Gary Barber, Blue Crevalle Racing and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Kentucky-bred Classic Q got up just in time to edge Lush Lips (GB) at the finish to win the First Lady Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.
John Velazquez rode the 4-year-old Classic Empire filly to victory by a nose over Lush Lips in the one-mile First Lady. The win marked Classic Q’s second Grade 1 win in her last three starts. Trained by Mark Casse and a $40,000 purchase out of the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Classic Q came into the First Lady off a close third as the favorite in the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G1) at the same distance.
Lush Lips opened a clear lead on her rivals in the stretch and looked to be on her way to adding the First Lady to her resume. But Classic Q continued a sustained run several paths out from Lush Lips on the rail and got up to win by a nose. She won in 1:35.89 over the firm turf.
Casse Impressed with Classic Q
“She amazes me,” said Casse. “I told John (Velazquez) I’d leave (the race plan to him). What’s interesting is the last time she ran here at Keeneland (Valley View S. in 2025), she got left. She was last going into the first turn, and I didn’t think she’d run any good. But she ended up running well, finishing second. Today, Johnny got her to relax, and when he asked her to go, he said he could see Lush Lips get through on the inside. But he was able to run her down. Thank goodness.”
Classic Q improved to 6-for-17, picked up $465,000 and boosted her earnings to $1,962,615. She also won the Just a Game (G1) during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga and the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) on Kentucky Derby Day. She was bred in Kentucky by Winning Bloodstock.