Trainer Gary Contessa had a strong hand for Sunday’s 29th running of the $81,600 Busher, entering three of the six three-year-old fillies in the mile and a sixteenth feature race on Aqueduct’s inner dirt track.

He got trumped.

Jockey Rajiv Maragh put Darley Stable’s Little Belle in an ideal stalking position and then had plenty left to hold off Sweet Vendetta and draw away to a 2 ¾-length victory in 1:44.32 over the fast track. Little Belle returned $9.30 to win.

The victory, the second of Little Belle’s five-race career, gave Maragh a sweep on the weekend’s stakes races at Aqueduct. Saturday, he won the Rare Treat Handicap aboard the Contessa-trained Runway Rosie.

“When I first rode her, she was very young and immature, but I knew she was a horse with a lot of natural talent,” Maragh said of Little Belle. “Today was her best yet; she was focused and intent on winning. Every race has been a step forward.

“I didn’t want to take over too early. She has a tendency to look around when she makes the lead. Once she did today, I wanted to keep her mind on running. ”

Love Co, part of Contessa’s 1-2 favorite entry with Deitis Day, appeared to be the lone speed here, but was hooked briefly to the turn by longshot D J Lightning. She quickly took the lead after an opening quarter of a mile of :23.57, as Little Belle took up the chase on the outside. After a half of :47.70, Little Belle stayed no worse than a length off the leader’s outside and was neck and neck with Love Co as they reached the quarter pole.

From there, Little Belle got stronger, Love Co back off and Sweet Vendetta, who was supplemented to this race, rallied through the middle of the track. Little Belle, a daughter of 1992 Horse of the Year and Belmont Stakes winner A.P. Indy, kicked clear for the win before the crowd of 3,560.

“She really has grown up over her last four races,” said Artie Magnuson, assistant to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “After her second race, we let her dictate her own future. We may have run her back a little quick for her second race. What’s next? That’s a good question. She’s a graded-stakes type filly. It’s funny, after their maiden win, you start thinking about the Whirlaway for the boys and this one for the girls. Then, they win and you think, `Wow! We have a lot of options.’”

Darling Monique was third, followed by Love Co, Deities Day and D J Lightning.

Although it was a tough race for Contessa, he still saddled two winners on Sunday’s card to increase his lead in the overall meet standings. He holds a 56-28 edge over his nearest rival, Bruce Levine.

Jockey Ramon Dominguez rode three winners, giving him a meet-leading 86, far ahead of Alan Garcia who has 59.

Live racing resumes at Aqueduct on Wednesday, February 27 with a first race post of 12:30 p.m. There will be a Pick 6 Carryover over $46,720.46.

Aqueduct will be open for simulcasting on Monday and Tuesday, February 25 and February 26. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and there is free general parking and admission.