Bella Banissa’s Streak on Line

Well regarded when she debuted as a 2-year-old last spring at Hollywood Park, Bella Banissa failed to win in three starts.

The daughter of Good And Tough was second as the 9-5 favorite in the Nursery Stakes in her bow, was second at 6-1 in the Landaluce nearly two months later, then disappointed when 7-10 in her first start against maidens Aug. 8 at Del Mar.

Since returning earlier this year for Legacy Ranch and trainer David Hofmans, Bella Banissa has shown what the early fuss was about.

The $100,000 2-year-old purchase has won both of her races in 2005 and is one of many contenders in today’s $75,000 Daisycutter Handicap at Del Mar. She and seven others will go five furlongs on turf.

In her comeback on June 26, Bella Banissa beat maidens by 3 1/4 lengths, then, in her grass debut two weeks later, she went wire-to-wire and scored by two lengths. Alex Solis was aboard for both of the wins and he remains on today.

Two other fillies in the Daisycutter are coming off wins. Revolving Door, who will be making her first start in California, won at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico on June 25, and Very Vegas won the Curious Clover on July 8 at Hollywood Park.

Race of the day: Dream Lady, who has not been worse than third in five starts on the turf, will make her graded stakes debut in the $100,000 Lake George today at Saratoga. A Grade III at 1 1/16 miles on grass, the Lake George drew seven other 3-year-old fillies, including last out winners Ready’s Gal, If It’s Meant To Be, Laurafina and Beaugeste. Dream Lady will be ridden by Edgar Prado.

One for the road: Shining Nuggets, who didn’t have the best of trips in his last start at Los Alamitos, can pick up his 10th win as he ships to Santa Rosa for trainer Ramon Gonzalez in today’s 10th. Victor Navarro, who was aboard for the gelding’s last victory, will ride in the $3,200 claimer at five furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using He Does, Vote and Loving Type in the third, Newyearresolution, Moonlight Cruise and Jordyn Macoma in the fourth and Razik and Big Mountain in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/22. Money: Previous day/meet total: $14.40/$125.60. Total money bet: $136.