Riboletta, Beautiful Pleasure Showdown Looms
Updated: Friday, September 29, 2000 9:00 AM
Posted: Thursday, September 28, 2000 9:48 AM
Photo: Associated Press/ Benoit
Chris McCarron rides Riboletta to victory in the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park.
It looks as if the much-anticipated showdown between Riboletta and the defending Breeders' Cup champion Beautiful Pleasure will become a reality, as owner Aaron Jones confirmed Wednesday that Riboletta will make her next start in the Beldame Stakes on Oct. 14, where she will hook Beautiful Pleasure in what could decide the divisional championship before we even get to the Breeders' Cup.
"It looks pretty definite that Riboletta will return to New York for the Beldame," Jones said. "We also have Plenty of Light, who's a very talented filly, and we could send her to Keeneland for the Spinster Stakes."
In her latest start, Riboletta ran off to a 7 1/2-length victory over Gourmet Girl in the Ruffian Handicap (gr. I). The Ruffian was Riboletta's fifth straight victory.
Meanwhile, Beautiful Pleasure continues to train up a storm at Keeneland. The defending champ drilled a mile Wednesday morning in 1:37. That followed a seven-furlong work last week in 1:24 3/5.
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