Photos by Adam Coglianese/NYRA 

After two wins from two starts – including the Tepin Stakes – as a 2-year-old last year, LAURELIN (IRE) kicked off her sophomore campaign with a victory in the listed Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct today. All three of her races have been in New York with Kendrick Carmouche in the saddle.

Going a mile on the turf, Laurelin brushed the gate as it opened, then settled on the inside at the back of the field of seven heading into the first turn. Moving to the three path, she made a strong move down the backstretch to sit just tucked on the rail just behind the two leaders. Coming out of the turn, Kendrick shifted to the two-path to give her a clear run at Opulent Restraint and Irad Ortiz, Jr. When headed, that filly dug in determinedly and did her best to come back but Laurelin, just as game, bore down and prevailed by a neck. In his post race interview, Kendrick praised Laurelin’s “great mind.”

By Zarak (FR) out of Bari (IRE) by Cape Cross (IRE), Laurelin is owned by Steven & Jessica Jell’s Newstead Stables LLC, and we know they are thrilled and excited by today’s win! Cheers to them on another terrific performance by their very special filly!