Photo by Adam Coglianese/NYRA

On the America’s Day At The Races broadcast, Richard Migliore called her “absolutely the horse to beat.” Co-hosts Laffit Pincay and Rajiv Maragh agreed with him.  And SUMMER WHIRL rewarded their faith in her with a dazzling late run under John Velazquez to break her maiden in the nightcap at Saratoga going a mile on the grass.

Into the turn, she was mid-pack on the rail with leader Autumn gaining momentum approaching the stretch. That one seemed to have the race in hand, until Johnny V. did what Johnny V. does. Tipped out for a clear run, Summer Whirl unleashed a powerful drive denying a very determined Autumn just under the wire.

Rajiv praised the “perfect ride” and Laffit Summer Whirl’s “big effort.” This was the 3-year-old filly’s third start; she was third in her first outing at Saratoga on Belmont Stakes weekend and then second at Belmont at the Big A on July 5.

She was bred in New York by Hidden Lake Farm, LLC and 3 C Stables, LLC. Mrs. Ellen Charles’ Hillwood Stables acquired the daughter of Arrogate – Summer Shade (by Stephen Got Even) from Fasig-Tipton Midlantic’s June Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale last year.

Congratulations to Mrs. Charles on both today’s win and what appears to be a bright future for Summer Whirl!