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The Gazelle HandicapDuring the Belmont Fall meet fourteen Grade I and six Grade II races are run between September 7th and October 6th. These races serve as a springboard for many Breeders' Cup hopefuls as they prepare for the Breeders' Cup, which will be run this year at Arlington Park on October 26th. The first of the Grade I events was the Gazelle Handicap, for three-year-old fillies, a probable prep for The Breeders' Cup Distaff. |
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Bella Bellucci in the Belmont Paddock |
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Many of the top sophomore fillies in training were in the gate for the 107th running of the Gazelle. The beautiful gray Bella Bellucci, winner of The Grade II Astarita and Comely Stakes, and Take Charge Lady, winner of the Dogwood Stakes and runner up to Farda Amiga in the Kentucky Oaks, were hyped as the two main contenders. Godolphin Stables' Imperial Gesture apparently unaware of the hype shot to the lead and held back the competition. Jose Santos piloted the impressive filly under the wire in 1:47.12, a half second faster than the Woodward, run two races later. |
Prado and Take Charge Lady |
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Imperial Gesture looks ready for The Breeders' Cup |
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Belmont Fall 2002 |
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