Friday, May 08, 2009

COCO BELLE PREVAILS UNDER SMITH IN FEATURE

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 7, 2009) — Coco Belle seized the lead from the start and led all the way under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith to snap a six-race losing streak in Thursday’s $60,000 allowance feature at Hollywood Park.

The chestnut mare covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.33 while hanging on in the stretch for a one-length victory over She’s Cheeky. Ashley’s Kitty finished third in the field of six fillies and mares, followed by even-money favorite Foxy Danseur.


Coco Belle, a homebred owned by Jerry and Ann Moss and trained by John Sadler, paid $8.80, $5 and $3 while winning for the sixth time in 22 starts. She’s Cheeky returned $4.80 and $3, while the show payoff on Ashley’s Kitty was $3.80.

Coco Belle, the second winner of the day for Smith, banked $36,000 to boost her earnings to $406,913. The third choice, she helped set up a Pick Six carryover of $68,563.

Rafael Bejarano rode three winners Thursday to take the lead in the jockeys’ standings with 19 wins through 11 racing days. Joel Rosario is second with 16 wins and Joe Talamo third with seven.

Racing resumes with a 7:05 post Friday night.

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