Royal Delta Breezes at Belmont Park
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Champion Royal Delta wrapped up serious preparation for defense of her 2012 Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I) victory with a four-furlong breeze Sept. 23 at Belmont Park.
The 5-year-old Empire Maker mare completed a half-mile in :47.88 on a fast main track, seventh-fastest of 69 moves at the distance.
Royal Delta rolled to a 9 1/2-length victory in last year's Beldame before winning her second straight Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I) to secure a second straight divisional championship. Royal Delta was named champion older mare last season after earning champion 3-year-old filly honors in 2011.
Bill Mott told New York Racing Association officials Royal Delta is doing well and progressing on the same path as last year. A victory in the Sept. 28 Beldame would be her seventh grade I score.