Maintaining a prominent presence on the national racing scene during her 3-year-old campaign, Bright Smile had been seeking a defining victory, a quest fulfilled by her impressive performance in the $665,300 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes presented by Dixiana on October 11 at Keeneland.
Trainer Brendan Walsh and his team have demonstrated remarkable form early in the Keeneland meet. During the Fall Stars Weekend of October 3-5, Walsh secured five wins, including two graded stakes victories with Gin Gin in the Grade 1 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes and Imaginationthelady in the Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes presented by Keeneland Sales.
“The meet has been exceptional,” Walsh commented from Keeneland’s new stakes winner’s circle for the third time. “It’s a significant meet, as everyone knows. Being based in Kentucky, achieving this is truly wonderful. I give full credit to my team. They dedicate themselves year-round. This success at the end of the year is a testament to their efforts.”
The daughter of stallion Ten Sovereigns, priced as the fourth favorite, returned $19.22 for a win.
Bred in Great Britain, Bright Smile initially raced twice in Ireland before joining Walsh’s stable in the fall of her 2-year-old season. Following a ninth-place finish in her initial American start, she consistently placed in the top two in her subsequent seven races. The QEII Cup victory increased her career earnings to $769,510.
Earlier this spring, Bright Smile encountered Nitrogen in two stakes races, finishing second to her on both occasions. With Nitrogen absent, she triumphed in the Tepin Stakes by 3 3/4 lengths at Churchill Downs before a strong second-place finish, a half-length behind Velocity, in the August 16 Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks presented by Keeneland Sales.
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione had previously ridden Bright Smile earlier this season. Upon reuniting with her for the Del Mar Oaks, he observed significant development.
“She is developing well,” Gaffalione noted. “She exudes more self-assurance and confidence in her abilities. She has matured and looks fantastic. I am impressed with the progress she has made.”
That maturity was essential in the QEII, as Gaffalione flawlessly executed the strategy he and Walsh devised the previous evening. Breaking sharply from the rail, Gaffalione settled into a stalking position just behind the leading Opulent Restraint. Maintaining this position through fractions of :23.23, :47.70, and 1:12.08, Gaffalione guided Bright Smile past Opulent Restraint near the eighth pole.
Laurelin, previously undefeated and positioned two lengths behind Bright Smile at the half-mile mark, gained momentum in the stretch. However, Bright Smile maintained a strong pace, crossing the finish line with a 1 1/4-length lead in 1:48.01 for the 1 1/8 miles on firm turf. Laurelin secured second place, and Opulent Restraint finished third. Fionn, the 3-2 favorite, closed from the rear to finish fourth.
“Everything unfolded perfectly,” Gaffalione recounted. “She broke cleanly, securing an excellent position behind the leader and relaxed beautifully. When asked, she responded strongly. Credit goes to Brendan and his team for their exceptional work. She has matured throughout the year, learning to relax, and she showcased her full potential today.”
Walsh echoed Gaffalione’s observations regarding the filly’s progress throughout the season.
“It’s the result of everything that has happened throughout the year,” Walsh explained. “She is much more relaxed and has performed exceptionally. She settled beautifully today. She has continuously improved. Her physical strength is evident. Everything has come together harmoniously.”
The remainder of Bright Smile’s season remains uncertain, but a three-week turnaround for the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf on November 1 at Del Mar is unlikely. Besides the short recovery period, Walsh mentioned that the 1 3/8-mile Breeders’ Cup distance might be slightly too demanding.
The victory seemed expected by the large and joyful group in the winner’s circle, representing owners Medallion Racing, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Hoffman Thoroughbreds, Mrs. Paul Shanahan, and Susan Magnier. However, the connections are taking their time to savor the experience of winning a Grade 1 at Keeneland, particularly Phillip Shelton, racing manager for Medallion Racing.
“If we could have chosen any race for the partnership to win, it would be this one at Keeneland,” Shelton stated. “The (credit) goes to Brendan and his team and the filly. She possesses immense heart, and we are very fortunate.”
