Magnier, Tabor, Zayat Stables et al’s BELGRAVIA (Mr. Greeley) drove to a
clear lead in midstretch and held off the late-running Dilemma (Grand Slam) by a
nose to win Saturday’s $100,000
Hollywood Prevue S. (G3). A $2 million purchase
at the Fasig-Tipton Florida February sale earlier this year, the Patrick
Biancone-trained juvenile colt improved to two for two in his career after
finishing seven furlongs over Hollywood Park’s Cushion Track in 1:22 2/5.
Hurry Up Austin (Lake Austin) sped to the lead on the inside soon after the
start and established opening fractions in :22 2/5 and :45 3/5 before coming
under pressure. Notional (In Excess [Ire]), the 6-5 favorite, rallied to a short
lead between rivals at the top of the stretch, getting the six-furlong split in
1:10 before readily surrendering to the winner. Belgravia rated comfortably off
the pace under Julien Leparoux before launching his rally on the far turn, and
he blew past his rivals just inside the eighth pole. The chestnut colt raced a
bit greenly down the lane, drifting out in the latter stages, but he managed to
hang on for the victory.
Sent off the 2-1 second choice as part of an entry, Belgravia returned $6,
$2.80 and $2.40. Dilemma, who was exiting a victory in the Sunny Slope S. at
Santa Anita, threatened to run by the winner in deep stretch before falling
short by the slimmest of margins and paid $3.60 and $2.10 at 5-2. Notional
finished three lengths back in third and gave back $2.10. The $1 exacta totaled
$8.50 and the $1 trifecta (1-2-7) was worth $19.50. Hurry Up Austin, Marked
Warrior (Cherokee Run), Pawnee (Maria’s Mon) and Chief’s Magic (Chief Seattle),
who was coupled with the winner, rounded out the order of finish. Prime Ruler
(Orientate) was withdrawn.
Bred in Kentucky by Margaret Patterson and Spendthrift Farm, Belgravia has
now earned $91,225. He’s the first black-type earner out of the stakes-winning
Peaks Mill (Stalwart), who is also the dam of an unnamed yearling filly by Touch
Gold. Peaks Mill is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Qualique (*Hawaii), dam of
Maggy Hawk (Hawkster) who herself is the dam of champion and dual classic winner Afleet Alex
(Northern Afleet) and stakes winner Unforgettable Max (Northern Afleet).
Belgravia could return for the Hollywood Futurity (G1) on December 16.