A smile, a handshake, and the kind of shared relief that only racing people know — Brian Lynch and Mario Gutierrez met in the Gulfstream Park winner’s circle like old friends reunited by achievement. The Australian-born trainer, now a familiar presence in Florida’s winter racing, leaned in and congratulated a jockey who hadn’t stood under those palm trees in nearly ten years. Together they soaked in the moment, watching Sister Troienne walk off the track — ears pricked, stride loose, and every bit a filly on the rise.
The Wait a While Stakes — the first marquee contest of the Championship Meet — gave Sister Troienne her third straight win and her first in stakes company. The 2-year-old filly, bred and raced by Woodslane Farm, surged clear in the stretch to defeat bold front-runner Day to Day by three lengths. For Gutierrez, who guided Nyquist to Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby glory, it was his first Gulfstream success since that golden 2016 campaign. The focus keyword Sister Troienne Makes it Three Straight finds its home at the heart of this new season.
“She’s a classy filly — she can do anything,” Gutierrez said afterward, his voice warm with familiarity and fondness. Lynch echoed the sentiment, proud yet measured, as trainers tend to be with late-season 2-year-olds. “She’s big, sound, and improving. The surface change was a concern, but she handled it like a professional.”
Focus Keyword Subheading — Sister Troienne Makes it Three Straight Again
Carded for 7½ furlongs on the turf, the Wait a While was shifted to the Tapeta course following afternoon rain — a fresh test for all seven runners. Day to Day set a patient tempo through 25.25 and 48.73, while Sister Troienne sat poised three wide, waiting for the call. Gutierrez asked, and she responded instantly. The favourite drew alongside the leader near the eighth pole, then swept away with authority, clocking 1:40.53 for one mile and 70 yards.
Behind the winner, Day to Day stayed on bravely for second, ahead of R Slew of Cash. Amberglen was next across, followed by Backgammon, Slippers, and Devilish Grin. Spirit Doll, Haute Diva, Special Wood, and also-eligible Girvana were withdrawn earlier.
It was hard not to admire the manner of her ascent. Sister Troienne began on dirt, placed first-up at Ellis Park, then shifted to turf — winning on both assignments at Churchill Downs and Keeneland with Gutierrez in the saddle. Three runs, three surfaces, three wins. Versatility may yet be her greatest weapon.
Lynch now looks toward the $150,000 Ginger Brew in early January, a mile on the grass and likely the filly’s return to preferred footing. “She feels like a router. A mile and more won’t trouble her,” he noted. With a winter base already established in Florida and a steady upward curve in form, Sister Troienne may be one to follow through spring.
There was history in the air, too — the Wait a While paying tribute to the brilliant mare of the same name, winner of 12 races and a standout in Grade 1 company. If Sister Troienne continues to climb, her name may one day be spoken with similar admiration.
For now, she walks on — undefeated in three, powerful in stride, and suddenly very interesting indeed.
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