The $800,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland features nine top 3-year-old fillies racing 1 1/8 miles on turf, with the undefeated Laurelin favored at 5-2. Trained by Graham Motion, Laurelin recently won the Grade 2 Saratoga Oaks and aims to remain perfect with jockey Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Her main competition comes from Fionn, trained by Brad Cox, who has won three consecutive graded stakes and could surpass $2 million in earnings with a victory. Fionn’s stable owners, George Massina and Michael Lee, have found remarkable success with just two fillies, including Stellify, another graded stakes winner.
Other notable contenders include Opulent Restraint, who has consistently finished close behind Laurelin and Fionn, and Lush Lips, a European import who narrowly missed a Grade 1 win last out. European shipper Simmering, despite recent struggles, brings strong form from top European races. The field is rounded out by longshots Daisy Flyer, Candy Quest, and Will Then, all with competitive credentials, making for a highly anticipated and competitive Grade 1 turf race.
