Mentality Clearly the Best in Hessonite

ELMONT, NY – Lindy Farms’ Mentality jumped to the lead early and never relented, clearing away in the stretch to prove best in Friday’s $75,000 Hessonite Stakes at Belmont Park.

Breaking sharply from post 5 under Dylan Davis as the 4/5 favorite, Mentality dueled outside and just ahead of Kid Is Frosty while posting opening fractions of :22.78 and :46.07. She dispatched of her inside rival midway through the far turn but came under pressure from Hannah’s Smile and Purrageous Dyna at the top of the stretch.

Davis hit the button shortly after she straightened out and Mentality responded alertly, drawing off to win by 2 1/4 lengths. The Wesley Ward trainee completed the 6-furlong firm outer turf sprint for New York-bred fillies and mares in 1:08.69.

“She was laying second or third, but she’s not really one to be grabbing,” Davis said. “I just tried to keep her happy. (Kid Is Frosty) took the lead, but (Mentality) was not wanting to settle and she inherited the lead. I tried to keep her happy with a long hold, and when the horses came up to me on the outside at the 1/4 pole, she really dug in hard. She ran hard all the way to the wire.”

Hannah’s Smile necked out Saratoga Treasure for second, while Kid Is Frosty, Purrageous Dyna, and Jc’s Shooting Star were close behind to complete the order of finish. Sadie Lady was a Main Track Only entry.

Mentality’s win was her first at the stakes level and improved her overall record to 15-5-3-3 with $295,934 earned. The 5-year-old Freud mare was purchased for $40,000 as a yearling.

“I breezed her the last two times and she gets over (the turf) well and is aggressive,” Davis said. “Her last workout coming here, she was on edge. She worked very sharp. I loved the way she worked and she had a lot left. She was ready to run today.”

Mentality returned $3.60 to win, $2.70 to place, and $2.20 to show. Hannah’s Smile brought back $4.20 to place and $2.70 to show, while Saratoga Treasure paid $2.60 to show.