Kathleen O. achieved her first victory in over two years by winning the Serena’s Song Stakes at Monmouth Park, overcoming a wet track and a competitive field from a trailing position to secure the win.
‣ Kathleen O. achieved her first victory in over two years at the Serena’s Song Stakes at Monmouth Park, overcoming a challenging start and a wet track to secure the win.
‣ Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey highlighted the beneficial change in environment from Florida to Kentucky for Kathleen O., which included better weather and diet, contributing to her improved performance.
‣ The race concluded with a claim of foul that led to the stewards placing Venti Valentine second and moving Occult to third, showcasing the competitive and contentious nature of the event.
#3 KATHLEEN O. ($20) goes from last to first in an action packed stretch run at Monmouth Park to win the $100,000 Serena's Song Stakes. The daughter of Upstart was ridden by Vincent Cheminaud and is trained by Shug McGaughey. The #7 Occult was DQ'd from second to third. pic.twitter.com/xkKXqEvEWZ
— FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) May 12, 2024
Kathleen O. finally made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle. It had been a dry spell of over two years for her. That victory came on a soggy Sunday at Monmouth’s Serena’s Song S. The track? Wet as an otter’s pocket.
She kicked off her racing career with a bang as a late bloomer. Under the guidance of Shug McGaughey, this dark bay filly notched three consecutive wins at three. Those victories included prestigious titles like the GII Davona Dale S. and GII Gulfstream Park Oaks. Despite a respectable fifth-place finish behind Secret Oath and Nest in the Kentucky Oaks, she vanished from the racing scene. It wasn’t until November that she reappeared, clinching runner-up in the GIII Comely S. at the Big A.
Last year wasn’t her best, finishing as the runner-up in the GIII Royal Delta S. and Top Flight Invitational S. Her last outing before this win? A disappointing sixth place against optional claimers at Gulfstream Park on March 17. After a much-needed break of nearly two months, she was shipped to Oceanport. Oddsmakers gave her a 9-1 shot, but boy, did she prove them wrong.
The race began, and Kathleen O. was trailing. But as they hit the backstretch, she started making her move. Around the far turn, she still had a mountain to climb. Then, at the top of the lane, she swung to the outside and charged down the final stretch. At the eighth pole, a bit of drama unfolded. Occult tried to block Venti Valentine but couldn’t halt Kathleen O.’s momentum. She clinched the win in a thrilling final leap. A claim of foul led to some reshuffling, placing Venti Valentine second and bumping Occult to third.
Shug McGaughey, her Hall of Fame trainer, believed the two turns played to their advantage. “I took her to Kentucky to escape the Florida heat,” he mused. “Let her munch on some grass, soak up the cooler weather. She seemed to thrive there.” He reminisced about her solid workout at Keeneland just before heading to Monmouth. “She’s a bit of a slow starter in races, but we’re working on that. Maybe stretching her out more will do the trick. And yeah, the [GIII] Molly Pitcher [July 20] is on our radar.”
Kathleen O. comes from a lineage of champions. Her dam has produced promising offspring like 2-year-old filly Jacquelyn Eau (Tapwrit) and a yearling filly by Upstart. Her extended family boasts of GISW and sire Cupid (Tapit), and the ‘TDN Rising Star’ V V’s Dream (Mitole).
The Serena’s Song S. purse was a cool $98,000 at Monmouth on May 12, for 3yo/up, f/m, covering 1m 70y in 1:44.50 on a sloppy track. Kathleen O., a 5-year-old mare by Upstart out of Quaver (SP), by Blame, took home $60,000 of that. Her career earnings now stand at a hefty $570,635. Venti Valentine and Occult rounded out the top three, with payouts reflecting their efforts. The race had its share of also-rans and scratches, adding to the day’s drama.
And there you have it, folks. Kathleen O.’s stunning comeback at Monmouth Park, as captured by FanDuel Racing. From last to first, she turned the $100,000 Serena’s Song Stakes into her victory lap. Vincent Cheminaud in the saddle, with Shug McGaughey calling the shots from the sidelines. The drama with #7 Occult? Just a bit of spice to an already exhilarating race day.
