6 Abr. USA. Fantasy S. G2. Oaklawn Park. 8,5f. Dirt. 200.000 $
1.- EIGHT BELLES (R.Dominguez)
2.- ALINA (L.Quinonez)
3.- PURE CLAN (J.Leparoux)


Eight Belles stamped herself as the leading contender for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) next month by blowing past familiar foe Pure Clan on the turn and outfinishing tenacious runner-up Alina to win the $237,500 Fantasy Stakes (G2) on Sunday at Oaklawn Park.

The strapping gray or roan Unbridled’s Song filly trailed three opponents early, advanced willingly on the turn, and proved a resolute competitor when she shook free in the closing strides as the 1-to-2 favorite. Eight Belles remained undefeated in four starts this year with the three-quarter-length score for trainer Larry Jones and owner Rick Porter’s Fox Hill Farms.

Eight Belles entered off a 1 1/4-length win over Pure Clan in the Honeybee Stakes (G3) on March 16 at Oaklawn. She subsequently was made eligible for the Triple Crown for a late nomination fee of $6,000.

With the $150,000 winner’s share of the Fantasy, her graded stakes earnings increased to $210,000 to rank 17th on the list of contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1). The field for the Kentucky Derby is determined by graded earnings if more than 20 three-year-olds are entered.

Eight Belles broke in the air at the start and trailed through the opening quarter. Alina, who entered off an 18 ¾-length win in the Green Oaks at Delta Downs, opened a clear lead and set moderate fractions through six furlongs in 1:12.46.

Multiple graded stakes winner Pure Clan chased from second and offered a brief challenge midway on the turn but soon was overhauled by Eight Belles, who accelerated into contention from the outside.

Alina dug in gamely but could not repel Eight Belles, who prevailed under Ramon Dominguez while covering 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.06 on a track rated as fast.

Pure Clan came on again in the stretch and finished third, another half-length back. French Kiss completed the field.

Eight Belles won for the fifth time in nine career starts and increased her bankroll to $308,650. Bred in Kentucky by Robert N. Clay and Serengeti Stable, Eight Belles is out of multiple Grade 3-placed stakes winner Away, by Dixieland Band.