Margaux Farm breaking and training graduate Storm’s Wake delivered a standout performance to capture the Grade 2 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland, earning her first graded stakes victory in impressive fashion.
The 3-year-old daughter of Oscar Performance, a homebred for longtime Margaux client Bill Werner and trained by Brian Lynch, overcame early adversity to get the job done. After being brushed on both sides leaving the gate, Storm’s Wake found herself toward the back of the field early. Unfazed, she settled into stride, tipped wide turning for home, and began to steadily make up ground. Showing determination through the stretch, she wore down the leaders late and surged ahead in the final strides to win by a neck.
The effort earned her a career-high 99 Equibase Speed Figure and pushed her career earnings to $461,925. She entered the race off a solid third-place finish in the Grade 3 Herecomesthebride Stakes at Gulfstream Park in February, continuing a consistent run of form against quality company.
Storm’s Wake has been a model of consistency dating back to her 2-year-old season. She broke her maiden at first asking and continued to hold her own in stakes company, building a strong foundation that set the stage for this graded breakthrough.
We’re proud to see Storm’s Wake represent the program with a performance like this and especially grateful to Mr. Werner for his continued trust in our team with a filly of this caliber.
Photo Credit: Keeneland Racing
