Look Forward Overcomes Storm and Emotion in Powerful Eight Belles Victory

Amidst darkening skies and swirling emotions, Reddam Racing‘s Look Forward delivered a determined performance to capture the Grade 2, $600,000 Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2025.

The victory came just moments before a severe storm system halted the Kentucky Oaks day proceedings, adding a dramatic flair to an already poignant win.

Breaking well under jockey Umberto Rispoli, the 3-year-old Bolt d’Oro filly settled into a perfect stalking position just off a swift early pace set by Impulse Buy and Eclatant. As the field navigated the far turn, Rispoli guided Look Forward to challenge the leaders.

Taking command at the top of the stretch, Look Forward opened up a clear advantage and had enough left to hold off the closing rush of Blue Fire, winning by 1 1/4 lengths.

She completed the seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:22.36, with Evanescence rallying from last to third.

Mendela had a good rally to the top of the stretch, but stalled and finished fifth. Whatintheliteral, Bourbon Memory, Impulse Buy, Eclatant, Princess Aliyah, and Kimchi Cat completed the order of finish.

The win marked Look Forward’s first graded stakes success and was deeply meaningful for her connections. The filly began her career under the care of trainer Ben Cecil, winning her debut impressively last November.

Tragically, Cecil passed away from cancer later that same month. Owner J. Paul Reddam then transferred the promising filly to trainer Michael McCarthy, who had worked as an assistant for Cecil earlier in his career.

McCarthy was visibly emotional in the winner’s circle, celebrating the victory not just for his team and Reddam Racing, but also in memory of Cecil.

“Just happy for the Cecils,” McCarthy said, tears welling.

The win continued a strong run for Rispoli heading into his Kentucky Derby mount.

Look Forward, purchased for $285,000 as a yearling, has now won three of her six starts.

McCarthy indicated that keeping her sprinting at one turn is likely, with major races like the Grade 1 Test Stakes at Saratoga potentially on the horizon for this tough and talented filly who conquered both her rivals and the elements on Oaks day.

Fractional Times: 21.92, 44.17, 1:08.80
Final Time: 1:22.36

Winning Connections

Winner: Look Forward
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Owner: Reddam Racing LLC (J. Paul Reddam)
Breeder: Woods Edge Farm, LLC & BallyfairBloodstock
Bloodline: Bay Filly, by Bolt d’Oro out of Troublesome, by Into Mischief. Foaled Feb 09, 2022 in Kentucky
Bolt d’Oro stands at Spendthrift Farm, Lexington KY ($15,000 live foal)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2 EXACTA (11-8) Paid: $408.12
• $0.50 TRIFECTA (11-8-2) Paid: $1,065.89
• $1 SUPERFECTA (11-8-2-7) Paid: $10,437.60

Watch the Race