My Mane Squeeze, trained by Mike Maker and ridden by Luis Saez, won the GII Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs, overcoming odds of 6-1 and demonstrating strong performance on an off track.
‣ My Mane Squeeze, trained by Mike Maker and ridden by Luis Saez, won the GII Eight Belles S. at Churchill Downs, overcoming odds of 6-1 and showcasing strong performance on an off track.
‣ The victory at the Eight Belles Stakes marks My Mane Squeeze’s first graded stakes win, adding to her impressive performance history that includes wins in the Maid of the Mist S., Franklin Square S., and Maddie May, despite a previous lackluster performance in the GII Fantasy S.
‣ My Mane Squeeze’s pedigree is highlighted, being a daughter of Audible and from the family of Grade I winner Haynesfield, indicating strong genetic potential for racing success.
#11 My Mane Squeeze swings wide off the turn to storm home and win the Eight Belles Stakes @ChurchillDowns at odds of 6/1!
Jockey: @luissaezpty
Trainer: @trainerMMaker
Owner: William J Butler and WinStar Farm LLC🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/NYvhsXgYA4
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 3, 2024
In the heart of Louisville, KY, a surprising victory unfolded. Trainer Mike Maker, known for his knack of winning big on the right day, did it again. This time, it was with My Mane Squeeze, a horse co-owned by William Butler and WinStar Farm. The race in question? The GII Eight Belles S.
My Mane Squeeze, with odds standing at 6-1, had a strong start. She was fifth, two-wide, as the race began to heat up. Asternia, the underdog, set a blistering pace. But then, Luis Saez, aboard My Mane Squeeze, urged her forward. In a blink, she was shoulder to shoulder with the leader.
As they turned for home, My Mane Squeeze drifted wide. Yet, she managed to pull ahead, leaving her rivals in the dust. She finished with vigor, outpacing ‘TDN Rising Star’ Impel and Asternia, who clung on for third. The favorite, Denim and Pearls, didn’t live up to expectations.
Saez was all praises post-race. “My horse handled the off track beautifully today,” he said. He noted how his clean silks were a testament to their strategic positioning away from the kickback. It seemed their plan to stay clear of the mess paid off, especially as they neared the finish line.
Before this win, My Mane Squeeze had been on a winning streak. She triumphed in three consecutive races, starting with the Maid of the Mist S. Despite a disappointing eighth in the GII Fantasy S, her talent was undeniable.
Mike Maker shared some insights. “We did a lot of schooling at Oaklawn,” he admitted. The horse had been out of sorts, but adjustments were made. It seems those changes, including a favorable post position, made all the difference.
Looking ahead, Maker has his eyes set on the GI Acorn S. on June 7. It’s a step-by-step process, but optimism is high. Meanwhile, Florent Geroux, who finished second, had no complaints. He acknowledged My Mane Squeeze’s strength, despite his own good day.
Pedigree notes reveal My Mane Squeeze comes from a lineage of winners. She’s related to Grade I winner Haynesfield and has siblings who’ve also tasted success. Her sire, Audible, must be proud.
The race at Churchill Downs was a spectacle. My Mane Squeeze, carrying 118 pounds, showcased her prowess over 7 furlongs on a syrupy track. It was her first graded stakes win, a moment of triumph for her team.
The tweet from TwinSpires Racing captured the moment perfectly. With a video clip attached, it celebrated My Mane Squeeze’s victory, tagging the key players involved. A digital memento of a race well run.
