Immersive displays champion qualities in G2 Fleur de Lis Stakes

Immersive recorded her biggest victory since her outstanding juvenile season as she outfought Shred The Gnar in a ferocious running of the G2 Fleur de Lis Stakes at Churchill Downs, USA, on Saturday, 27 June.   

The Brad Cox-trained four-year-old was encountering a wet track for the second time, having captured the Spinaway Stakes on a muddy surface during an unbeaten 2024 that saw her crowned Champion Two-Year-Old Filly following a hat-trick of G1 wins.   

Immersive dictated from the gates, with Shred The Gnar moving up to a neck second heading into the first turn as the leading duo opened up a 10-length lead over Regaled and In Just My Heels.   

Shred The Gnar joined Immersive leaving the back before establishing a narrow advantage with just over three furlongs left, and the G1 La Troienne Stakes winner looked set for glory when kicking a length clear at the top of the straight.   

Immersive rallied strongly down the inside rail for Irad Ortiz Jr and regained the lead just inside the final furlong. Regaled flashed home, passing Shred The Gnar for second in the closing stages, with Immersive holding on to prevail by three-quarters of a length.   

Victory guarantees Immersive a place in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, with the Godolphin filly having dominated the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at the meeting two years ago.   

Irad Ortiz Jr said: “Immersive is a grinder. I rode her for the first time on her last start and learned a lot that day, when she travelled beautifully but I expected a better kick going to the quarter-pole. I knew her better today and started working on her a lot earlier. It worked out well.” 

Brad Cox said: “Immersive ran like the champion we know she is. She really dug in late, was traveling well and responded well to Irad late to get by Shred The Gnar and then hold off Regaled.”