Belle of the Hall takes on five fillies and mares in Friday’s Ballerina (G1) at Saratoga. Favorite It’s Tricky is expected to run in Sunday’s Personal Ensign.

“Belle,” as she’s known around the barn is coming off a solid fourth place finish in the Hurricane Bertie (G2) earlier in the meet. She closed willingly after the pacesetters set scorching early fractions. We’re hoping for the same setup in the seven-furlong Ballerina.

Belle of the Hall takes on five fillies and mares in Friday’s Ballerina (G1) at Saratoga. Favorite It’s Tricky is expected to run in Sunday’s Personal Ensign.

“Belle,” as she’s known around the barn is coming off a solid fourth place finish in the Hurricane Bertie (G2) earlier in the meet. She closed willingly after the pacesetters set scorching early fractions. We’re hoping for the same setup in the seven-furlong Ballerina.

Irad Ortiz, Jr. has the return call on Belle of the Hall. Fresh off of two grade one wins at the meet aboard Questing, Ortiz is a hungry young rider who fits this mare well.

“Irad gave her a good ride last time out,” said Terry Finley. “He’s a rising star in the business and he’s very, very strong. After the Hurricane Bertie, we weighed all of our options and decided it was worth a shot to put Belle in the Ballerina. She loves Saratoga and has been training really well. If she gets lucky and has a clean trip, and they go at it up front, she should be right there down the lane.”

“Every year this mare blossoms at Saratoga,” said trainer Tom Albertrani. “It’s not too often you see a short field like this for a grade one race. Some of the horses she’s banged heads with lately are headed to different spots. She’ll need to step up her game a notch, but I feel confident leading her over there and giving her a chance.”

The $500,000 Ballerina (G1) is race nine with post time of 5:30 pm ET. Belle of the Hall breaks from post four. Best of luck to her Partners!