A remarkable victory unfolded on Saturday night as Lithe Spirit, a relatively unknown contender, emerged victorious in the 32nd edition of the Wishing Well Stakes at Turfway Park. The race, with a prize purse of $124,915, saw jockey Joe Ramos deliver an impeccable performance under the guidance of trainer Steve Asmussen. Initially positioned sixth, Lithe Spirit made a strategic move around the turn and surged ahead in the final stretch, ultimately winning by a margin of 1¼ lengths over the favorite Nice as Pie. This win extended Lithe Spirit's streak to three consecutive victories, earning her a career-best speed rating and significant financial rewards for her backers.
In the early stages of the 6½-furlong race, the pace was set by several frontrunners including B G Warrior, Awesome Treat, Into Love, Sunday Shoes, and Julias Dream. The opening quarter-mile was completed in 22.94 seconds, with Ramos maintaining Lithe Spirit about four lengths behind the leaders. As the field approached the half-mile mark in 46.34 seconds, Ramos expertly navigated Lithe Spirit into a clear path, positioning her for a strong finish. With three pacesetters still leading the pack, it became evident that the race would come down to a thrilling sprint.
As the horses entered the final stretch, Lithe Spirit launched her challenge, moving from mid-pack to take the lead. Despite a late surge from Nice as Pie, who had been rallying down the center of the course, Lithe Spirit held firm and crossed the finish line first. The final time was recorded at 1:19.09. Behind the top two, Awesome Treat managed to edge out B G Warrior for third place, while Driana, Opera Mundi, Laura’s Charm, Baby No Worries, Julias Dream, Into Love, and Sunday Shoes rounded out the field.
The triumph was particularly sweet for Lithe Spirit's backers, as the horse paid out $30.80, $10.90, and $5.54 on a $2 bet. Nice as Pie returned $3.40 and $2.74, while Awesome Treat paid $5.20 to show. This win not only solidified Lithe Spirit's reputation but also earned her a career-high Brisnet Speed Rating of 87. With this latest victory, Lithe Spirit now boasts a record of five wins from nine starts, accumulating total earnings of $194,371.
Lithe Spirit, a 4-year-old filly sired by Speightstown and out of the Ghostzapper mare Spooky Woods, was bred in Kentucky by Yeguada Centurion. She is owned by a syndicate including Bradley Thoroughbreds, Gainesway Stable, Laura Leigh Stable, Scott Estes, and Cambron Equine. This win marks another milestone in her promising career, showcasing both her potential and the skill of her team.