Rabbah Bloodstock’s Choisya (GB) has a chance Saturday to join some exclusive company when she goes postward in the 28th running of the $800,000 First Lady (G1) for fillies and mares going a mile on the turf.
Choisya made her U.S. debut here in April, winning the Jenny Wiley (G1). A victory Saturday in the First Lady would put her with Never Retreat (2011) and Intercontinental (GB) (2005) as the only horses to win both races in the same year.
“She’s in good form and training well,” said John Clarke, who was aboard Choisya for an open gallop on Keeneland’s training track Thursday morning.
Following her Jenny Wiley victory, Choisya returned to Europe but came back to Saratoga in June for the Just a Game (G1) Presented by Resolute Racing in which she finished seventh.
“There was a lot of rain that week and it was very wet and yielding,” said Clarke, assistant to trainer Simon Crisford. “If we had been back home, she wouldn’t have run.”
Choisya remained at Saratoga for the Dunkin’ Diana (G1) in which she finished fourth going 1⅛ miles over a turf course rated as good.
“She got a short break back home after that,” Clarke said. “A race at Leopardstown (in Ireland) was a possibility, but we were worried about catching soft turf.”
Soft is a condition Choisya will not find Saturday with no rain in the forecast and temperatures in the 80s.
“Fast ground with the tight turns, that’s how she likes it,” said Clarke, who made his first trip to Keeneland this spring when he accompanied Choisya for the Jenny Wiley.
Frankie Dettori has the mount Saturday and will exit post 1.