Darby Dan Farm foaled and raised Lady Shakespeare continued her winning ways with a powerful victory in the $150,000 New York S. (G2) at Belmont Park on June 19.  The 10 furlong turf marathon was run over the inner grass course at “Big Sandy”.

The five-horse New York changed complexion right out of the gate when Gozzip Girl stumbled out of the gate, unseating Ramon Dominguez. Lady Shakespeare, as is typical, was in the back of the compact field. The pace was solid, with the mile going in 1:35.57. Behind her three foes coming into the stretch, she powered past the trio inside the final furlong, drawing off to a 2 3/4-length margin on the wire. The final time was a good 2:00.34, earning her a lifetime-best 96 Beyer Speed Figure.

“She loves to run,” said Sue Lorimer, assistant to winning trainer Roger Attfield. “She’s kind of laid back early, but once she gets going she’s all racehorse. Roger will see how she comes out of this race and go from there.”

Lady Shakespeare has become a dominating force in the filly and mare turf division this year. In her three previous starts this season, she won the Grade 3 Bewitch at Keeneland and missed by a head in both the Jan. 16 Marshua’s River S. and Mar. 28 Orchid S. (G3). As a 3-year-old, the chestnut filly won four of six starts, including the Ontario Colleen S. at Woodbine.

Lady Shakespeare has always been well-regarded due to her similarly-named older full brother, Shakespeare (by Theatrical). He was one of the most dominant turf horses of the past decade, winning seven of eight starts, earning nearly $1.3 million, and setting a nine furlong track record on the grass at Belmont Park.

Besides the “Shakespeares”, their dam, Lady Shirl has also produced the stakes-winning filly Fantastic Shirl. Lady Shirl was a winning machine, taking nine stakes in her career, topped by the Grade 1 Flower Bowl.

With the $90,000 winner's share from the New York, Lady Shakespeare upped her earnings to $495,608 for owner/breeder Charles Fipke. Her record now stands at 7-2-1 from 12 career starts.