by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Continuing her early season roll, Rocco Ruffolo’s Aliyah Maria had no trouble dispatching 10 other Illinois conceived and foaled 3-year-old pacing fillies in Sunday’s (June 30) $12,000 Betzotic Stake at Balmoral Park as she cruised to a 1-3/4 length victory in 1:53.3 for driver Todd Warren.

Balmoral Park photo

Todd Warren and Aliyah Maria easily disposed of 10 rivals in Sunday’s $12,000 Betzotic Stake.

Settling into fifth as Dune In Red (Dean Magee) and State Street Liz (Robert Smolin) battled through an opening quarter in :28.3, Warren waited patiently before sending the daughter of Duneside Perch-Maria Maria on a backside brush to the front.

Quickly sweeping by her rivals, Aliyah Maria easily overtook Dune In Red and was 1-1/4 lengths in front as the fillies hit the half-mile mark in :58.1.

Moving effortlessly around the far turn the Roger Welch trained miss began to put some daylight between herself and the pocket sitting Dune In Red as she sped by the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:26.3.

With plenty left in the tank, Aliyah Maria sped home in :27, easily keeping her rivals at bay while securing her fourth win in 10 starts this season. State Street Liz re-rallied to finish second while longshot Incredible Filly shook loose late to finish third.

With the win on Sunday night Aliyah Maria now boasts a record of 4-4-0 in 10 starts this year with earnings of $48,686.

Hammered at the betting windows, Aliyah Maria returned just $2.40, $2.20 and $2.10. Trifecta players were rewarded with a nice payout though with 58-1 and 60-1 shots finishing second and third, respectively. The triple came back at a healthy $828.60 for a $2 wager.