Francis LaBelle Jr.
Belmont Park

Godolphin Stable’s Cocoa Beach has raced in her native Chile and in the Mideast, but apparently, she has found a home in New York.

Fresh off a dominant win at Saratoga Race Course on August 29, the 4-year-old Doneraile Court filly collared defending Eclipse champion handicap mare Ginger Punch Saturday afternoon and went on to a half-length victory in 70th running of the Grade 1, $600,000 Beldame Stakes for fillies and mares at nine furlongs.

The threat of serious rain canceled racing at Belmont Park on Friday, and the main track opened on Saturday as “muddy/sealed.” By post time for the Beldame at 3:40 p.m., the track was sloppy, and the scratch of Unbridled Belle left the Beldame with a field of four.

And Ginger Punch, looking for her fifth straight victory and fourth straight Grade 1 win, was the 1-2 crowd favorite.

Ginger Punch broke alertly under jockey Rafael Bejarano, who put her well off the rail and let her set fractions of 24.61. 48.18 and 1:12.76. Lemon Drop Mom pressed early, and Ginger Punch began to pull away.

Cocoa Beach, ridden by Ramon Dominguez, lingered at the back of the field, but gradually moved to within three lengths of the leader as they turned for home. When Lemon Drop Mom backed off, Cocoa Beach came with an outside rally as Ginger Punch came closer to the rail.

They fought to the wire, and Cocoa Beach prevailed in 1:49.50. She returned $7.10 to win.

“She’s grown up a lot since she ran earlier in the year in Dubai,” said winning trainer Saeed bin Suroor. “She looked stronger than ever and she has learned a lot from her last race at Saratoga. She was really happy. The target now is the Breeders’ Cup (Ladies Classic, October 24, Santa Anita).

“I had a good feeling coming into the race (that we could beat Ginger Punch). The last race really set her up and she’s really grown.”

Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel said that Ginger Punch again proved her mettle, but could not overcome the inside post and track condition.  

 “It was the 1-hole; she had no choice but to do what she did,” Frankel said. “I don’t think that is her favorite way of running. I don’t think the inside was the best part. I would have loved to have been on the outside. That was all I was worried about.”