Speed Shopper captured the Bewitch Stakes on closing day at Keeneland; Sarawak Rim disappointed

The daughter of Quality Road was decisive in adding another graded victory; the Argentine filly finished last in an allowance, this time on turf

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special to Turf Diario).- Once she found her trip, everything changed. And this Friday at Keeneland, Speed Shopper proved it once again with a solid victory in the Bewitch Stakes (G3), confirming her development as a staying turf mare.

The daughter of Quality Road, now firmly established as a long-distance specialist, built her win with patience and authority. Perfectly handled by John Velazquez, she advanced wide on the final turn, swept past rivals in the stretch, and drew clear to score by 1 1/4 lengths, covering the 2400 meters in 2:29.

“She’s transformed… no matter what happens, she always delivers,” said trainer Will Walden, highlighting the mare’s leap forward. “It doesn’t matter where she breaks from or how the race unfolds—she always finds another gear.”

The race itself was not straightforward. Virgin Colada (More Than Ready) set the early pace before faltering on the backstretch, while Triumphant Spirit (War of Will) took over approaching the stretch. But then came Speed Shopper, who, unable to find room inside, was sent wide in a decisive move that proved decisive.

The victory also carried special significance for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, who recorded their eighth graded win at Keeneland and received the track’s traditional recognition. “It’s one of those moments that makes you reflect. Achieving this with these partners and with a horse like her is truly meaningful,” said Aron Wellman.

Winner of three stakes in her last four starts, Speed Shopper confirmed that the shift in strategy—targeting longer distances—has been key. After a modest beginning, she is now a completely different mare, reliable and competitive every time she runs.

Her next step could be a move to the top level, with the New York Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga as a potential target. There, there will be no room left for surprises—only the need to prove that her rise is here to stay.

The card also featured the Argentine G1 winner Sarawak Rim (Remote), who was attempting to regain her best form on turf in an 1800-meter allowance. However, the effort ended in disappointment, as she finished last, beaten 11 3/4 lengths, without any response. Unsettled for much of the race, she encountered trouble on the final turn, and from there her slide to the rear became inevitable.