She Feels Pretty Brilliant: Star Mare Shatters Course Record in Modesty Stakes Romp

Making her much-anticipated 2025 debut, Lael Stables’ She Feels Pretty left no doubt about her claim as potentially the nation’s top turf female, delivering a breathtaking performance to win the Grade 3, $400,000 Modesty Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 2nd.

The victory was underscored by a new course record for the 1 1/8-mile distance on the Matt Winn Turf Course.

Breaking sharply under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, the 4-year-old daughter of Karakontie settled comfortably a few lengths off the early pace set by Segesta and Birdie Rose. Velazquez noted his goal was to keep her covered up and relaxed early. “Down the backside, we got in the clear and she took me where I needed to be,” he said.

Advancing effortlessly with a three-wide sweep on the far turn, She Feels Pretty engaged the leaders turning for home. Once asked for her best, she surged clear with authority, hitting the wire 2 1/4 lengths in front of the runner-up, Gimme a Nother.

The final time of 1:45.51 eclipsed the previous course mark, showcasing her brilliance.

Saffron Moon rallied in the stretch to finish a half-length behind second. Segesta was outkicked in the stretch and faded to fourth, while Takemetothebeach and Birdie Rose finished fifth and sixth (last,) respectively.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux, who gave the filly time off after a stellar 2024 campaign that included Grade 1 wins in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and American Oaks, was thrilled with the return.

“It’s great to see her back in the winner’s circle again,” DeVaux commented. “She’s bigger and stronger… she’s tenacious, she doesn’t want to get beat.” Responding to suggestions that She Feels Pretty might be the best turf filly in the country, DeVaux added, “I’m biased, but I agree.”

This dominant, record-setting victory solidified She Feels Pretty’s status at the division’s top. She sets the stage for potentially bigger targets, with DeVaux indicating the Grade 1 New York Stakes at Saratoga on June 6 could be next.

Fractional Times: 22.90, 47.05, 1:10.73, 1:33.83
Final Time: 1:45.51 (New Track Record)

Winning Connections

Winner: She Feels Pretty
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owner: Payson Stud
Breeder: Lael Stables
Bloodline: Chestnut Filly, by Karakontie (JPN) out of Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready. Foaled Mar 12, 2021 in Kentucky
Karakontie stands at Gainesway, Lexington KY. ($15,000 stands & nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2 EXACTA (7-2) Paid: $8.96
• $0.50 TRIFECTA (7-2-8) Paid: $3.44
• $1 SUPERFECTA (7-2-8-3) Paid: $9.37
• $0.50 Pick Three ((4-4-7)) Paid $11.76; Pick Three Pool $266,946. 
• $1 Daily Double ((4-7)) Paid $8.54; Daily Double Pool $125,301.

Watch the Race