Belle Hill continued to dominate the 3-year-old filly division at Emerald Downs with a five-length triumph in the $65,000 Washington Oaks on Saturday, running 1 1/8 miles in a quick 1:48.11.
Combined with wins in the Irish Day and Kent Handicaps, the Sky Mesa filly ran her winning streak to three straight and has now collected $113,220.
In fourth place early, Belle Hill swept past Suva Harbor on the last turn and poured it on late, turning the race it into a rout and hinting at greater things to come.
“I’m just very happy to be on a horse of this caliber,” winning rider Leslie Mawing said in the winner’s circle. “I’ve been high on her from the beginning.”
A $250,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipon Kentucky Summer Horses of Racing Age sale in 2014 by her owner Aithon Stable, Belle Hill is out of Sealy Hill, the 2007 Canadian Horse of the Year, Champion Turf Female, Champion Three-year-old filly, and only filly to capture Canada’s Triple Tiara. Belle Hill, a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Hillaby, was bred in Kentucky by Eugene Melnyk.
