In the thrilling world of horse racing, a new star has emerged, captivating fans and leaving a trail of success in her wake. But can she sustain her reign?
Lush Lips, the remarkable daughter of Ten Sovereigns, has secured her place in the spotlight with a breathtaking performance at the Mrs. Revere Stakes (G2T). This victory marks her second consecutive graded win, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with.
The story began on October 11th, when Lush Lips stormed to victory in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland. Her triumph was followed by a staggering $3.7 million sale price at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, a testament to her exceptional talent.
And the drama continued at Churchill Downs. As the heavy favorite, Lush Lips, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, faced a challenging race against Classic Q. Despite a slow start, Gaffalione’s strategic move to the outside in the final turn ignited a thrilling comeback. In a heart-pounding finish, Lush Lips surged ahead, only to be momentarily matched by Classic Q. But her determination prevailed, leaving Pretty Picture’s late rally just short of victory.
“She’s an extraordinary filly,” Gaffalione praised, crediting the team for her success. This win was a mere 0.02 seconds off the stakes record, further emphasizing her prowess.
But here’s where it gets intriguing: Lush Lips’ journey hasn’t always been smooth. After a modest start in Ireland, she found her stride with trainer Brendan Walsh, finishing first or second in eight out of her last nine starts. This includes wins at the Tepin Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, and Mrs. Revere, and notable placings in the Del Mar Oaks (G1T), Edgewood Stakes (G2T), and Florida Oaks (G3T).
“She’s been on an upward trajectory,” Walsh remarked, grateful for the opportunity to continue her training. But the question remains: Can Lush Lips maintain her dominance in the upcoming season?
As a five-time graded/group stakes winner, Lush Lips is a testament to her sire’s legacy, Ten Sovereigns, who also sired Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) winner Balantina and American Turf Stakes (G1T) winner Zulu Kingdom. But will she continue to reign supreme, or will another rising star challenge her throne?
The racing world eagerly awaits the next chapter of Lush Lips’ story. Will she solidify her legacy, or will a new contender emerge to shake up the rankings? Only time will tell, and the anticipation is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.