Photo Credit: Steve-Heuertz
Coasting into the year with a strong second in the controversial Saudi Cup against male rivals, Midnight Bisou continued to wow spectators and competitors with a smashing victory in the (G2) Fleur de Lis. Running down prestigious rivals in an 8 ¼ length romp, it is without question that Midnight Bisou could have a serious case for an Eclipse Award at the end of the season, provided her talents continue to coast her through her competition. However, it is not only the older female category that this mare is eyeing.
In a year that has left horse racing teetering on a slope of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, uncovering candidates for Horse Of The Year were becoming somewhat of a concern as closures and postponements left many opportunities untaken early in the year. With some standouts now breaking out to make their presence known such as dominant (G2) Stephen Foster winner Tom’s D’Etat, and (G1) Carter/(G1) Met Mile winner Vekoma, the year is finally gathering speed as we draw ever closer to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. As these very real competitors bloom, the question remains, what is Midnight Bisou’s position among them?
Could that position be the best horse in the world?
Trainer Steve Asmussen has not spared any detail on his admiration for the mare when asked of her by reporters. “Her training before we went to Saudi was just mind boggling. It’s just like it is now,” said Asmussen in the days leading up to the (G2) Fleur de Lis. “Her works at Churchill have been beautiful. I feel like what she’s done—traveling to Saudi, taking on older boys and everyone knows the trip she got and knows the circumstances. How do you have an adjective what she is and what she means to racing?
Coming back, the next race isn’t the goal for this year; the Breeders’ Cup is. She is arguably the best horse in the world.”
A statement which denotes any one person or thing as ‘the best in the world’ is always one that will catch notice, and the confidence with which it is said brings even more power to the syllables. Asmussen’s confidence was certainly not wasted as his prized mare went on to romp in the (G2) Fleur de Lis a little over a week after his statement, just as expected of her.
“What an amazing mare,” Asmussen said through the depths of emotion at the sight of Midnight Bisou’s electrifying win. “Couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity. What a true blessing she is—to see her come through the stretch, happy as she is, as beautiful as ever, what a reward. For her to show class like this is wonderful.”
There was no question as to who was the queen of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred poll in the days following the mighty mare’s romp. With 25 first place votes, the daughter of Midnight Lute trumped even the aforementioned Tom’s D’Etat, who destroyed the (G2) Stephen Foster field, defeating talented rival By My Standards by 4 ¼ lengths and finishing only .02 off of the track and stakes record.
With the days passing by and fall drawing nearer with its implications of Breeders’ Cup grandeur, questions regarding the mare’s Breeders’ Cup race of choice are already on the tips of everyone’s tongues as Midnight Bisou has proven herself to be unafraid and nearly unchallenged by male rivals following her display in the Saudi Cup. With her cruising speed set to beyond belief and the Breeders’ Cup in her sights, Midnight Bisou has proven herself to be a dangerous foe for both females and male rivals as we delve deeper into her already exceptional season.
On to the Breeders’ Cup!
