Respect Valleys’ Dazzling Dame dominated the $150,000 Busanda Stakes for sophomore fillies on Saturday at Aqueduct Racecourse, winning by an impressive 11 1/2 lengths over a one-turn mile. Trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by Jevian Toledo, Dazzling Dame took early command from the 4/5 post, maintaining a strong pace with a half-mile time of 47.20 seconds and pulling away decisively from the favorite, Believable, as well as from late challenger Two Bits.
This victory secured Garvin Bey the full Kentucky Oaks qualifying points awarded to the top five finishers (20-10-6-4-2). Dazzling Dame completed the race in 1:38.30 on fast dirt, a time faster than recent male winners My World and Russian Realm, earning her a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 91. Brittany Russell expressed satisfaction with the horse’s performance and condition, highlighting her continued progress and potential.
Dazzling Dame previously earned her first stakes win in August at Monmouth Park’s Women’s Club and won the White Clay Creek at Delaware Park in October, finishing fourth in the Grade 3 Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs. Her upcoming races may include the nine-furlong Grade 3 Gazelle at Aqueduct on April 4 and the 1 1/16-mile Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs on March 14. Russell emphasized a flexible approach, allowing the mare and her owner Rocky Rashal to guide their decisions.
In addition to Dazzling Dame’s success, Russell updated on Balboa, a colt who finished second by two lengths to My World in the Jerome Stakes. Balboa has earned nine Kentucky Derby points through a combination of placings in key races and scored an 81 Beyer Speed Figure at Jerome. Despite some concerns about his recovery from recent races, Russell remains optimistic about Balboa’s future training and performance. Bred by Albaugh Family Stables and purchased for $875,000 at Keeneland’s 2024 September sale, Balboa is owned by a consortium including SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables.
Fan Take: Dazzling Dame’s impressive win and rising speed figures signal a promising new star in the fillies’ division, energizing Kentucky Oaks and future classic races. Meanwhile, Balboa’s potential Derby points and recovery trajectory offer exciting prospects for the 3-year-old colt division, underscoring a thrilling upcoming season for horse racing enthusiasts.
