It’s always nice to score on opening day of a meet, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ and Gianni Fittipaldi’s MIA MARTINA did just that Friday afternoon as Keeneland kicked off its stakes-laden fall festival.

The atmosphere in Lexington is electric as the track prepares to host the Breeders’ Cup on November 4 & 5, and there was a packed house yesterday.

Flavien Prat was aboard for the 1 1/2 mile allowance on the turf. Mia Martina held her rail position and raced mid-field throughout, responding smartly when Prat swung her wide into the final turn to have a go at the leaders. She gained ground steadily and prevailed by a 3/4 length over Light Stars (FR).

By Not This Time out of the Proud Citizen mare Proud and Charming, 4-year-old Mia Martina was bred in Florida by CESA Farm. Congrats to her happy connections!