Belle Gallantey beats favored Princess Sylmar in Delaware Handicap

Belle Gallantey, with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard, posted an upset victory in the 77th running of the $750,000 Grade I Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park in Wilmington on Saturday.

The 5-year-old daughter of After Market rode to a 23/4-length victory over odds-on favorite Princess of Sylmar, finishing the 11/4 miles in 2 minutes, 1.15 seconds. Flashy American finished third, another half-length back.

Belle Gallantey, owned by Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables, and Gary Aisquith, returned $15.60.

The Kentucky-bred, trained by Rudy Rodriguez, improved her career record to eight wins from 40 starts with earnings of $866,270.

"The pace set up very well for us today," said Ortiz, the winning rider. "We just kind of went slow and easy."

Todd Pletcher, the trainer of Princess of Sylmar, owned by King of Prussia Stable, said, "One of my concerns was not having a true pace scenario developing, which is legitimate, but we have no excuses."

"I don't think the track bothered her and there was no humidity, so it was a great day," said Ed Stanco, primary owner of Princess of Sylmar.

"My own view - and I haven't talked to Todd about it - I thought that over on that far turn she had the opportunity to go through and just didn't, and that happens. That's the part I was surprised about, but what can you do? That's racing."

- Inquirer wire services