More Than Ready’s Uni (GB) unleashed a furious stretch run to win the one-mile First Lady Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday, Oct. 5, setting a new course record of 1:32.87 and securing a spot in next month’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1).
Racing unhurried toward the back of the 13-horse field early, Uni angled outside runners around the far turn and inhaled her rivals in the lane under Joel Rosario. She collared Juliet Foxtrot (GB) in deep stretch and drove to a decisive 2 ½-length victory. Her final time over the firm turf eclipsed the previous course mark of 1:33.54 set by Perfect Soul (IRE) in 2004.
The First Lady was the second Grade 1 win for Uni who captured last year’s Matriarch Stakes (G1) at Del Mar and was her sixth at a mile. The win improved her record to 17-9-3-3 and boosted her career bankroll to $1,247,880.
“She’s unbelievable,” said Rosario. “She came with a nice run like she always does. She has a long stride and she just kept coming and coming. It’s another addition to her tremendous career as a miler. She’s real solid when she’s put at this distance and she’s gone to multiple tracks and has shown that kick.”
Owned by Robert LaPenta, Michael Dubb, Head of Plains Partners LLC (Sol Kumin) and Bethlehem Stables LLC (Michael J. Caruso), Uni is trained by Chad Brown. She was bred in Great Britain by Haras D’Etreham.
