): Immensitude (FR) (Stakes Scratch)
Fractional Times: 23.48, 46.49, and 58.50
Final Time: 1:11.20
Winning Connections
Winner: She Feels Pretty
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owner: Lael Stables
Breeder: Payson Stud Inc
Bloodline: by Karakontie (JPN) out of Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready. Foaled Mar 12, 2021 in Kentucky.
Stallion Info: Karakontie (JPN) is standing at Gainesway, Lexington, KY ($15,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses)
Payouts
1st – (10) She Feels Pretty – Win: $10.00, Place: $9.00, Show: $8.00
2nd – (7) Beach Bomb (SAF) – Place: $7.00, Show: $6.00
3rd – (12) Bellezza (IRE) – Show: $5.00
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (10-7) Paid: $76.00, $1.00 Trifecta (10-7-12) Paid: $2,768.10, $1.00 Superfecta (10-7-12-1) Paid: $17,393.90
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