The Ginger Brew Stakes returned to centre stage at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, and Sister Troienne ensured the familiar prize once again carried the Woodslane Farm colours with distinction. Unbeaten since late summer and already proven in stakes company, the homebred filly resumed her career with the same authority she had shown at two, stretching clear to land the $175,000 feature for newly turned three-year-old fillies.
Contested over a two-turn mile on firm turf, the Ginger Brew Stakes formed part of a strong winter card that also included the Mucho Macho Man for colts and geldings. For Sister Troienne, however, the afternoon was about continuity—picking up seamlessly where she had left off after three consecutive juvenile victories.
Ridden with patience by Mario Gutierrez, Sister Troienne travelled smoothly just off the early pace as outsider Laigina set the tempo. The opening quarter was covered in a steady 24 seconds, with the field well strung out behind the leader. Sister Troienne remained relaxed in second, tracking the pace with intent while conserving her energy.
As the race unfolded, the Woodslane filly began to edge closer, still second passing the half-mile in 47.87. Gutierrez asked her to lengthen approaching the far turn, and she responded with a decisive move, drawing alongside the leader before asserting through the stretch. Once clear, she maintained her advantage to score by one and three-quarter lengths, stopping the clock in 1:33.42.
Laigina stayed on gamely to secure second, while Storm’s Wake, a stablemate of the winner, completed the trifecta. Tideoftime, Bert’s Knoty Girl and R Slew of Cash followed them home in that order. Spirit Doll and Bayou Brigid were withdrawn earlier in the day.
The victory carried added resonance for trainer Brian Lynch, whose association with the race extends beyond the present. Lynch also trained the filly Ginger Brew herself, guiding her to multiple stakes wins and a national championship during her racing days.
“To me, it’s a neat thing to come back and win this race again,” Lynch reflected afterwards. “It puts a lot into perspective, especially now that my son is part of the operation and remembers Ginger Brew as a young mare.”
From a racing standpoint, the performance suggested Sister Troienne has returned stronger. Lynch was particularly pleased with her composure and efficiency.
“She settled beautifully and always looked like she had the leader measured,” he said. “She ran a legitimate time and did it comfortably. She’s a big, healthy filly and racing doesn’t seem to be taking anything out of her.”
Sister Troienne’s Ginger Brew Stakes success marked her fourth win from five starts, the only blemish on her record coming on debut last August. Her earnings now stand at $300,509, and her pedigree suggests further progress is likely. She is by Munnings out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Dyna Passer, herself stakes-placed and part of a deep family retained entirely by Woodslane Farm.
“We still have the mare and the grandmother at the farm, so it makes days like this even more special,” said Woodslane’s Rene Woolcott. “She keeps telling us she belongs at this level.”
What Comes Next After the Ginger Brew Stakes
The Ginger Brew Stakes traditionally serves as a springboard to several key turf races for fillies at Gulfstream. Sister Troienne now has multiple options ahead, including the Sweetest Chant over 1 1/16 miles later this month and the Grade 3 Herecomesthebride at a mile in February.
“There’s a lot on the horizon for her,” Lynch said. “If she continues to blossom, we’ll try to let her tell us where she wants to go.”
For now, the Ginger Brew Stakes once again belongs to a filly with both class and history on her side, and Sister Troienne appears well equipped to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead this season.
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