TDN RISING STARS

December 18, 2011 - Gulfstream Park, Race 7, Msw, USD $51,500, 1m

Ciao Bella, f, 2, 2009 by Giant's Causeway

1st Dam: Bella Bellucci (GSW & GISP, $511,820), by French Deputy
2nd Dam: Blue Avenue, by Classic Go Go
3rd Dam: Eliza Blue, by Icecapade

Owner: Michael Tabor
Breeder: Chelston
Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Ciao Bella, backed down to even-money favoritism, broke near the back of the pack and began to improve her position before having to steady in the early going. Unfazed, jockey Johnny Velazquez settled the big grey into a comfortable tempo, and eased her over to the rail through a pedestrian half-mile in :48.54. Moving into contention approaching the eighth pole, the duo reeled in the leaders at the eighth pole and drove clear to win by an easy 7 1/4-length margin. Nuffsaid Nuffsaid (Mutakddim) completed the exacta. The winner is a half to Grapelli (Thunder Gulch), GSP, $152,850. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $24,300.