Bien Nicole Beats the Boys in DeBartolo Cup

Kris & John Richter's 4-year-old filly Bien Nicole, the only female taking part in Sunday's $147,750 Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Memorial Breeders' Cup at Remington Park, did her gender proud, winning the 1-1/8 turf event by 3 1/4 lengths.

Under Remington Park's all-time leading rider, Don Pettinger, the Kentucky -bred Bien Nicole took the lead from stablemate Secret Session as the field of nine entered the clubhouse turn. From there she was allowed to set soft fractions of :25 for the quarter-mile, :49 for the half, and 1:13.17 for three-quarters.

The Donnie Von Hemel trainee used the pace to her advantage as she shook loose from Secret Session turning for home and was never threatened in the lane. Candid Glen rallied in the upper-stretch to gain the place. Maysville Slew was along for third.

"She ran a great race," stated Pettinger. "Once she got in front on the backside she relaxed and played it smart for me. She had enough left that she just accelerated down the lane. She is a nice filly. Donnie has done a good job with her."

The winner covered the distance over a firm course in 1:49.42.

Bien Nicole, a daughter of multiple grade I turf winner Bien Bien, out of the Flying Paster mare Dana Nicole, has now won three stakes races in a row. She also took the $150,000 River Cities Breeders' Cup at Louisiana Downs on Sept. 7 and the $50,000 Margarita Breeders Cup Handicap at Retama Park on Aug. 3.

After Saturday's triumph, Bien Nicole's lifetime record stood at seven wins from 14 starts. Her paycheck of $90,000 on Saturday raised her career bankroll to $306,770.

The chestnut filly was well supported on the toteboard as the wagering public made her and entrymate, Rasby, the 3-2 favorite. She delivered with $5 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.10 to show. Candid Glen returned $3.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Maysville Slew was worth $2.20 to show.

(Chart, Equibase)