The thrill of anticipation was palpable in Hallandale Beach as trainer Michael Yates planted a congratulatory kiss on Finding Strength’s sleek neck after her latest Gulfstream Park triumph. The LNJ Foxwoods and Church Street Stable filly, already one of Yates’ five juvenile winners from the Royal Palm Meet, now faces a new challenge: Saturday’s $100,000 Desert Vixen Stakes.
Finding Strength Prepares for Desert Vixen Stakes
The Desert Vixen, part of the Florida Sire Stakes series for 2-year-old fillies by accredited Florida stallions, will headline an 11-race card that also features the $100,000 Dr. Fager. Named for the two-time champion and Hall of Fame mare who dominated the 1970s, the Desert Vixen kicks off the filly division, with the Susan’s Girl ($200,000) and My Dear Girl ($300,000) following later in the season.
Florida Sire Stakes Series Highlights
Finding Strength, a daughter of Khozan, impressed observers in her first two Gulfstream outings. After a third-place debut in July, she stormed home to a 4 ¼-length victory over five furlongs in August. Yates believes the experience gained in that debut was crucial for her development.
“I think the racing experience really helped her. She wasn’t pushed to the max first time out but was prepared enough to take a solid step forward,” Yates said. “She finished strongly and showed she’s ready to keep moving forward as the distances increase.”
Racing Record and Development of Finding Strength
Purchased for $60,000 at Fasig-Tipton’s Kentucky yearling sale, Finding Strength initially trained under Tristan De Meric in Ocala before arriving in Yates’ capable hands. Jockey Jesus Rios will guide her from Post 2 as the third choice at 3-1.
Yates also entered Copper Creole, though he’s uncertain about running the chestnut filly on such short notice after her third-place debut at Gulfstream on Aug. 30. “She finished well but was way off the pace. We’ll see how the week goes,” Yates commented. Copper Creole, at 15-1, drew Post 6 with Marcos Meneses aboard.
The morning-line favorite at 8-5 is Lennilu, trained and co-owned by Patrick Biancone. The Leinster filly has already proven herself, capturing a Keeneland maiden and the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies at Gulfstream before running a close third in the Queen Mary (G2) at Royal Ascot. Lennilu draws Post 3 with Romero Maragh up, while first-time starter Laigina, a stablemate, takes Post 4 with Jonathan Ocasio.
Second choice at 2-1 is Love Like Lucy, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., last year’s Desert Vixen-winning conditioner. The Win Win Win filly broke her maiden by 1 ¾ lengths in her debut over six furlongs and will be ridden by Edgard Zayas from Post 7.
The Competition: Lennilu, Love Like Lucy, and Others
Other entrants include Arindel’s Evolution, half-sister to 2023 runner-up Mist, at 8-1, and Fernando Abreu’s Happy Feet Hannah, switching from turf to dirt after finishing fourth in her Gulfstream debut.
Saturday’s Desert Vixen promises to test these young fillies over six furlongs, offering racing fans an early glimpse at the stars of Florida’s 2-year-old crop. With Finding Strength looking to carry her momentum forward, all eyes will be on Gulfstream Park as the Sunshine Meet officially kicks off.
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