The Ladies’ Turf Sprint had to be moved off the turf to the muddy main track due to the rain, but Gainesway Farm’s Cherry Lodge didn’t seem to mind the change in surface. The five-year-old daughter of Bernardini led from gate-to-wire to take the five-furlong contest by two lengths at Gulfstream Park Jan. 26.
Cherry Lodge led home a Darley-sired exacta in the race with Just Talkin, a daughter of Midshipman, coming home second.
Cherry Lodge, who was third in this event in 2018 when it remained on the turf, set fractions of 22.27 for the opening quarter and 44.69 for the half, as Just Talkin stalked her from second. Just Talkin tried to close the gap in the stretch, but Cherry Lodge maintained a margin of about two lengths to the wire.
Bred in Kentucky by Mrs. William L. Currin, Cherry Lodge is out of the Carson City mare Wilshewed, and is a full-sister to Graded Stakes winner Gala Award (G3 Palm Beach Stakes). Cherry Lodge is also a half-sister to Stormello, winner of the G1 Hollywood Futurity, and to My Best Brother, winner of the G2 Del Mar Derby.
Cherry Lodge becomes the 67th Stakes winner for her sire, Bernardini, who was represented by 2018 Graded Stakes winners Berned (G3 Molly Pitcher) and Lewis Bay (G3 Bed o’ Roses), along with Too Charming, winner of the Tropical Park Oaks.
Bernardini will stand the 2019 breeding season at Jonabell Farm in Kentucky for $50,000, stands and nurses.
