It's a Girls' World at Coteau Grove Farms!

Bella Medaglia and Little Ms Protocol win two stakes races for Coteau Grove Farms on Jackpot Day at Delta Downs

(Vinton, La.) - November 19, 2011 - In the companion race for distaffers, the $125,000 Treasure Chest, Coteau Grove Farms' Bella Medaglia scored an arguably overdue first stakes victory with an exclamation point, by establishing a new stakes record.

Always prominent in a crowded pace scenario, the Bret Calhoun filly surged clear approaching the far turn for John Jacinto. But the sudden move didn't put the race away, for Remit went off in pursuit and collared the leader. Fighting back when headed in midstretch, Bella Medaglia found something in reserve and pulled 1 3/4 lengths clear. She completed the mile in 1:38.29, bettering the old stakes mark of 1:38.78 set by Briecat here last year. The 5-2 second choice paid $7.20, $3.40 and $2.40.

Remit crossed the wire 5 3/4 lengths ahead of 4-5 favorite Spirit Seeker, a Southern California invader from the Jerry Hollendorfer barn, who rallied belatedly from last for third. 

Bella Medaglia had previously finished runner-up in four stakes -- the 2010 Tiffany Lass, the February 26 Sam Houston Distaff, the June 24 Iowa Distaff and the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Distaff on September 24 at Turfway Park. Sixth in a Keeneland allowance last time out on October 28, she now sports a mark of 16-4-6-1, $250,916. 

Coteau Grove Farms celebrated another winner on the day when Little Ms Protocol justified 4-5 favoritism in the $150,000 Louisiana Jewel for state-bred juvenile fillies. Trained by Patrick Devereux Jr. and ridden by Diego Saenz, the fans' choice rolled from well back and wore down Effie by 1 1/4 lengths. Little Ms Protocol finished the mile in 1:41 2/5 to register her second stakes victory, having won the grassy Princess Stakes at Louisiana Downs on June 25.