Group 1-placed filly Lady Mary will make her U.S. debut in the Grade 3 Jockey Club Oaks Invitational, an 11-furlong turf race for 3-year-old fillies, on Saturday at Belmont at the Big A. Trained by Jack Sisterson, the bay filly by Lawman previously raced in Germany under Andreas Suborics, earning strong finishes in several Group 3 events. She narrowly missed victories in the 2023 Preis der Winterkonigin at Baden-Baden and the Diana Trial at Hoppegarten.
Owned by MHM Stables, Sterling Stables, and David Grund, Lady Mary arrives from a solid third-place finish in the German Oaks (G1) at Düsseldorf on August 4, where she finished 4 1/2 lengths behind her familiar rival Erle. Now training at Saratoga, Lady Mary has adapted quickly to her new surroundings, showing her athleticism and readiness for U.S. racing.
"She’s settled in well at Saratoga, which is a good sign for quality horses," Sisterson said. "Her previous owner shared insights on her running style, speed, and turn of foot, which we believe suits American racing perfectly."
In the German Oaks, Lady Mary overcame a stumble in the final quarter-mile to secure third place, showing resilience over a challenging right-handed course. Sisterson is eager to see how she handles the switch to Belmont's flat, left-handed course with three turns, but he believes she is versatile enough for the challenge.
"We’ve only had her for a short time, but she’s shown she can handle different trip lengths," Sisterson added. "She’s been very forward in her gallops, and though this is a quick turnaround, she’s adapted well and is ready to race."
The purchase of Lady Mary was facilitated by agent Alex Elliott, who previously helped acquire Vina Arana, another successful European import now racing in the U.S. Lady Mary comes from a strong pedigree, being out of the Rainbow Quest mare La Reine Noir, a half-sister to 2008 Prix de l'Opera winner Lady Marian.
Manny Franco, who had a stellar day at Colonial Downs with five stakes victories, will ride Lady Mary from post 7.
Dual Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox brings two contenders to the Oaks: Mixologist and Caldwell Luvs Gold. Mixologist, a grey by Frosted, has been cross-entered in Friday’s Winter Memories Stakes. After some tough races, she bounced back with a victory at Saratoga in August and is poised for another strong showing. Caldwell Luvs Gold, a New York-bred by Goldencents, has already secured multiple stakes wins on dirt but will be trying to prove herself on turf in this race.
Mont Saint Michel, trained by Brendan Walsh, is also expected to compete, stepping up in distance after recent efforts over nine furlongs. Walsh believes the extra distance could bring out the best in her.
Godolphin’s Beautiful Love, trained by Charlie Appleby, will stretch out significantly from her recent sixth-place finish in the Lake Placid Stakes (G2) at Saratoga. Beautiful Love, a chestnut daughter of Siyouni, brings a promising pedigree as her third dam, Snow Bride, produced Lammtarra, the 1995 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner.
The Jockey Club Oaks is shaping up to be a competitive race, with promising fillies making their mark on the U.S. turf scene.