Lepore Stable’s Zanny delivered an impressive victory by 8 1/2 lengths in the nine-furlong, Grade 2, $250,000 Demoiselle Stakes for fillies on Saturday at Aqueduct Racecourse, securing Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher his record-setting 10th win in this event. The Demoiselle awarded the top five finishers qualifying points for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks (G1) set to take place at Churchill Downs on the first Friday in May.
Ridden by Airado Ortiz Jr., Zanny, a daughter of American Pharoah, joins an elite group of Demoiselle winners trained by Pletcher, such as Ted Badgett (2012), Stop Charging Maria (2013), Marathat (2020), The Nest (2021), Julia Shining (2022), and Life Talk (2023). Notably, Ashad, one of Pletcher’s earlier winners, was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame, while Marathat and The Nest went on to become Eclipse Award champions. Pletcher expressed high hopes that Zanny could develop into another exceptional talent.
Zanny made a commanding debut at Gulfstream Park on November 2, winning a six-furlong sprint by 6 1/2 lengths, and only showed more strength at the Demoiselle. Pletcher remarked that despite concerns about her endurance for the longer distance of nine furlongs early in her career, her training and recent breeze indicated readiness.
In the race, the early pace was set by Kurima, who opened with a quick start, but Ortiz soon pressed forward, keeping close to the leaders. Zanny maintained her position comfortably before pulling away in the stretch to win decisively in 1:50.55. Jumping the Gun and Concurrent followed in second and third place, respectively, while other notable finishers included Schilling, Believable, and Ivy Girl.
Ortiz praised Zanny’s professionalism and steady performance throughout the race, highlighting how effortlessly she controlled the pace. Pletcher mentioned that after returning to Florida, they will plan her next racing strategy, potentially aiming toward the Kentucky Oaks.
Zanny, bred by DJ Stable in Kentucky, was purchased for $350,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale and is out of Moe Green, a Grade 3-winning mare sired by Uncle Mo. Her Demoiselle victory earned $137,500 and returned $3.50 on a $2 bet as the favorite.
Julio Hernandez, rider of Jumping the Gun, expressed satisfaction with his filly’s performance despite a shaky start and praised her adaptability to new race conditions.
Fan Take: This thrilling victory by Zanny not only showcases Todd Pletcher’s continued dominance in preparing top fillies but also signals the arrival of a potentially legendary new star in the sport. For horse racing fans, Zanny’s promising talent and smooth progression add excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Kentucky Oaks and beyond.
