Good second for Antoinette in G2 Fleur de Lis Stakes

Antoinette added more Graded-race Black Type to her CV with a battling second in the G2 Fleur de Lis Stakes over nine furlongs on dirt at Churchill Downs, USA, on Saturday, 26 June.

This year’s G3 The Very One Stakes winner, who placed at G1 level on both dirt and turf last season, broke on terms with her five rivals and raced in a clear second after the first quarter-mile, a length behind Letruska.

The Godolphin homebred looked to press Letruska leaving the back straight but the multiple G1 scorer increased her advantage turning for home and never looked in any danger, prevailing by just under six lengths.

Antoinette rallied when Envoutante challenged for second entering the final furlong and kept on in the closing stages under Florent Geroux.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “Antoinette ran really well and her trainer Bill Mott continues to be impressed with her versatility in top-class races both on turf and dirt.

“A few of the field had won on the front-end but, when the speed duel didn’t materialise, Florent eased her up on the rail and stayed in contact with Letruska. I thought the rest of them would make a charge turning for home but Antoinette repelled them and galloped out very well.”