Bella Ballerina, a homebred filly from Godolphin and the favorite for the Kentucky Oaks, is the 2-1 morning favorite for Saturday’s Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fairground Racetrack & Slots, which offers a $300,000 purse. Trained by Brendan Walsh, Bella Ballerina is a 3-year-old filly who remains undefeated and is following in the footsteps of her accomplished half-sister, Pretty Mischievous—2023 Kentucky Oaks winner and Eclipse champion—who also claimed victories in both the Untapable and Rachel Alexandra Stakes.
Walsh expressed confidence in Bella Ballerina, stating that he sees no reason why she wouldn’t match her half-sister’s caliber. The Street Sense filly won her debut race at Keeneland in October by 4 1/4 lengths and then triumphed in the Grade 2 Goldenrod Stakes at Churchill Downs in November, stretching out for the first time to 1 1/16 miles. That win, marking Godolphin’s 1,500th graded stakes victory worldwide, earned Bella Ballerina 10 qualifying points toward the 2026 Kentucky Oaks and a Beyer Speed Figure of 79.
Since identifying the Rachel Alexandra as Bella Ballerina’s upcoming target, she has been training consistently at the Fairgrounds with multiple impressive workouts, including a noteworthy five-furlong run in 1:00.20 and a four-furlong breeze in 48.80 seconds. Walsh noted that Bella Ballerina has grown stronger over time and praised the Fairgrounds as the ideal venue for developing top 3-year-old fillies, emphasizing the success of the Oaks Prep Series there.
Since its renaming in honor of Hall of Fame mare Rachel Alexandra in 2010, the race has seen multiple winners go on to Kentucky Oaks success, including Pretty Mischievous and Monomoy Girl. Bella Ballerina aims to continue this legacy, solidifying her spot as a leading contender in the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series.
Originally published by Paulick Report on February 11, 2026.
Fan Take: This update is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts because Bella Ballerina’s undefeated streak and strong lineage position her as a leading star in the sport’s next generation. Her success could further energize the rivalry and excitement around the Kentucky Oaks, drawing more attention and fans to the world of thoroughbred racing.
