Unique Bella, the champion female sprinter of 2017, fought past Paradise Woods to win Saturday's Grade 1 Beholder Mile for fillies and mares.

Paradise Woods led around the first turn, but was quickly challenged to her outside by Unique Bella through an opening quarter-mile in 22.51 seconds. Through the backstretch, Paradise Woods led by about a half-length.

On the turn, Unique Bella drew past Paradise Woods to take the lead with a quarter-mile remaining by about a half-length.

Unique Bella was clear in the sretch and had no competition. La Force closed well to finish second by 2 1-4 lenths at a time when jockey Mike Smith was not urging Unique Bella. Paradise Woods held third, beaten 7 3-4 lengths, and was followed by Vale Dori and Munny Spunt.

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer for Don Alberto Stable, Unique Bella was timed in 1:35.60. She has won 8 of 11 starts and earned $1,092,400.