Stonestreet Stables-owned Clairiere wins Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fair Grounds

Stonestreet Stables homebred Clairiere (3 f ex Cavorting by Bernardini) recorded a narrow victory in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (Gr 2, 8.5f) at Fair Grounds on Saturday and in doing so became the 75th stakes winner for Curlin (Smart Strike). 

Now the winner of two of her three career starts, Clairiere finished second on her final start as a juvenile in the Golden Rod Stakes (Gr 2, 8.5f) at Churchill Downs on November 28. On Saturday she reeled in favourite Travel Column (Frosted) to score by a neck, with Moon Swag (Malibu Moon) another six and a half lengths back in third. The winner picked up 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. 

"We'll discuss it with the team and see how we're doing, but this filly has a very bright future," trainer Steve Asmussen said.

 "Obviously we're extremely excited about who she is. Third run of her life, she’s  just getting better. Races going further look like they'll be right in her wheelhouse. For her to win the Rachel Alexandra in the Stonestreet silks is extremely special."

Clairiere is the first foal out of three-time Grade 1 winner Cavorting (Bernadini) who was bought by Stonestreet Stables for US$360,000 at the 2012 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale as a foal. Her second dam is Grade 2 winner Promenade Girl (Carson City) who produced four other winners including Grade 2 winning colt Moon Colony (Uncle Mo). 

The Hill ‘n’ Dale-based Curlin is standing for a fee of US$175,000 this year.