Midnight Bisou strolls in Monmouth's Molly Pitcher
Midnight Bisou bided her time along the rail Saturday in Monmouth Park’s Molly Pitcher Stakes, waiting until midway through the stretch to stroll by Coach Rocks and win the Grade 3, $150,000 event.
The 4-year-old Midnight Lute filly is now 5-for-5 this season and leads the older female dirt division. Her victories include Oaklawn Park’s Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) and last out in Belmont Park’s Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1).
Trainer Steve Asmussen and owners Bloom Racing Stable LLC, Madaket Stables LLC and Allen Racing LLC chose the Molly Pitcher as a prep race for Saratoga’s Personal Ensign (G1) on Aug. 24. That race is a Breeders’ Cup Distaff “Win and You’re In” challenge event.
Breaking from the No. 3 post Saturday in a field of five at 1-9 odds, Midnight Bisou sat third as Coach Rocks sat fractions of :24.79 and :49.06.
Jockey Mike Smith kept Midnight Bisou along the rail in striking range through the far turn, and then she made her move in the stretch.
“I figured at some point, it would open up,” Smith said. “And if it didn’t, I had so much horse that I just needed a tiny seam and I could get through there.”
Midnight Bisou moved on by Coach Rocks and went on to a one-length win in 1:43.55, though she likely could’ve won by more under heavier urging.
“It’s hot out here and it’s been a long day, but she’s so talented,” said Jeff Bloom of Bloom Racing Stable. “You could tell Mike was just locked and waiting. When she got in the clear, it looked like it was pretty easy from that point on.”
Midnight Bisou paid $2.10 to win, with Coach Rocks and Cosmic Burst coming up second and third.
“She’s just a true blessing,” Asmussen said. “I just so much appreciate the team and how they feel about her… and how Mike handles her. The confidence is very special.
“I thought it was beautiful. I thought the hard part was us showing patience, just not being very anxious. She’s a special filly and you want everything to go well. She was great in the post parade, beautiful away from the gates, traveled very nicely under Mike and finished well.”