Bell's the One Headlines Madison

Bell's the One (Majesticperfection) tops a competitive field of seven in Keeneland's GI Madison S. Saturday. Winning her first graded event at this oval in the 2019 GII Raven Run S., the bay captured the GIII Winning Colors S. at Churchill last May and checked in third behind Guarana (Ghostzapper) in last year's renewal of this event, which was held in July due to the pandemic. She rallied to a nose defeat of GI Kentucky Oaks victress Serengeti Empress (Alternation) in Churchill's GI Derby City Distaff S., also delayed from May to September, and closed 2020 with a late-running third behind champion Gamine (Into Mischief) in the GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint S. in Lexington Nov. 7.

The fleet-footed Kimari (Munnings) should provide the early pace Bell's the One needs, but could prove not for catching. Runner-up in the 2019 G2 Queen Mary S. at Royal Ascot, the 'TDN Rising Star' kicked off 2020 with a victory in Oaklawn's Purple Martin S. on the main track in April and returned to the Royal meeting for her next start, where she finished second in the G1 Commonwealth Cup S. June 19. Third in the grassy Music City S. at Kentucky Downs Sept. 15, the bay scored a decisive win in a sloppy renewal of the Spring Fever S. back in Hot Springs Feb. 27. Kimari is three-for-three on the dirt, including her 15-length debut graduation at Keeneland in the spring of 2019.

Sconsin (Include) will likely fly under the radar due to the presence of the top two, but could certainly get a piece. Runner-up in the GIII Beaumont S. at this oval in July, the bay was third to the re-opposing Mundaye Call (Into Mischief) in the Audubon Oaks at Ellis Aug. 9. She broke through at the graded level with a rallying score in Churchill's GII Eight Belles S. Sept. 4 and was fourth in the Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint last out. The homebred prepped for this with a five-panel bullet in :59 2/5 at Fair Grounds Mar. 22.

Also worth a look is GI La Brea S. victress Fair Maiden (Street Boss), who looks to rebound off an eighth-place finish in the GII Santa Monica S. Feb. 13.