Pedigree

Little Belle owns a terrific pedigree for the Kentucky Oaks (G1). She's by two-time leading sire A.P. Indy, a son of legendary Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew who hails from the terrific Secretariat mare Weekend Surprise. Named Horse of the Year in 1992 following wins in the Belmont S. (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), A.P. Indy is the sire of 2003 Horse of the Year Mineshaft as well as classic winners Rags to Riches (the first filly in 102 years to win the 1 1/2-mile Belmont S.) and Bernardini (2006 Preakness [G1]), all of whom excelled on dirt. His progeny's Average Winning Distance is a whopping 8.2 furlongs, and Little Belle also inherits plenty of stamina from her dam's side.

The bay filly is the first foal out of the winning Mr. Prospector mare Dubai Belle, who is out of the Group 1-winning Flagbird (Nureyev), a highweighted mare in England, Ireland and Italy. Little Belle's third dam, Up the Flagpole (Hoist the Flag), is responsible for Grade 1 winner and Broodmare of the Year Prospector's Delite, the dam of Mineshaft and Grade 1 winner Tomisue's Delight; 1997 Alabama S. (G1) queen Runup the Colors; and 1995 King's Bishop (G2) winner Top Account. Mr. Prospector is an outstanding broodmare sire and an excellent source of speed. He also sired 2000 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Fusaichi Pegasus. His daughters are responsible for champions Tempera and Hollywood Wildcat, handicap standout Rock Hard Ten, and noted sires Pulpit and Tale of the Cat, to mention only a few.

Little Belle is a Grade 1 winner over Polytrack, but she's won over dirt previously and is bred to relish the nine-furlong distance of the Kentucky Oaks.