At Churchill Downs, the champion older dirt female Idiomatic, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, lived up to expectations by winning the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne S. by 3 3/4 lengths, marking her continued success on various track conditions and adding to her impressive racing resume.
‣ Trainer Brad Cox was highly confident in Idiomatic’s performance leading up to the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne S. at Churchill Downs, where she won by a significant margin, showcasing her superiority in the field.
‣ Idiomatic has demonstrated versatility and resilience throughout her career, winning on different surfaces and overcoming challenges, including a wet track in her recent victory, underscoring her adaptability and Cox’s belief in her capabilities.
‣ The pedigree of Idiomatic highlights a deep lineage with connections to notable champions and broodmares, emphasizing the strength and potential of her genetic background for future breeding prospects.
#4 Idiomatic is just too much horse as she wins the La Troienne Stakes @ChurchillDowns as the 4/5 favorite!
Jockey: @flothejock
Trainer: @bradcoxracing
Owner: @JuddmonteFarms🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/MTsVTdWXWq
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 3, 2024
LOUISVILLE, KY — It was almost time. Friday was inching closer, bringing with it the first graded stakes race of the day at Churchill Downs. Trainer Brad Cox? You could say he was practically radiating confidence. He had every reason to, especially when talking about Idiomatic (Curlin), the returning champion older dirt female, set to compete in the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne S.
The race was a challenging 8 1/2-furlong test for fillies and mares. And boy, did Idiomatic prove Cox right. She triumphed magnificently, leaving Free Like a Girl (El Deal) trailing in the slop by 3 3/4-lengths.
Being the 4-5 favorite adds its own kind of pressure, doesn’t it? Idiomatic tackled it head-on, engaging in a tussle with Dorth Vader (Girvin) right from the get-go. The early splits were clocked at :23.53 and :47, with Xigera (Nyquist) and last season’s Kentucky Oaks winner, Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief), not far behind.
But then, as they approached the far turn, Idiomatic took control. She was unleashed, and though she seemed to idle for a moment, she found her stride again and powered through to win. And not just win, but by a significant margin.
Florent Geroux, her jockey, couldn’t hide his admiration. “She was the class of the field,” he said, reflecting on their victory. He admitted they didn’t break as fast as he’d hoped, describing the start as a bit “flat-footed.” But they found their rhythm, and once Idiomatic hit her stride, there was no stopping her. Even if she got a bit distracted along the way, it was clear she was back to her old self.
Idiomatic’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. She bagged three consecutive races on Turfway’s synthetic track early in her 4-year-old season. Despite a second-place finish in the GII Ruffian S. at Belmont, she bounced back to dominate the rest of the year. Her victories included the GI Personal Ensign S., GI Juddmonte Spinster S., and the GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita.
Cox believes in her versatility. “I think she runs on anything,” he stated, acknowledging the day’s good effort and her performance on various tracks. Yet, he didn’t hide the anxiety that comes with racing a champion, especially under the day’s conditions and expectations.
Pretty Mischievous, the ‘TDN Rising Star’, also had her moment, despite the challenges. Tyler Gaffalione, her jockey, praised her effort, especially considering the layoff and the sloppy track. He remained hopeful for a promising year ahead for her.
Idiomatic’s pedigree is as impressive as her performance. She hails from a deep Juddmonte family, tracing back generations. Her dam, Lockdown (First Defence), and granddam, Rising Tornado, have produced champions and winners alike, showcasing the strength and depth of her lineage.
And then there’s the social media buzz. Jockey, trainer, and owner all took to Twitter to celebrate and share the moment with fans. The victory was not just a win on the track but a shared experience with the wider racing community.
In the end, the FASIG-TIPTON LA TROIENNE S.-GI at Churchill Downs was more than just a race. It was a testament to skill, strategy, and the heart of a champion. Idiomatic, with her impressive lineage and remarkable season, proved once again why she’s one of the best in the field. And as the dust settles on the track, we’re left eagerly anticipating what’s next for this incredible mare.
