Antoinette Strong Every Step Of The Very One

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Godolphin homebred Antoinette was strong on the front end virtually every step of the way to win Saturday’s $125,000 The Very One Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

Antoinette broke from post 3 under Jose Ortiz as the 7/2 co-favorite and initially tracked outside the other co-favorite Belle Laura before outkicking that rival for the lead in the clubhouse turn. Settling on the backstretch, Antoinette posted opening fractions of :23.98, :49.11, and 1:13.24 while not receiving much pressure.

Antoinette maintained the lead at the top of the stretch with her ears perked, then straightened out and drew off sharply. Everyone chased the Bill Mott trainee in vain before she crossed 2 1/4 lengths clear in 1:53.70 for the 1 3/16-mile firm turf route.

Belle Laura was a neck and a head past Sister Hanan and Tuned, who failed to capitalize on what looked like a strong move off the turn. War Like Goddess, Kalifornia Queen, Lovely Luvy, Bacchanalia, and Heavenly Curlin completed the order of finish.

Mylastfirstkiss and Dominga scratched.

Antoinette’s win came in her first start since she finished eighth after suffering a poor draw in last October’s Valley View Stakes (G3). The 4-year-old Hard Spun filly’s record improved to 11-4-1-4 with $608,750 earned.

Antoinette returned $9.20 to win, $5 to place, and $3.80 to show. Belle Laura brought back $5.60 to place and $3.80 to show. Sister Hanan paid $3.80 to show.