Hallie Belle heads west for Yellow Ribbon Handicap

Four-year-old filly Hallie Belle undergoes another rise in class for her west coast debut in the G2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap over an extended mile on turf at Del Mar, California, USA, on Saturday, 4 August. 

The Michael Stidham-trained daughter of Medaglia d’Oro ran a fine race on her Graded debut in the extended nine-furlong G3 Modesty Handicap at Arlington Park on 7 July, when she stayed on under Joe Bravo to take third after meeting trouble in running. 

She swooped late to score by a nose in the mile Dahlia Stakes at Laurel Park on 21 April and gained a hat-trick of wins at the backend of 2017, including a neck victory in the mile Pago Hop Stakes at Fair Grounds in December.

Hallie Belle (8st 5lbs and drawn 4), with Joe Bravo up again, faces 11 fillies and mares in the Yellow Ribbon Handicap headed by Sophie P and Madame Stripes, who were first and third in the G1 Gamely Stakes, plus G1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf third Cambodia. 

Michael Stidham commented: “Hallie Belle took the flight out to San Diego well and has adapted nicely to the track at Del Mar.

“I was very happy with her run in the Modesty Handicap. It was a pretty big step to Graded company and the traffic problems that she encountered cost her four or five lengths. 

“The winner last time out looked to be the best on the day but, without the trouble in the race, I think we would have finished second. 

“I have had success with horses shipping out to California in the past. We have been watching this group of fillies and feel that she could be competitive against them.

“This is another step up, but she is a quality filly with a lot of class.”