Midnight Bisou, an Eclipse Award finalist for champion 3-year-old filly last term thanks to a five-win season that included scores in the GI Santa Anita Oaks and GI Cotillion S., kicked off her 2019 campaign on a winning note–but she really had to work for it. Missing the break, the prohibitive chalk rushed up and was hung extremely wide into the first turn before tucking in at the back. The Steve Asmussen trainee appeared loaded when tipped out wide again for clear sailing into the second bend, but was scrubbed on entering the straight and wasn't quite responding in earnest. Seemingly in deep water when third at the top of the lane, the dark bay leveled off late in the game and rallied down the center of the strip to catch the leading pair. Moonlit Garden was second, and pace-setting Heavenhasmynikki held on to be third.
“I certainly didn't mean to cut it quite that close, but I got forced out into the first turn,” said Hall of Fame pilot Mike Smith. “The two fillies in front of her really ran today.”
“She's a very special filly,” said Asmussen, who added that Midnight Bisou would likely make one more start before a likely engagement in the GI Apple Blossom H. at Oaklawn Park Apr. 14.
Midnight Bisou's sparkling 2018 season, which began under the care of Southern California-based trainer Bill Spawr, also included victories in the GII Mother Goose S., GII Santa Ynez S. and GIII Santa Ysabel S. She was last seen finishing a closing third behind champion Monomoy Girl (Tapizar) in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Churchill Downs Nov. 3.
Pedigree Notes:
Midnight Bisou is a daughter of GIII Florida Oaks winner Diva Delite (Repent), who is also responsible for last year's Sapling S. third-place finisher Stage Left (Congrats). Diva Delite produced a colt by Warrior's Reward in 2017 and a filly by Wicked Strong in 2018. She was bred back to Pioneerof the Nile.
Sunday, Sam Houston
HOUSTON LADIES CLASSIC S.-GIII, $300,000, Sam Houston Race, 1-27, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16m, 1:44.52, ft.
1–MIDNIGHT BISOU, 123, f, 4, by Midnight Lute
1st Dam: Diva Delite (GSW, $300,067), by Repent
2nd Dam: Tour Hostess, by Tour d'Or
3rd Dam: Counsel's Gal, by High Counsel
($19,000 RNA Ylg '16 KEESEP; $80,000 2yo '17 OBSAPR).
O-Bloom Racing Stable, LLC, Madaket Stables LLC and Allen
Racing LLC.; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Steven M.
Asmussen; J-Mike E. Smith. $180,000. Lifetime Record:
MGISW, 12-6-3-3, $1,745,000. Werk Nick Rating: D. Click for
eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Moonlit Garden, 118, m, 5, Malibu Moon–Winter Garden, by
Roy. ($120,000 RNA Ylg '15 KEESEP). O-Town and Country
Racing, LLC; B-Town & Country Farms Corp. (KY); T-Christopher
Davis. $60,000.
3–Heavenhasmynikki, 118, f, 4, Majestic Warrior–Floral Park,
by Forest Wildcat. ($150,000 Ylg '16 FTKOCT). O-Ron Paolucci
Racing, LLC; B-Langsem Farm, Inc (OH); T-Robert B. Hess, Jr.
$33,000.
Margins: 3/4, NK, 3 1/4. Odds: 0.20, 19.80, 31.80.
Also Ran: Remedy, Prado's Sweet Ride, Viva Forever. Scratched: Song From Above.
Click for the Equibase.com chart, the TJCIS.com PPs or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
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