Trainer Patrick Biancone isn’t one to dwell on disappointments. Standing in the breezy morning air at Palm Meadows, he smiled when asked about Lennilu, his precocious two-year-old filly who had just returned from a tough run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1).
“She’s good. She’s sound,” Biancone said, his tone even but optimistic. “She just wasn’t fast enough — but we’ll do better next year.”
That quiet determination has long defined the French-born trainer, and Lennilu — owned by Amy Dunne and partners — appears to have inherited the same fighting spirit. Despite finishing seventh against the boys in the $1 million sprint at Del Mar, she showed flashes of class throughout a season that placed her squarely among the most promising juveniles in training.
Lennilu’s Stellar Juvenile Campaign
The daughter of Leinster made a name for herself early, winning the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies at Gulfstream Park — a victory that punched her ticket to Royal Ascot, where she proudly flew the U.S. flag with a third-place effort in the prestigious Queen Mary (G2).
Back home, she switched surfaces seamlessly, capturing the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen on dirt before taking on colts to win the Hollywood Beach on turf. The Breeders’ Cup, Biancone says, was simply a learning experience.
“She’s done everything we’ve asked,” he reflected. “Now she deserves a little break. We’ll send her to the farm for 30 days — just to relax and be a horse again. Then, we’ll start preparing for next year.”
That next year, he believes, could be even bigger. “She’s got the mind, the heart, and the speed. Once she matures a bit more, she’ll be right there with the best of them.”
Classic of Course Drops the Hood in Awesome Banner
While Lennilu takes her well-earned vacation, Biancone’s attention turns to another stable star — Classic of Course, who returns for Saturday’s $70,000 Awesome Banner at Gulfstream Park.
The three-year-old gelding has proven remarkably versatile across surfaces, posting wins on turf, Tapeta, and now targeting success on dirt. But this time, there’s a twist — Biancone is removing the blinkers.
“He was a bit too keen last time,” the trainer explained. “We added the blinkers earlier in the year to help his focus, but he’s matured since. I think he’s ready to do it on his own.”
Carrying 122 pounds as co-highweight, Classic of Course will have Jonathan Ocasio aboard again after finishing a close third in the Mr. Jordan Handicap behind Con Compania. The gelding’s record suggests he’s due for another big run, especially after previous victories in the Cutler Bay and a Tapeta allowance over a mile and 70 yards.
“I think he’s a nice horse — one of those that just tries, no matter what,” Biancone said. “And maybe, at the end of the day, dirt could be his surface.”
Deep Field Assembles for Saturday’s Feature
Among those set to challenge Classic of Course in the Awesome Banner are Wolf Pack Racing’s Steppe, the Bobby Dibona-trained gelding who’s won two of his last three under Miguel Vasquez; Lawson Racing Stables’ Roar of the Beast, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.; and Stonehedge LLC’s Keep on Moving, a consistent Florida-bred conditioned by Michael Yakes.
Also in the mix are McKellen, trained by Jose D’Angelo, and Nothingsubtle, prepared by Nicholas Palmer — both looking to rebound after challenging trips in their latest outings.
With speed, stamina, and several trainers tinkering with tactics, the Awesome Banner promises to be a fascinating early-winter clash at Gulfstream.
Trainer Patrick Biancone: Building Momentum for 2026
For Biancone, this weekend isn’t just about one horse or one race. It’s about building for what lies ahead. “We’ve got a nice group — some still learning, some ready to step up,” he said with a grin. “Next year, we’ll do better.”
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