Champion mare Midnight Bisou strolled to victory in Saturday’s Gr2 Fleur de Lis Stakes (9f) at Churchill Downs to earn herself another tilt at Breeders’ Cup glory.
Allowed to settle off the early speed set by Serengeti Express, Midnight Bisou rolled up around the home turn and went clear under a Mike Smith hand ride to go on and score by 8-1/4 lengths. (pic: Churchill Downs)
The win earns her a start in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff, a race in which she was runner-up in 2019 and third in 2018, at Keeneland on November 7.
Smith told Churchill Downs he got to the front sooner than he had planned.
“She’s just an amazing mare,” Smith said. “I actually took the lead a little before I wanted to.
“We were planning on laying a little bit closer but the way Serengeti Empress was winging it on the front end we were a little further back. She’s just incredibly special.”
Trainer Steve Asmussen said he was delighted to see Midnight Bisou back after being beaten three-quarters of a length by Maximum Security in the inaugural $20 million Saudi Cup on February 29.
“She’s a really special mare,” Asmussen said. “To come back, in that sort of style, is just tremendous. She has such an amazing talent and such a great relationship with Mike. She beat a wonderful-looking group of mares. We have nothing but respect towards them.”
Purchased for $80,000 at the 2017 Ocala Breeders’ Sales 2-Year-Olds in Training sale, the daughter of Midnight Lute was named the Champion Older Dirt Female in 2019 and has now won 13 of her 21 races and earnings of $7.37 million.