French-born trainer Cristophe Clement has enjoyed much success over the years here with grass runners imported from Europe, and yesterday he struck again, saddling Liseux Rose to win the Grade 2, $150,000 Sheepshead Bay Handicap at 1 3/8 miles over the inner turf course at Belmont.

The 5-year-old mare, who raced most of her career in Ireland before coming to the Clement over the winter, is now 2-for-2 in the U.S. She won her American debut, the Grade 2 Orchid Handicap at Gulfstream Park, in March.

Ridden by Jose Santos, Lisieux Rose went right to the front and quickly opened up a 5½-length lead, maintaining a daylight margin through tardy early splits (:24.1, :50, 1:15.1). Orange Sunset made a run at her on the far turn but Lisieux Rose quickly opened up again to score by two lengths in 2:14.

“There wasn’t a lot of speed on paper and the plan was to slow it down as much as possible,” Santos said. “Her stablemate came to her with five furlongs left. I gave her a little more and she responded and drew off.”

Lisieux Rose, who’ll run next in the New York Handicap on grass at Belmont July 15, paid $5.60 as the second choice. Melody Queen closed for second to complete a $36.20 exacta, with longshot La Ville Rouge third. The Seven Seas, favored at 6-5, faded to finish last in the field of seven fillies and mares.