Ocean Drive rallies to win Noble Damsel

Ocean Drive swept wide to join the leaders nearing the stretch, then finished strong to win the Grade III, $150,000 Noble Damsel Handicap by 1 1/4 lengths yesterday at Belmont Park.

High Court was second in a field of nine fillies and mares three and older.

The victory was the fourth of the day for jockey John Velazquez, and the third time trainer Todd Pletcher has had a Noble Damsel winner.

Ocean Drive carried high weight of 120 pounds a mile in 1:34 3/5 over the firm turf to earn $90,000 for Bonnie and Sy Baskin.

Ocean Drive returned $7.50, $4.80, and $2.60. High Court paid $17.60 and $6.10 and Hour of Justice returned $2.80 to show.

In the $105,400 Ashley T. Cole Handicap for horses three and older, Provincetown won by 1 3/4 lengths.

Provincetown carried 115 pounds and Tonay Farina 1 1/8 miles in 1:46 2/5 over the firm turf to earn $69,340 for Flying Zee Stables.

Provincetown, who raced coupled as an entry with Golden Commander, returned $5.70, $3.50, and $2.50. Certifiably Crazy paid $12 and $5.40, and Irish Colonial returned $3.10.

Rakti triumphs at Ascot
Rakti held off Lucky Story for a half-length victory in the $450,000 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the last big event before the Ascot (England) course is closed and rebuilt.

Refuse to Bend was third. Soviet Song, a filly, was the 5-2 favorite but came in fifth.