Dust and Diamonds wins Belmont's Gallant Bloom

NEW YORK (AP) - Dust and Diamonds earned a spot in the Breeders' Cup with a 1 1/4-length victory over Judy the Beauty on Saturday in the $200,000 Gallant Bloom Handicap for fillies and mares at Belmont Park.

The Gallant Bloom was a "Win and You're In'' challenge stakes, guaranteeing the winner a berth in the $1 million Filly & Mare Sprint on Nov. 3 at Santa Anita.

Dust and Diamonds, a 4-year-old trained by Steve Asmussen, extended her winning streak to three with the biggest triumph of her career. Never worse than second, Dust and Diamonds and jockey Julien Leparoux took charge in midstretch from the pacesetting Roman Treasure and held off a late charge from Judy the Beauty.

The time was a swift 1:14.71 for 6 1/2 furlongs.

Dust and Diamonds paid $19.60, $9.40 and $5.50 as an 8-1 long shot. Judy the Beauty returned $6.20 and $3.60, and Musical Romance paid $3.80 to show.

Turbulent Descent, the 6-5 favorite following her win in the Ballerina at Saratoga, was fourth followed by Roman Treasure, Emma's Encore, C C's Pal and Island Bound.