Multiple stakes winner Biofuel made her return to Woodbine a winning one, taking Sunday’s $101,000 Belle Mahone Stakes courtesy of a furious stretch rally.
The three-year-old bay filly, facing accomplished older runners, won the 1 1/16-mile event by a neck, besting U.S. invader Askbut I Won’ttell and Much Obliged. Biofuel, who was third in the Grade 1 Mother Goose at Belmont on June 26, and second in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks on July 24, covered the distance in 1:44.27 over the Polytrack. For the Reade Baker trainee, the victory was her fifth score from 10 lifetime starts.
Regular rider Eurico Rosa da Silva kept Biofuel at the back of the six-horse field (Rag and Bone was scratched) and watched as Hooh Why took her rivals through opening splits of :24.48 and :48.70. On the turn, da Silva rallied last year’s Sovereign Award winner (Canada’s Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, shared with Negligee) on the outside and the daughter of Stormin Fever responded.
Baker admitted there were some anxious moments before the photo declared the Brereton Jones silk-bearer the winner. “I was concerned again,” said Baker. “We keep getting in these paceless races. I don’t think she’s run her big race here yet. We need a real pace to run at.
“These are nice old mares,” continued Baker. “It’s quite an accomplishment for a three-year-old. She ran a super race.”
Biofuel’s connections are aiming her towards the Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes, on October 2, at Philadelphia Park.
She paid $3.90, $2.60 and $2.30, combining with Askbut I Won’ttell ($4.80, 3.70) for a $16.40 exactor. Much Obliged ($3.70) completed a $44.40 triactor.
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