Godolphin filly Deloraine rallies to Belle Mahone upset
Deloraine fired late to collar pacesetting favorite Stylish Sue and score in Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Belle Mahone Stakes at Woodbine.
Trained by Eoin Harty and ridden for the first time by Ryan Munger, Deloraine settled in fifth and saved ground into the first turn. Confirmed front-runner Stylish Sue won the early pace battle and led the field of seven through an opening quarter-mile in 23.53 seconds.
Along the backstretch, Deloraine continued to save ground and took over fourth from Power of Destiny (GB) in a half-mile time of 48.18 seconds.
Up front, Stylish Sue controlled the pace with Hurricane Clair and 2025 Woodbine Oaks winner No Time in hot pursuit, the leader cutting out the opening six panels of this 1 1/16-mile event for fillies and mares 4 years old and up in 1:12.67.
Turning for home, 2023 Woodbine Oaks winner Elysian Field, making her 2026 debut, rallied widest. Munger and Deloraine cut the corner smartly, cruising past No Time to get first run on Stylish Sue, who led well into the lane.
Rafael Hernandez, aboard Stylish Sue, sneaked a peek at the danger as Munger and the 4-year-old daughter of Candy Ride (ARG)–Elaine's Cat, by Discreet Cat, rallied with rhythm past the eighth pole. Inside the 70-yard marker, Deloraine had the measure of the runner-up, crossing the wire on top in 1:44.47.
"Going around I had a ton of horse. I saw Raffy getting away but I knew if I get out, I'm going to catch him," said Munger.
"From the half mile I can tell if I got out, she was going to win. Once the split opened, she took it like a brave soldier. And she won a very gallant, gutsy win today."
Deloraine improved to three wins from 11 lifetime starts. Munger relished riding for the prestigious Godolphin outfit and savored the victory.
"When you put on these silks, it's like you're putting on history. They look even better in the winner's box."
Going second off a layoff, the Godolphin homebred prepped for the Belle Mahone by showing speed before fading to finish ninth in a turf allowance at Keeneland.
Emma Lovatt, representing Godolphin, was thrilled to witness Deloraine earn her first graded stakes victory and her second win on synthetic in as many tries.
"Very important. She's obviously had a few attempts at it, finally getting the win, bringing her back on the all-weather, bringing her up to Woodbine was a perfect combination for her."
Stylish Sue and late-running Equitas, who rallied from last, completed the triactor.
Listed at 10-1 on the morning line, Deloraine went off at 9-1 and paid an even $20.00.