John Oxley’s Noble Bird parlayed his 1½-length victory in the Oct. 1 Lukas Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs into a 5¾-length rout in the Fayette Stakes (G2) on the Oct. 29 closing card of Keeneland’s fall meet.
Ridden by Julien Leparoux for trainer Mark Casse, the 5-year-old chestnut son of Birdstone took the lead out of the gate and never blinked, crossing the wire in 1:47.75, a nine-furlong record for Keeneland’s new dirt track.
Lael Stable’s 4-year-old Tapit colt Divining Rod closed for second to give Gainesway stallions the exacta in the Fayette.
Jack Swain bred Noble Bird in Kentucky out of the Tiznow mare Anyhow, a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Mythical Gem and to stakes winner Apple Charlotte.
Noble Bird’s win improved his record to seven wins in 19 outings, and the $120,000 winner’s check made him racing’s newest millionaire with career earnings of $1,064,945.
