Coming off of a fast-closing fourth in the G3 Lake George Stakes last time out at Saratoga, Bernardini's Micheline was able to capitalize on that strong finishing kick on September 10th to win the $500,000 Dueling Ground Oaks. It was the sophomore's third career Black Type win adding to a successful 2020 campaign that also lists another Stakes victory and a G3-placing.
As is her usual running style, Micheline could see all in the field but three near the back of the back as the field traveled through the first six furlongs. She then steadily began to pass her rivals and was able to get by the last one nearing the wire to win by a neck.
Micheline was bred in Kentucky by her owner, Godolphin, and is out of Panty Raid, winner of the G1 Juddmonte Spinster and G1 American Oaks Invitational. Panty Raid is a full sister to St. John’s River, winner of the G2 Delaware Oaks and second in the G1 Kentucky Oaks.
Micheline is the second Black Type winner in four days for Bernardini as Grand Cru Classe won the Weber City Miss Stakes on September 7th to become his 77th career Black Type winner, a list that includes 15 G1 winners. His other top runners in 2020 include G2 Blue Grass Stakes and Ellis Park Derby winner Art Collector, along with recent Black Type winner Lady Kate who finished second in the G1 La Troienne Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day. Art Collector is Bernardini's 22nd Graded Stakes winner on dirt since 2015 - only Tapit, Curlin and Uncle Mo have more.
