Grand Cru Classe Wires Weber City Miss

LAUREL, MD – Speedway Stable’s Grand Cru Classe broke from the rail on top and led through to the wire in Monday’s $100,000 Weber City Miss Stakes at Laurel Park.

The win earned Grand Cru Classe an automatic entry into the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), one of the undercard races for the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico on October 3.

Grand Cru Classe was the even-money favorite under Julian Pimentel as she led the other eight 3-year-old fillies through opening fractions of :23.86, :48.45, and 1:13.29.

Market Rumor made a strong rally in the stretch, but the betting favorite prevailed by a neck. The Bill Mott trainee completed the 1 1/16-mile fast dirt route in a final time of 1:44.02.

Perfect Alibi was 3/4 of a length behind the top pair, taking third by 3 lengths over Ankle Monitor. Completing the order of finish came Lasting Union, Princess Cadey, Breviary, Malibeauty, and Project Whiskey.

Lucky Jingle and Overjoyed were scratched. So Darn Hot and Willkissforkarats did not draw into the field as Also Eligibles.

Grand Cru Classe’s win came in her stakes debut and extended her flawless record through 3 starts. The Bernardini filly has now earned $120,300.

Grand Cru Classe returned $4 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.60 to show. Market Rumor brought back $11 to place and $6.40 to show, while Perfect Alibi paid $4.80 to show.