Speed Shopper Strolls To Dominant Win In Keeneland’s Bewitch (G3)
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Speed Shopper continued her outstanding run of form with a commanding performance to win Friday’s $350,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3)—the feature race on closing day of the 2026 Spring Meet at Keeneland.
Off as the post-time favorite, the 5-year-old daughter of Quality Road delivered a professional and decisive effort under jockey John Velazquez, covering the 1 1/2-mile distance in 2:29 flat over firm turf while stamping herself as one of the leading female turf marathoners in North America.
Trained by Will Walden, Speed Shopper is currently in the best form of her career, earning a co-career-high 90 Beyer Speed Figure for the performance. The victory marked her second graded stakes win of 2026 and her third stakes score overall in the last four months.
The Bewitch win was a special one for Eclipse, which was awarded a gold tray from Keeneland in the winner’s circle for the stable’s milestone ninth graded stakes victory at the track.
“We’re beyond humbled and honored to earn a gold tray at Keeneland by virtue of Speed Shopper’s Bewitch victory,” said Eclipse Founder & President Aron Wellman. “It’s one of those milestones you reflect on. I remember being here the first fall we had horses, when In Lingerie won the 2012 Spinster Stakes, and Gary Barber was our partner at that time. So for him to be part of this filly—wow. It’s all in the family. Bridlewood Farm, the Malone family, George Isaacs have all been so supportive of us. To do it together, and of course with our Eclipse partners, is extremely meaningful. Then with this horse, it really feels great.”
When asked by Johnny V on the far turn, Speed Shopper ranged into contention with a bold four-wide move and displayed a devastating closing kick in the stretch to separate herself from the field with authority.
“When she loomed up on the outside, I felt pretty confident she had it—and she turned it on. Just a cool filly,” said Walden. “I’m grateful for Aron Wellman and the Eclipse team, Bridlewood, and Gary Barber for entrusting us with her. She paid it off.”
Owned in partnership with Bridlewood Farm and Gary Barber, Speed Shopper increased her career earnings to $525,953 with the victory.
With her current form and proven ability at the 1 1/2-mile distance, Speed Shopper now looks poised for an exciting summer campaign at the top of the turf marathon division.