MIDNIGHT Bisou added another Grade 1 to her CV in the tightest of finishes to the Apple Blossom Stakes at Oaklawn last Sunday.

“She’s one of the great ones,” said jockey Mike Smith. “It’s an honour to come back here and be blessed to do as well as we’ve done.”

In a fight to the wire, Midnight Bisou defeated Escape Clause by a nose with Elate over two lengths back in third. In a quality field of six older fillies and mares, Wonder Gadot led to half-way as Escape Clause tracked the pace. On the far turn Escape Clause came on terms with Wonder Gadot as Midnight Bisou came four wide to challenge. Escape Clause refused to yield and the two pulled away in battle with victory to Midnight Bisou by a nose.

“Man, that was great. Escape Clause ran huge, but, you know, the great ones seem to pull it off no matter what.

Rushing all the way

RUSHING Fall returned with an impressive performance to win the Grade 1 Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes on turf at Keeneland on Saturday.

The Chad Brown-trained four-year-old was returning for the first time since her victory in Keeneland’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes last October. She was winning her fourth stakes race at the Lexington track, where she has yet to be beaten.

Regular rider Javier Castellano sent Rushing Fall to the lead to 1m 13.62secs for six furlongs. Approaching the straight as the field began to close in, she kicked clear again, with the only threat coming from Rymska, with a late rally. It was a half-length to Got Stormy in third.

“She definitely loves the (Keeneland turf) course,” Brown said. “Big team effort. Just a great day. So many people that played a part in her development are here today.”

“I give all the credit to Mr. Brown, the way he’s been training this horse since the layoff,” jockey Castellano said.