Keying Anisette on top in the Yellow Ribbon Handicap

Three-time Grade 1 heroine #2 Anisette is a towering presence in Saturday’s $200,000 Yellow Ribbon H. (G2) at Del Mar. The 1 1/16-mile affair on the lawn is led by the Leonard Powell trainee, who will be giving at least six pounds to each of her foes, but I don’t envision that the weight disadvantage will hinder her chances. 

Yellow Ribbon Plays

• $20 trifecta 2 with 5 with 1 ($20)
• $10 trifecta 2 with 1 with 5 ($10)
• $10 trifecta 2 with 5 with 3 ($10)
• $1 superfecta key 2 with 1,3,5 ($6)

The standout four-year-old has finished first or second in each of her seven tries since coming to the States in 2023, which includes a pair of stellar showings on this turf course. She roared home to defeat 13 foes in going-away fashion in the San Clemente (G2) prior to unleashing a devastating last-to-first blur to easily pull away in the Del Mar Oaks (G1). 

The daughter of Awtaad kicked off 2024 with a nice score in the Gamely (G1), and she faces an easier task in this one over footing that she thrives upon. Umberto Rispoli retains the ride. 

I only envision a pair of horses that will battle it out for place honors, and both come from the barn of Phil D’Amato. 

#5 Bellabel has early speed and that could go a long way in the affair. This daughter of Belardo has yet to regain her sophomore form following a significant layoff, but she bagged the 2022 San Clemente (G2) here and could surely prosper in her return to this venue. This Irish-bred smoked a bullet five panels on this lawn in her latest morning move. 

To a lesser extent, I feel that #1 Uncorked could rally for a placing under Antonio Fresu. She looked good in taking the Royal Heroine (G3) in her first run for this outfit, and she faced better in the Gamely last time as well. The Australian import will save ground to the top of the lane. 

I just don’t feel that #3 Fuente Ovejuna is quite good enough to challenge for an upset in the heat. She could, however, come on late to grab show honors.  #4 Lucky Girl and #6 Ever Smart have a combined 10-0-0-0 line at Del Mar and will be tossed.