'Throwback' runner Midnight Bisou prepares for 2019 debut

Grade 1 winner Midnight Bisou has continued to work consistently at Fair Grounds as she prepares for her upcoming 2019 debut.

The 4-year-old filly, campaigned by Bloom Racing Stable, LLC, Madaket Stables LLC and Allen Racing, LLC last finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs. Connections are now gearing up for a competitive campaign in the older filly and mare division.

“She’s just doing really, really well,” Bloom Racing’s managing director, Jeff Bloom, said this week. “She got a nice little breather since the Breeders’ Cup run, and she’s just been a happy camper there with Steve (Asmussen) and his crew. Getting ready to run next in the Houston Ladies Classic in about two weeks.”

Midnight Bisou most recently made a five-furlong move in 1:01.40 on Jan. 4, with the Grade 3, $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 27.

The daughter of Midnight Lute dominated the Kentucky Oaks preps in Southern California last year and became a familiar rival to Monomoy Girl. She hit the board in the Kentucky Oaks, Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and the Alabama (G1). When not facing the division leader, Midnight Bisou recorded a six-length win in the Mother Goose (G2) in her first start for the Asmussen barn.

Midnight Bisou may best be remembered for her Cotillion (G1) victory. She finished a neck behind Monomoy Girl but was elevated to first after the stewards ruled there was interference from Monomoy Girl.

The daughter of Midnight Lute holds an impressive record beyond the Cotillion, though. Out of 11 career starts, she has never finished off the board and totals five wins. Her earnings exceed $1.5 million, well beyond her $80,000 auction price at the 2017 OBS April 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.

“She’s like a throwback. She didn’t skip anything,” Bloom said. “She had an incredibly challenging campaign, but showed up for every dance. She’s happy. She’s one of those fillies that just loves her job.”

Connections are still mapping out a complete campaign, but another go at the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, held at Santa Anita Park in 2019, is the end goal.

“This is hopefully a big year for her to try to tackle the division for the older mares,” added Bloom. “The Apple Blossom (at Oaklawn Park on April 14) is one of those races that you have to have on your calendar. And, of course, long-term target, we’ll work backwards from the end of the year world championships and see the best way to get there.”