Thewayiam Earns First Stakes Win In $100,000 Ginger Brew

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Trainer Graham Motion’s Thewayiam used a well-designed ground-saving trip to close late and win her first career stakes race in Saturday’s $100,000 Ginger Brew Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Off from post 5 under Jose Ortiz, Thewayiam broke inward and brushed briefly with Queen Rose before settling near the rear along the rail while Designing posted initial fractions of :23.72 and :48.53. Sweeping through the far turn and onto the stretch while still on the rail, Thewayiam swung out to split between Designing and Closer Still with less than furlong to go. With a clear lane ahead, Thewayiam drew off late to cross first by a length in a final time of 1:30.19 for the 7 1/2-furlong turf sprint.

“My trip was perfect,” Ortiz said. “ I just followed instructions. I dropped into the rail and tried to get her to relax and she did very well. When I asked her to go, she picked it up and is all heart. She split horses like it was nothing and gave me a great kick in the end.”

Closer Still, outkicked for the win, held onto second by a 1/2-length over Andina Del Sur, who used a strong finish to clear away from Designing, who faded to fourth. Delamar was a head past Golden Orb, while Crazy for Sofia, Tropical Wave, Malibu Saint, and Queen Rose completed the order of finish.

Thewayiam’s victory improved her career record to 6-3-0-1 after posting a 3-1-0-1 line in her native France. Owned by a partnership between Great Point Stables LLC, Michael Dubb, The Elkstone Group LLC, and Bethlehem Stables LLC, the 3-year-old daughter of Thewayyouare increased her earnings to $111,877.

Thewayiam returned $13 to win, $6.80 to place, and $4.40 to show. Closer Still brought back $9.80 to place and $6.40 to show, while Andina Del Sur paid $4 to show.

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