Alpha Bella Uncatchable in La Prevoyante

Don Alberto Stable's Alpha Bella  went wire to wire while securing an upset victory in the $150,000 La Prevoyante Stakes (G3T) in the kickoff black-type race of the Jan. 27 Pegasus World Cup program at Gulfstream Park.

Racing for the first time without blinkers since 2022, Alpha Bella immediately went to the lead in the seven-horse, 1 1/2-mile turf race for older fillies and mares. The 4-year-old Justify   homebred established fractions of :24.25, :49.03, 1:13.19, 1:37.47, and 2:00.55.

Under Luis Saez, Alpha Bella posted a final time of 2:24.25 on firm turf. She paid $19.20 to win.

Reaction

• "I thought she ran a very courageous race," Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher said. "Our strategy was to try and go to the front and take it from there. It worked out really well.
• "It's a filly that's always been knocking on the door, and I think stretching her out to a mile and a half was what she's been looking for."

Team Valor International's Romagna Mia , who went off favored at 4-5 under jockey John Velazquez, never threatened in running fifth.

Averill Racing and Two Eight Racing's R Calli Kim , the second choice at 9-5, finished second by three quarters of a length. Jockey Jose Ortiz issued an objection against the winner, but stewards upheld the order of finish.

Jordan Wycoff's Anatolian  ran third under Tyler Gaffalione.