It would be interesting to know what trainer Monica McGoey discovered about Bella Romance when the 5-year-old mare bred by Judy Karlin finished eighth at Tampa Bay Downs on April 21, 15 1/2 lengths behind, at odds of 33-1.

    Whatever it was, Monica didn’t wait long for the next outing for the daughter of Bahamian Squall, sending her out again just six days later with apprentice rider Mariangelys Almedina, and being rewarded with her second victory. Bella Romance took the lead at the break in the race at 6 1/2 furlongs, then put up fractions of :22.56, :45.66 and :1:11.51 en route to an easy score in 1:18.45 – by 4 1/4 lengths. 

    Bella Romance paid just $10.20 and earned a check for $10,500, raising her career total to $54,174 on a record of 2-3-7 in 32 starts. She received a 70 Equibase ‘E’ speed figure, tied for the best of her career. 

    Bahamian Squall also got a first 2024 victory from Dan’s Candi Girl, who entered the win column in a $32,000 maiden special at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The 4-year-old filly bred by Linda Pastor dueled for the lead down the backstretch and drew off late to score by 3 1/2 lengths with 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:06.28. She paid $3.60 as favorite and the check for $19,200 lifted her earnings to $47,240 on a record of 1-3-1 in 8 starts.