Churchill Downs: Marksman Queen sets record in Keertana

Marksman Queen asserted herself early and led every step of the way to defeat Dreaming of Mo by a half-length Saturday in the 12th running of the listed, $219,665 Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Marksman Queen set a stakes record 2:26.74 for the 1 1/2 miles over firm turf under Frankie Dettori, who rode the winner for trainer Graham Motion and owner-breeder Gaynor Allison Rupert’s Clayton Park Stud. Marksman Queen eclipsed Miss Yearwood’s Keertana time of 2:27.45 in 2023.

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“I had two starts with her, and I know her better,” Dettori said. “It’s all about the mentality with her. If she’s in a good rhythm, she can do that.”

Marksman Queen broke well from post 5 in the field of eight fillies and mares and dictated the pace of 24.16, 49.27, 1:14.37, 1:39.02 and 2:02.85. Strikingly Spun, the 5-2 favorite, put in a challenge around the final turn to come within a neck of Marksman Queen. But Marksman Queen put Strikingly Spun away in mid-stretch and held the rest of the field at bay in the final stages for the win.

“When she’s behind horses, she pulls too hard,” Dettori said. “Sometimes when she’s in front, and the outside horses take her on, she gets burnt out. I think today with the smaller field, there wasn’t much speed in the race, so when she was able to get to the front, she was able to relax. When I got to the three-eighths pole, I thought it’ll be hard to catch her.”

The win was worth $120,280 and improved Marksman Queen’s career earnings to $232,424 with a record of 16: 4-3-2. This was the first stakes win for Marksman Queen, whose 2025 campaign includes a 10th-place finish in the Grade 3 La Prevoyante at Gulfstream Park in January and a fourth-place effort as the 7-2 favorite in a Keeneland allowance April 18.

Marksman Queen returned $8.40, $5.42 and $3.62 as the 3-1 second betting choice. Dreaming of Mo, at 9-2 under Corey Lanerie, paid $5.46 and $4.16. Tarneema, ridden by Ben Curtis at odds of 7-2, was another half-length back in third and paid $3.58. Boss Lady Bailey was farther neck behind in fourth and was followed by Holey Foley, Dazzlin’ Dictator, Sugaree and Strikingly Spun.

Marksman Queen, a 5-year-old daughter of Dubawi out of Touch Gold mare Sharp Susan, was bred in Great Britain by her owner.