Bella Sofia Soars Clear in Test

Bella Sofia  came into the $500,000 Longines Test Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course as an allowance winner with just that, a runner-up finish in the Jersey Girl Stakes, and her maiden victory to her name.

After the seven-furlong event for 3-year-old fillies Aug. 7 at the Spa, the daughter of Awesome Patriot  can add dominant grade 1 victress to her resume for owners Michael Imperio, Vincent Scuderi, Sofia Soares, Gabrielle Farm, Mazel Stable Partners, and Matthew Mercurio.

"I know we asked a lot," said trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who sent the filly in off a 6 1/2-length romp in a six-furlong allowance run July 11 at Belmont Park. With three starts under her girth, all at Belmont, Bella Sofia was making her Saratoga debut.

"She was training good," Rodriguez added. "She's very aggressive and she does everything very easy. She's been very, very happy since we arrived in Saratoga. …We're just happy to have her in the barn." 

After pressing the pace set by Illumination  through an opening quarter in :22.84 and a half in :45.70, Bella Sofia ranged up outside the tiring frontrunner at the top of the stretch. The Rudy Rodriguez trainee widened her advantage while galloping down the lane under Luis Saez, and drew clear to a 4 1/4-length victory.

"She broke perfectly," Saez said. "We were looking for that spot right there to sit and make a run into the stretch. She did it so well and so beautifully. She came through the stretch pretty smoothly. …She's a pretty nice filly."

Off at odds of 4-1, Bella Sofia returned $10.40 on a $2 win ticket. The final time was 1:21.54 on a fast track. 

Souper Sensational  got up for second after tracking third early, and was followed by Search Results  1 1/2 lengths back in third. The order of finish was completed by Always Carina , Obligatory , Illumination , Zaajel , and Make Mischief . 

This story will be updated.

Video: Longines Test S. (G1)