Riskaverse Edges Cyclorama in Sands Point

Riskaverse rallied to win the $116,100 Sands Point Stakes (gr. IIIT) by a head Sunday at Belmont Park.

"I had a real nice trip," said winning rider Robbie Davis. "She was as game as can be. She fought with every step, split horses real nice and ran a nice race. I'm very proud of her."

Carrying 119 pounds, Riskaverse covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.63 on the yielding turf to earn $69,660 for Fox Ridge Farm. It was her first win in two starts this year. Cyclorama was second in the field of 11 3-year-old fillies, a half-length ahead of She's Vested. Tarnished Lady, Magnificent Val, Midnite Deelite, Maita, Ntombi, Passing Shot, Preferred Option, and Tempo West completed the order of finish.

The win marks the fourth in eight career starts for Riskaverse, who won the listed Miss Grillo Stakes as a 2-year-old after finishing third in the Frizette Stakes (gr. I), 15 1/2 lengths behind the winner, You. Following the Miss Grillo, she shipped west to run second in the Miesque Stakes (gr . IIIT) at Hollywood Park.

"I was impressed with the way she bulled her way through and got up," said trainer Pat Kelly. "We'll keep our options open. She has to be considered one of the best 3-year-old turf fillies in the country right now."

Bred in Kentucky by her owner, Riskaverse (Dynaformer -- The Bink, by Seeking the Gold) is a half-sister to Valley View Stakes (gr. IIIT) winner Cozzy Corner (by Cozzene).

Riskaverse returned $9.40, $4.90, and $3.80. Cyclorama paid $5.40 and $4.70, and She's Vested paid $7.60. The winning exacta paid $56.50. (Chart, Equibase)