Lake Lucerne tops a Goldolphin exacta in the Al Stall Memorial (Hodges Photography)
Fair Grounds Press Release
NEW ORLEANS— Godolphin’s 6-year-old mare Lake Lucerne was able to rally past Soft Touch inside the eighth pole to win Saturday’s 55th running of the $100,000 Albert M. Stall Memorial at Fair Grounds.
The Top 2 finishers were both owned by Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum’s Godolphin. Lake Lucerne, ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione and trained by Brendan Walsh completed 1 1/16 miles on the “firm” turf in 1:48.07.
My Philly Twirl broke sharply from the gate and set the early fractions into the first turn of the Albert M. Stall Memorial. While jockey Florent Geroux rated My Philly Twirl on the lead, Lake Lucerne was in third about seven lengths off the lead. Following a pedestrian half-mile in :50.10, the back markers began to make their charge including Island Hideaway (GB), who made a bold move to take over the lead at the head of the stretch. Gaffalione and Lake Lucerne found themselves in the far outside lane on the turf course. At the 3/16ths pole, Gaffalione was able to rouse Lake Lucerne for best stride and the duo spurted clear for a two-length victory.
Lake Lucerne, who was sent off as the 8-5 favorite, returned $5.40, $2.60 and $2.40. Soft Touch, and Mitchell Murrill paid $5 and $3.60 to place while Trail Ridge Road rallied for third and returned $3.
Russian Mafia checked in fourth followed by Carpe Vinum, Island Hideaway, My Philly Twirl and Clara Peeters (GB).
Lake Lucerne banked $60,000 for her victory to bring her career total to $228,620 and a record of 9-5-0-1.
Lake Lucerne is a daughter of Dubawi (IRE) out of the Awesome Again mare Round Pond. She was bred in Kentucky by her owners.
Albert M. Stall Memorial Quotes:
Tyler Gaffalione, jockey, Lake Lucerne, (winner): “All the credit for this mare goes to Godolphin and Brendan Walsh’s team. We gave her a little bit more of a warm up today and I think that mentally got her into focus more than previous starts. She showed me a really good kick for home and was able to get it done.”
Brendan Walsh, trainer, Lake Lucerne (winner): “I’m so thankful to be able to get this win today for Godolphin who has been a long supporter of mine. Tyler gave her a great ride and she had a big effort today.”
Mitchell Murrill, jockey, Soft Touch, (runner-up): “My horse put me in a situation towards the outside which is probably the best ground right now. I was sitting pretty and she was well into the bridle. She ran a solid effort and was second best.”
