Lothenbach Stables Inc.’s Bell’s the One, who bypassed a run in last week’s $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (Grade I) at Del Mar because of travel complications, sat off a hot early pace, rallied in the stretch and surged past Club Car inside the final 100 yards to win Saturday’s 16th running of the $300,000 Dream Supreme at her home track of Churchill Downs by one length.
Ridden by Corey Lanerie on his 47th birthday for trainer Neil Pessin, Bell’s the One ran six furlongs over a fast track in 1:10.02.
It was Bell’s the One’s ninth career stakes win and fourth this year. Her 2021 campaign includes wins in the $110,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes at Churchill Downs; $200,000 Honorable Miss (GII) at Saratoga; and $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (GII) at Keeneland.
“She’s one of the best, if not the best, horses I’ve ever ridden,” Lanerie said. “She just goes out there each time and runs hard. Neil and his team have done a great job with her. I just try to keep her out of trouble and let her do her thing.”
Elle Z broke sharply from the gate and led the field of six fillies and mares down the backstretch through a first quarter mile in a swift :21.54 and half mile in :45.24 as Bell’s the One raced at the back of the pack. Club Car and Frank’s Rockette left the far turn in a three-way battle with Elle Z as Bell’s the One commenced her wide rally. Club Car took over with three-sixteenths of a mile to run but the menacing closing kick of Grade I-winner Bell’s the One loomed boldly from the outside and she got up for the victory inside the final sixteenth of a mile.
The win was worth $183,450 and improved Bell’s the One’s career earnings to $1,520,275 with a record of 11-4-2 in 22 starts. She’s earned $640,235 from four wins and two seconds in six starts this year. Additionally, she improved her record at Churchill Downs to 4-3-0 in eight starts.
“It’s really special for (Bob Lothenbach) to be here,” Pessin said. “I think he’s only seen her run twice and it was great for him to watch her run this type of race. … I have zero regrets not going to the Breeders’ Cup (Filly & Mare Sprint). She would’ve still had to ship across country and be in a crate for six or seven hours. It wasn’t the best for her. Next year at Keeneland, it’s a different story. She’ll get about four-to-six weeks off and we’ll start her campaign next year and target the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.”
Bell’s the One returned $3.60, $2.20 and $2.10 as the odds-on 4-5 betting choice. Club Car, the 5-2 second choice under Joel Rosario, paid $2.80 and $2.20. Frank’s Rockette, with Florent Geroux up, paid $2.20 to show. Elle Z, Blinkers and Vintage Ready completed the order of finish.
Lloyd Madison Farm’s multiple graded stakes winner Sconsin, the 9-5 second choice on the morning line, was scratched and will get time off before her 5-year-old campaign.
“This race was going to be her last start of the year before a little winter vacation,” trainer Greg Foley said. “She wasn’t acting like herself the last couple mornings so we didn’t want to chance anything. She’ll get a break and get ready for a 2022 campaign.”
“I’m a little disappointed Sconsin wasn’t in the race,” Pessin said. “I was looking forward to running against her again. Hopefully she comes back next year and we’ll have another rematch.”
Bell’s the One is a 5-year-old daughter of Majesticperfection out of the Street Cry (IRE) mare Street Mate and was bred in Kentucky by Bret Jones. Following a winter break, she is expected to return to action in April 2022 at Keeneland for a third run in the Grade I Madison at seven furlongs. She finished second to Kimari this year and was third in the 2020 renewal behind Guarana and Mia Mischief.
Racing at Churchill Downs continues Sunday with a nine-race card that begins at 1 p.m. (all times Eastern). Sunday is First Responders Day with free admission or a discounted $29 ticket to Millionaires Row for active first responders.
DREAM SUPREME QUOTES
Corey Lanerie, jockey of BELL’S THE ONE (winner): “She’s one of the best, if not the best, horses I’ve ever ridden. She just goes out there each time and runs hard. Neil and his team have done a great job with her. I just try to keep her out of trouble and let her do her thing.”
Neil Pessin, trainer of BELL’S THE ONE (winner): “It’s really special for (Bob Lothenbach) to be here. I think he’s only seen her run twice and it was great for him to watch her run this type of race.… I have zero regrets not going to the Breeders’ Cup (Filly & Mare Sprint). She would’ve still had to ship across country and be in a crate for six or seven hours. It wasn’t the best for her. Next year at Keeneland, it’s a different story. She’ll get about four-to-six weeks off and we’ll start her campaign next year and target the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.… I’m a little disappointed Sconsin wasn’t in the race. I was looking forward to running against her again. Hopefully she comes back next year and we’ll have another rematch.”
Bob Lothenbach, owner of BELL’S THE ONE (winner): “I don’t think I’ve been here since 1997. I always told myself I don’t want to go back until I have a horse in the Derby. However, this mare made me come back. Neil has done a phenomenal job with her. Neil is one of the best trainers you can have. I’m very happy.”
Ben Colebrook, trainer of CLUB CAR (runner-up): “She ran great, just second best.”
Churchill Downs Press Release
Photo: Bell’s the One, (CD Photo)
