Buy TicketsFavored Speed Shopper seized command in midstretch and cruised to a 1¼-length win in the 64thrunning of the $350,000 Bewitch (G3) Presented by Keeneland Sales on Friday, closing day of the Spring Meet.
The win was the third in the Bewitch for jockey John Velazquez, who also won aboard Lady Shakespeare in 2010 and Safari Queen (ARG) in 2007. Velazquez won three of Keeneland’s 10 races today.
With the victory, co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners earned a Keeneland Tray as part of the track’s signature Milestone Trophy Program. Eclipse owns Speed Shopper with Gary Barber and Bridlewood Farm.
Trained by Will Walden, Speed Shopper is a 5-year-old mare by Quality Road out of the Malibu Moon mare Fast Retailing. The Keeneland sales graduate earned $211,575 today to increase her career earnings to $525,953 with four wins in 11 starts.
Speed Shopper, who covered 1½ miles on a firm turf course in 2:29, paid $5.42, $3.28 and $2.70. Ridden by Jaime Torres, Golden Sunshine finished second and paid $14.42 and $6.48. Way to Be Marie finished 3¼ lengths behind in third and returned $3.54 under Luis Saez.
Literate was fourth and was followed in order by Mrs. Astor, Venencia (FR), Triumphant Spirit and Virgin Colada.
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Quotes from the $350,000 Bewitch (G3)
Presented by Keeneland Sales
Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.
John Velazquez (winning rider of Speed Shopper)
“I was really worried because the last two times I rode her she was really keen behind the horses, and I covered up and she kind of comes back to me. I was telling the guys in the Paddock, I was a little worried about being all the way out there (in the outside post). I tell you what, it was the best this time. She broke (from the gate), my hands went down, her ears went up. She wasn’t even in the bridle, so I was able to come in behind horses little by little. By the time we were going the first time by the wire, I was right behind Tyler (Gaffalione on Venencia-FR). I was really comfortable where I was. I felt she was pretty easy to ride. I just didn’t want to be in her mouth and (wanted to) settle behind the horses in front of me. After that, it was pretty easy.”
Will Walden (winning trainer)
“(Jockey) Johnny (Velazquez) looked like he had plenty of horse. He travels so relaxed, though, it’s sometimes hard to tell. When he moved his hands forward for the first time, I saw her jump forward, and coming toward the quarter pole when she swung out, I felt pretty confident at that point.”
On losing his voice cheering for Speed Shopper
“If you don’t root them on, what’s the point of coming out here?”
Aron Wellman (of winning co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners)
On the evolution of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and achieving the Keeneland Tray with this eighth graded stakes win here
“This is an incredible achievement for our brand and for all our partners who have supported us from day one at Eclipse (Thoroughbred Partners). We won our first Grade 1 here with In Lingerie in the (2012 Juddmonte) Spinster, and I remember (saying) at that time, ‘This is what we started this stable for,’ and here we are getting a Tray today at Keeneland. It’s a huge honor. I’m incredibly humbled and so thankful for our partners who made it happen. (Co-owner) Gary Barber has been with me from the beginning — I can’t thank him enough for all the support. Bridlewood Farm also owns this filly, so thanks to (Bridlewood owners) Mr. (John) Malone and Mrs. Malone and (Bridlewood General Manager) George Isaacs. Along with our Eclipse partners, this is an incredible achievement. I have to give credit where credit is due; Keeneland does it right. The new improvements here on the facility are money well spent. I’m incredibly honored to do it here at Keeneland.”
Jaime Torres (rider of runner-up Golden Sunshine)
“I had a clean break. Everybody kind of went in front of me. I just stayed calm behind, tried to save some horse for the end. This is the longest race (Golden Sunshine) has done. I thought I had a lot of horse. I thought the race was going to be for me. The filly who won is a very nice filly. It was a good, grand effort for her.”
Luis Saez (rider of third-place finisher Way to Be Marie)
“Good trip. Put in a very good spot, finished strong. The winner was too good.”
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On Friday, trainer Wesley Ward notched his 300th Keeneland victory when Three Chimneys Farms’ Gun Range captured the ninth race. With the milestone, Ward moves into third place all-time in Keeneland wins behind Rusty Arnold (315) and Bill Mott (314).