Kentucky-bred Fantastical secured the first stakes success of her career in dramatic fashion on Saturday, edging out a three-horse finish to capture the Grade 3 $175,000 Trillium Stakes presented by Don Julio at Woodbine.
Ridden by Rafael Hernandez, the five-year-old daughter of Air Force Blue showed determination throughout the nine-furlong contest for fillies and mares aged three and older, overcoming early interference before producing a strong late surge to prevail by the narrowest of margins.
Trillium Stakes 2026
Breaking from the gate, Fantastical was bumped by Design and lost some early momentum, settling fifth as the field passed the first time under the wire. The challenges continued shortly after when Hurricane Clair drifted outward around the clubhouse turn, forcing Fantastical to cover extra ground.
Lupa (IRE), breaking sharply from the inside draw, took control of the race and established a clear advantage under Fraser Aebly. The leader covered the opening quarter-mile in :24.29 and reached the half-mile mark in :49.57 while maintaining a two-and-a-half-length cushion.
The pace remained steady through six furlongs in 1:13.69, with Lupa (IRE) still holding command. Around the far turn, the eventual winner began to make her move, finding a gap between rivals before advancing into contention.
Inside the final quarter-mile, Fantastical split horses and joined longshot Fortyfiveseventy in pursuit of the tiring leader. The trio battled all the way to the finish line, with Fantastical, racing three wide, getting her head in front at the crucial moment to complete the nine furlongs in 1:51.15.
The victory marked the first stakes triumph for Fantastical, who had previously finished second in the Grade 3 Royal North Stakes on Woodbine’s inner turf. Trainer Joe Sharp had prepared her for the Trillium Stakes with an easy half-mile workout at Turfway Park before returning her to Woodbine.
Fantastical entered the race with four previous stakes appearances without a victory, but her latest performance delivered a breakthrough achievement. The chestnut mare improved her career record to six wins, six seconds and four thirds from 22 starts, while also strengthening her record on all-weather surfaces.
Owned by Carl R. Moore Management LLC and bred in Kentucky by Paul Schwartz and James Reiley McDonald Jr., Fantastical was purchased for $75,000 at the Keeneland September 2022 sale.
Lupa (IRE) held on bravely for second, while Fortyfiveseventy completed the top three after a strong effort from long odds. Golden Sunshine, the race favourite, finished fourth after making a late run from the rear of the field.
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