A roar of delight swept through Gulfstream Park as trainer Patrick Biancone sealed a fistful of emotion with a celebratory kiss for his filly, Lennilu, who battled to a thrilling victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Desert Vixen Stakes. The crowd was on its feet as jockey Jonathan Ocasio leaned in at the wire, coaxing the filly for every last inch in a stretch-long duel against stakes debutante Finding Strength.
Lennilu Desert Vixen Stakes Record Thrills Gulfstream Crowd
Returning to the races for the first time since her impressive Royal Ascot campaign in mid-June, Lennilu ($4.80) demonstrated why she is considered one of the brightest young stars on the Gulfstream turf. The Florida-bred filly set a stakes-record time of 1:10.72 for six furlongs over the fast main track, eclipsing the previous mark of 1:10.85 set last year by R Morning Brew.
Jonathan Ocasio Guides Lennilu Desert Vixen to Victory
Finding Strength, making her stakes debut after a 4 ¼-length maiden win on August 17, went to the early lead, covering the opening quarter-mile in 22.15 seconds. Lennilu tracked in the two path, patiently waiting her moment. By the half-mile mark, both fillies were even, setting the stage for a stretch-long duel that had the crowd holding its collective breath.
“She has everything. That’s why we brought her to England,” said Biancone, reflecting on Lennilu’s Royal Ascot run. “She couldn’t beat the winner, because the winner is the best filly in Europe. But everyone was delighted by the race. We gave her plenty of time because we want her ready for the Breeders’ Cup.”
Ridden for the first time by Ocasio, Lennilu responded beautifully. “I just tried to keep her comfortable the whole way,” said Ocasio. “When I asked her at the end, thank God, she gave me everything.”
Love Like Lucy finished third, followed by Evolution, Happy Feet Hannah, and Copper Creole. Laigina, Lennilu’s unraced stablemate, was scratched. Trainer Michael Yates praised Finding Strength’s effort, noting that the filly ran hard to the wire despite having to chase early.
Biancone confirmed plans to point Lennilu to the $75,000 Hollywood Beach Stakes on September 27 as a final prep for the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, adding: “She has this good race in her. In three weeks, she has the five-eighths on the turf, and then we go to Del Mar.”
The Desert Vixen, named after the Hall of Fame mare who dominated the 1970s, kicks off the Florida Sire Stakes filly division, with the Susan’s Girl and My Dear Girl Stakes to follow in October and November. Lennilu’s breathtaking performance ensured that she is a filly to watch as the FSS series continues.
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