Speed Shopper made morning-line favorite in Keeneland’s Bewitch (G3)
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Speed Shopper will look to get back to her winning ways when she breaks from the far outside post in a field of nine fillies and mares set to contest the $350,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3)—the feature race on Friday, April 24 at Keeneland. She has been installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite, with jockey John Velazquez set to ride again.
Trained by Will Walden, the 5-year-old daughter of Quality Road is in the best form of her career, which has not come without its challenges. After missing nearly all of her 3-year-old season, Speed Shopper returned at four and rewarded the patience and hard work of her connections with multiple victories, including her first stakes win to close out the campaign. She also came within a head of capturing the Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita last October, finishing a game runner-up and announcing herself on the national stage among the top female turf marathoners.
A winner of two of her last three starts, Speed Shopper kicked off her 2026 campaign with her biggest victory to date in Gulfstream’s newly named Christophe Clement Stakes (G3)—her first attempt at the 1 1/2-mile distance. Last out, she endured an unlucky trip while saving ground along the rail, getting shuffled back on the far turn and unable to find clear running until the race had been decided. Still, she closed well to finish third, beaten just a length for the win.
Now migrating to Kentucky for the spring, Speed Shopper was strongly considered for the Modesty Stakes (G3) on next week’s “Thurby” card at Churchill Downs at 1 1/8 miles. However, the decision was made to keep her at the 1 1/2-mile marathon trip in the Bewitch, where she will look to make a return to the winner’s circle.
Speed Shopper has earned $314,378 to date for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, and Gary Barber.