Bell's the One Makes the Grade in Raven Run

Lothenbach Stables' Bell's the One went from last to first in the $250,000 Lexus Raven Run Stakes (G2) Oct. 19 at Keeneland, springing a 13-1 upset while picking up her first graded stakes score for trainer Neil Pessin.

The 3-year-old Majesticperfection filly was bumped at the start of the seven-furlong test and trailed early under Corey Lanerie. Irish Mischief won a battle for the early lead through a quarter in :22.81, then Indian Pride edged ahead for a half in :45.33, all while the eventual winner raced far back in the 10-horse field.

"It went just like I expected," Lanerie said. "Except when (Indian Pride) got off a little slow, I got a little worried that maybe the pace wouldn't be what I needed up front. It still worked out great. I was hoping to be back there by myself where she would relax. Whenever I called on her, (I) just gave her some running room and somewhere to go."

First Star took the lead after racing fourth early, but Bell's the One had plenty left in the tank as the field turned for home. She loomed large from the six path entering the lane, then edged clear to a 1 1/4-length victory. The final time was 1:22.97 on a fast track. 

First Star held for second, and it was 2 1/4 lengths back to Indian Pride in third. Restless Rider was scratched because of a minor foot injury, according to trainer Ken McPeek.

"Mr. Neil did a great job," Lanerie said. "I want to thank him and the owners for giving me the opportunity because she was ready today, and she wasn't getting beat."

Bell's the One came off a runner-up finish to Breeders' Cup-bound Covfefe in the Sept. 21 Dogwood Stakes at Churchill Downs. 

"(I had) a lot of confidence," Pessin said. "She came into it really well. Her last work before the last race was exceptional, and she ran second behind Covfefe, who broke the stakes record."

Pessin tightened the screws on Bell's the One for the Raven Run with a four-furlong move in :48 flat Oct. 12 at Keeneland.

"The work here the other day was better than the work at Churchill," the trainer said. "In the race, we were where we wanted to be. When I saw her moving up the fence at the three-eighths pole, I knew she was going to be tough."

Bred in Kentucky by Bret Jones out of the Street Cry mare Street Mate, Bell's the One was a $155,000 purchase by Lothenback Stables from Brereton Jones' 2017 consignment to The July Sale, Fasig-Tipton's Kentucky sale of select yearlings. She improved her record to five wins and two seconds from nine starts, for earnings of $394,350.