Spinster Likely Next for Letruska

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Though he quickly conceded that things could change, trainer Fausto Gutierrez said Sunday that GI Personal Ensign winner Letruska (Super Saver) is headed to the GI Breeders' Distaff, not the GI Breeders' Cup Classic.

“I think it will be with the mares. I think this is the correct decision,” he said. “I think there is a group where she is the leader. Anyway, this can change in any moment. You never know.”

The Personal Ensign was Letruska's fourth-straight graded stakes victory, three of them Grade Is, and earned her a “Win and You're In” berth in the Distaff. Gutierrez said she needs to be supplemented to the Breeders' Cup.

Letruska led from gate to wire and completed the nine-furlong Personal Ensign in 1:49.15 and edged Bonny South (Munnings) by a half-length. Royal Flag (Candy Ride) was another head back in third

“She's a good horse. She runs fast,” Gutierrez said. “Yesterday was one of the most complete races she has had. For the track. For the competition. To fight with the frontrunners to the half-mile in :46 was very fast. The other ones go back and the three horses that are last come again. You check yesterday and all of the stakes were decided by a nose, a neck, just Gamine won by a length and a half. It tells you how competitive the races are at this level.”

Bred and raced by the Mexican billionaire German Larrea Mota-Velasco, who operates as St. George Stable, the 5-year-old mare further strengthened her position as the top older female in the country with her fifth victory in six starts this season. It was her 16th career victory in 21 races in Mexico and the U.S.

Gutierrez said that the 5-year-old mare came out the race well.

“She likes to run and she likes to come back and three days after that she wants to go again,” he said.

Letruska will be shipped to Monmouth Park Monday. She will stay there for about a month, Gutierrez said, then move to Keeneland for the GI Juddmonte Spinster S. Oct. 10.