History repeats as Bella Ballerina runner-up in G2 Fair Grounds Oaks

Bella Ballerina met with a first career defeat as she matched her half-sister Pretty Mischievous by finishing second in the G2 Fair Grounds Oaks on Saturday, 21 March. 

Champion filly Pretty Mischievous was comfortably beaten by Southlawn in the Fair Grounds contest in 2023 but reversed the form in no uncertain terms on her next start as she provided Godolphin with a first G1 Kentucky Oaks success. 

Good Cheer also used the Fair Grounds Oaks as a springboard to Classic glory on the first Friday in May last year, winning both races in decisive fashion. 

Bidding to follow up her course win in the G2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes, Bella Ballerina broke alertly and pulled hard in a close second on the outside of Maximum Offer before moving up to press the leader after the first quarter-mile. 

Bella Ballerina went on into a narrow lead three furlongs out, with Luv Your Neighbor and Life Of Joy moving up to press the Brendan Walsh-trained filly at the top of the straight. 

Life Of Joy quickened into a clear advantage over a furlong out and soon took control from Bella Ballerina, who kept on under Tyler Gaffalione to go down by just under four lengths.