It was the first stakes victory for My List, who was snatched up by Tucci Stables as a yearling for the bargain price of $1,200, and her third trip to the winner’s circle in 2007.
Ridden by Eurico Rosa da Silva, My List scored at odds of more than 7-1. Wild Gams, who last raced in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (gr.1) on Oct. 27, was a half-length better than Roving Angel for second.
My List was sixth after the half-mile in :45.10, which was set by One Across and La Salle Glory. One Across still led the field of 10 at the top of the stretch but was beginning to tire. Quelle Beauty and Count to Three were also in striking position as they straightened away.
But My List was moving steadily three-wide, as was Wild Gams to her outside. Roving Angel, blocked at the top of the stretch, was forced to go out under Justin Stein, but continued to make up ground. All three had a chance in the final sixteenth.
But with Rosa da Silva’s urging, My List had just enough stay in front at the wire. The final time was 1:21.50.
"Today, I was full of confidence," Rosa da Silva said. "She was against older horses, but I have a lot of faith in her. She was very relaxed and enjoyed herself. When I asked from her, she gave me good run."
Out of the Batonnier mare Enduring Charm, My List has been on the board in seven of 11 starts this year. Prior to the Bessarabian, she rallied from well off the pace to get second in the Oct. 24 Ruling Angel at Woodbine, missing by just a half length.
Bred in Kentucky by Kent Ochs, Margaux Farm, and Don Camiccia, My List has earned $353,265 from 19 starts. She has now won three of four races at seven furlongs for trainer Nick Gonzalez.
"She was making that run a little too late going six and 6 1/2 furlongs," Gonzalez said. "She's been stakes placed four times. It's the right time of the year if you're going to run three-year-olds against older horses We thought she deserved a shot. Things went right for us."
My List paid $16.90 to win. The exacta (7-5) with even-money favorite Wild Gams was worth $65, while the trifecta (7-5-2) $622.50 with the 24-1 shot Roving Angel Stakes in third.
Tucci Stables also won the Bessarabian in 2005 with Miss Concerto.
(Chart, Equibase)
