Paulassilverlining gets the gold in G2 Gallant Bloom, likely Breeders' Cup-bound

by Heather Pettinger

Vince Scuderi's homebred Paulassilverlining delivered as the 9-5 favorite to pick up her third graded stakes win of the year with a game three-quarter-length victory in the Grade 2, $300,000 Gallant Bloom Handicap Saturday at Belmont Park.

Under Hall of Famer John Velazquez, Paulassilverlining saved ground early, settling within two lengths of the pacesetting Momameamaria, who led the field of six through an opening quarter mile in 22.58 seconds and the half in 45.33. Turning for home, Paulassilverlining swung wide to pass Momameamaria at the top of the stretch and drifted in to the two path to hold off Quezon for the win.

"She made me look good," said Velazquez. "I should have stayed inside. The horse in front of me started drifting just when I started going out. Then I had to go back inside and close the hole. It all worked out, she held on."

Winner of back-to-back Grade 3's this spring, the Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct Racetrack and Vagrancy at Belmont, the 4-year-old Ghostzapper filly returned $5.60 for a $2 win wager in the Gallant Bloom. She completed 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.92 over the muddy and sealed main track.

"I am extremely pleased," said winning trainer Michelle Nevin. "She ran great. Johnny gave her a great ride. I'm very happy. I'm always expecting her to run well. She always tries."

Nevin noted that the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint will be the prospective target for Paulassilverlining, whose only off-the-board finish this year came last time out with a fifth-place effort in the Grade 1 Ballerina on August 27 at Saratoga Race Course.

"I don't see why she shouldn't [go to the Breeders' Cup]," she added. "This filly has shown up all year, except her last race when she was only beaten two lengths and she might not have gotten the trip she really wants. We'll have to discuss things and see what happens."

Wavell Avenue checked in third, 1 ½ lengths behind Quezon. Momameamaria, Wonder Gal and Fusaichi Red completed the order of finish. Hot City Girl was scratched.