Lightstream moves at light speed in stretch for comeback win

That blur streaking down the middle of the track to nail the $250,000 Grade II Lexus Run Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday was Lightstream, causing track announcer Kurt Becker to burst out with an exclamation at the finish:

“Lightstream WILL NOT QUIT.”

Jockey Julien Leparoux did not let the filly quit. She came from eighth down the backstretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:22.68, passing Malibu Stacy and Coniah nearing the finish. The result was a happy return to Keeneland for this 3-year-old who assistant trainer Louis Rushlow describes generally as “a happy filly.” She won as favorite, paying a $6.80 win mutual for owners Up Hill Stable and Head of Plains Partners.

All indications were there that Lightstream would give her best at Keeneland because she had won at the same 7-furlong distance here last spring in the Grade III Beaumont Stakes.

“I believe all of her wins have come at 7 furlongs,” said Rushlow, assistant to trainer Brian Lynch, who remained behind in New York. “With her running style, I think she can run pretty much run any distance she prefers. But 7 furlongs does fit her pretty well.”

Lightstream’s style is to settle in off the pace, and that’s precisely where Leparoux placed her soon after the field of 12 3-year-old fillies broke from the gate. Lightstream broke well, then relaxed into a spot in eighth behind the leader, Lucy N Ethel, biding her time until the turn when Leparoux urged her into gear. Turning for home she appeared suddenly on the outside, poised for a clear run down the stretch. From there it was simply a case of running down and passing the leaders: Coniah, Curlin’s Approval and Malibu Stacy.

This story was originally published October 22, 2016 at 7:42 PM with the headline "Lightstream moves at light speed in stretch for comeback win."