Indian Blessing edges Sara Louise in Gallant Bloom

Indian Blessing (inside) and Sara Louise battled it out in the Gallant Bloom (Ross Woodson/Horsephotos.com)

Tested in a manner she’s rarely had to encounter in a fast-dirt sprint
against fillies and mares, dual champion INDIAN BLESSING (Indian Charlie) had to
pull out all the stops in Saturday’s $156,500

Gallant Bloom H. (G2) at Belmont Park to avoid defeat for a second straight
time by a Godolphin-owned filly. The near-conqueror this time was the sophomore
Sara Louise (Malibu Moon), most noted for being the last horse to defeat Horse
of the Year candidate Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro). The two engaged in a
torrid stretch duel through the final furlong, but Indian Blessing refused to
budge and got her head at the wire first under John Velasquez. The mild 7-5
second choice behind the 6-5 Sara Louise, Indian Blessing returned $4.80, $2.70
and $2.20.

Indian Blessing broke a beat slow, but was soon close to the pace in third
along the rail as Any Limit (Limit Out) led through an opening quarter in :22
1/5. Sara Louise, meanwhile, reserved a spot in fourth outside the leaders, but
soon took after Indian Blessing, who split rivals around the turn and had gained
control through a half in :45. Indian Blessing was set down by Velasquez and
briefly opened up a one-length advantage with a furlong to go, but Sara Louise,
who was in receipt of six pounds, began to whittle away at that lead and raced
alongside the winner in the final yards. The final time for 6 1/2 furlongs on
the fast track was
1:15 1/5.

Sara Louise had 3 1/2 lengths on her nearest rival, 22-1 longshot Sky Haven
(Sky Mesa), and returned $2.90 and $2.20. The latter gave back $4.20. The exacta
paid $8.60 and the 2-3-4 trifecta was worth $46.40. Thunders Dove (Thunderello)
was next under the wire and was followed by P. S. U. Grad (Harlan’s Holiday).
Any Limit was eased when hopelessly beaten while American Queen (Quiet American)
was scratched.