Unique Bella

Unique Bella, a 3-year-old Tapit filly trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, emerged as a leading contender for the 2017 Kentucky Oaks when she romped by 7 1/2 lengths in the seven-furlong Santa Ynez Stakes on Jan. 8 at Santa Anita Park. She had previously scored a 10 1/2-length blowout win in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden at Del Mar in November 2016 after finishing second in her career debut. 

In her next start on Feb. 5, Unique Bella tackled two turns for the first time in the one-mile Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita and was just impressive, romping by 8 3/4 lengths under Mike Smith and defeating 2016 Winery Hands Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner and champion 2-year-old female Champagne Room.

In the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes on March 4, Unique Bella was challenged in the stretch by Abel Tasman, but responded to the challenge and pulled away to another convincing win, her third in as many starts at three.

Unique Bella was sidelined due to injury for the rest of the spring and summer – including the Kentucky Oaks and other major route races for 3-year-old fillies – but returned in the Grade 3 L.A. Woman Stakes on Oct. 8 at Santa Anita. She easily won the 6 ½-furlong race by 3 ½ lengths with regular rider Smith back aboard.

Sent off as the 11-10 favorite in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Del Mar, Unique Bella contested the early pace but faded to finish a disappointing seventh. But she rebounded in her final 2017 start, defeating two-time Grade 1 winner Paradise Woods in the La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita on Dec. 26. That was her first Grade 1 victory. After posting five wins in six races in 2017, Unique Bella was honored with the Eclipse Award as champion female sprinter.

Unique Bella stretched back out to 1 1/16 miles in her 4-year-old debut for the Grade 2 Santa Maria Stakes. She set a swift pace and overwhelmed the opposition in a runaway win. She got off to a troubled start in her second start of 2018 but rallied to finish second in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park. Unique Bella got back on track in her next start, putting away pacesetter Paradise Woods and surging away to a convincing win in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

The champion made her next start in the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes on July 29 at Del Mar, a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” qualifying race for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Mike Smith set an honest pace with the filly and did not ask her for run until she was challenged in deep stretch by La Force. Unique Bella had enough stamina left to post a half-length win over that foe, making her a favorite for the Distaff in November. Unfortunately, the mare was retired due to injury in August and finished her career with nine wins in 12 starts and over $1.2 million in earnings. She was voted champion older dirt female of 2018 at the Eclipse Awards..

Owned by Don Alberto Stable, Unique Bella was purchased as a yearling in 2015 at the Keeneland September sale for $400,000. Her dam is 2010 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (now the Distaff) winner Unrivaled Belle, by Unbridled’s Song.