Trainer Jorge Delgado stood quietly for a moment after the wire, exhaling relief more than triumph. Mythical — the filly he has long called special — had just fought, stretched, and stayed, proving herself over two turns for the first time. Jockey Emisael Jaramillo gave a small pat to her neck as she pulled up, the kind of gesture that tells a story without needing words. The My Dear Girl Stakes was a test of stamina, and Mythical met it with heart.
The My Dear Girl Stakes did not unfold exactly as planned. Mythical broke sharply, took command early, and was pressed throughout, yet still found more when it mattered. Even when outsider Dare Greatly angled wide and surged late, the favourite kept responding, pulling away with purpose to earn her fifth career win — and her fourth in stakes company — by 2 ½ lengths.
Delgado admitted he expected a different trip. “I didn’t want her in front,” he said, still half-smiling in disbelief. “She faced pressure, she tired — but she was the best filly.” Jaramillo, who has ridden her in every start, called it the backup plan. “She broke too well to sit,” he explained. “Once she was there, the only choice was to let her run.”
Mythical controlled the fractions through 22.81 and 46.58, never losing her rhythm, and stopped the clock at 1:45.39. Dare Greatly finished a distant second, well clear of Win Bet Only. Behind them came Love Like Lucy, Bayou Brigid, and Lady Chance.
My Dear Girl Stakes highlights Mythical’s growing dominance
This victory caps an outstanding juvenile season: five wins from six starts, 26 lengths of total margin, and the versatility to shine whether rating or free-running. Connections are already charting her 2026 campaign, the Forward Gal (G3) on January 31 the first target before the Davona Dale (G2) and Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) later in the Championship Meet.
“She handled the challenge, and she’s still learning,” Delgado said. “You can’t ask more from a young filly than to fight, finish, and come back healthy.”
The My Dear Girl Stakes honours the champion filly of 1959 — a legacy now touched by a new rising star.
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