Marksman Queen, Dettori wire field in Keertana
Stakes recap by Churchill Downs publicist Kevin Kerstein (Coady Media photo of Marksman Queen winning Keertana)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 24, 2025) – Marksman Queen (GB) asserted herself early and led every step of the way to defeat Dreaming of Mo by a half-length in Saturday’s 12th running of the $219,665 Keertana Stakes (Listed) at Churchill Downs.
Marksman Queen (GB) stopped the teletimer in a stakes record 2:26.74 for 1 ½ miles over “firm” turf under Frankie Dettori, who rode the winner for trainer Graham Motion and owner/breeder Gaynor Allison Rupert’s Clayton Park Stud. Marksman Queen (GB) eclipsed Miss Yearwood’s Keertana time of 2:27.45 in 2023.
“I had two starts with her and I know her better,” Dettori said. “It’s all about the mentality with her. If she’s in a good rhythm, she can do that.”
Marksman Queen (GB) broke well from post No. 5 in the field of eight fillies and mares and dictated the pace of :24.16, :49.27, 1:14.37, 1:39.02 and 2:02.85. Strikingly Spun, the 5-2 favorite, put in a challenge around the final turn to come within a neck of Marksman Queen (GB) but she put that rival away in mid-stretch and held the rest of the field at bay in the final stages for the win.
“When she’s behind horses, she pulls too hard,” Dettori said. “Sometimes when she’s in front, and the outside horses take her on, she gets burnt out. I think today with the smaller field, there wasn’t much speed in the race. So, when she was able to get to the front, she was able to relax. When I got to the three-eighths pole, I thought it’ll be hard to catch her.”
The win was worth $120,280 and improved Marksman Queen (GB)’s career earnings to $232,424 with a record of 4-3-2 in 16 starts. This was the first stakes win for Marksman Queen (GB), whose 2025 campaign also includes a 10th place finish in the $150,000 La Prevoyante (GIII) at Gulfstream Park in January and a fourth-place effort as the mild 7-2 favorite in a Keeneland allowance on April 18.
Marksman Queen (GB) returned $8.40, $5.42 and $3.62 as the 3-1 second betting choice. Dreaming of Mo, at 9-2 under Corey Lanerie, paid $5.46 and $4.16. Tarneema, ridden by Ben Curtis at odds of 7-2, was another half-length back in third and paid $3.58.
Boss Lady Bailey was another neck behind in fourth and was followed by Holey Foley, Dazzlin’ Dictator, Sugaree (IRE) and Strikingly Spun.
Marksman Queen (GB), a 5-year-old daughter of Dubawi (IRE) out of the Touch Gold mare Sharp Susan, was bred in Great Britain by her owner.
Racing at Churchill Downs continues Sunday with a 10-race card that begins at 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern). There is a $290,139 Late Pick 5 carryover for Races 6-10 starting at 3:18 p.m.
KEERTANA QUOTES
Frankie Dettori (jockey, Marksman Queen, winner): “When she’s behind horses, she pulls too hard. Sometimes when she’s in front, and the outside horses take her on, she gets burnt out. I think today with the smaller field, there wasn’t much speed in the race. So, when she was able to get to the front, she was able to relax. When I got to the three-eighths pole, I thought it’ll be hard to catch her. I had two starts with her and I know her better. It’s all about the mentality with her. If she’s in a good rhythm, she can do that.”
Dale Romans (trainer, Dreaming of Mo, runner-up): “We’re really proud of her. I thought she ran a great race but was second best today.”
