With impressive performances in both her maiden win at Gulfstream Park and an allowance victory at Belmont, trainer Bill Mott chose the Listed Weber City Miss Stakes at Laurel for Grand Cru Classe's first attempt in Stakes company and the sophomore filly didn't disappoint. The Bernardini offspring is now three for three and just might see a next outing in the G2 Black-Eyed Susan as the Weber City Miss is a "Win and You're In" event for that historic three-year-old filly race.
On or near the lead in her previous two starts, Grand Cru Classe was quick out of the gate in her Stakes debut and quickly gained the top spot shortly after the break. Things didn't change much from there as the race unfolded, and besides a bit of pressure as the field turned for home, she was able to hold off a late runs from two of her foes and completed the gate-to-wire win.
Bred in Kentucky by Daniel J. Burke, Grand Cru Classe is out of a full sister to G1 Ashland Stakes winner Christmas Kid, dam of Black Type winner and G1-placed Christmas, Black Type winner and G3-placed Black Sea and a pair of Group-placed performer in Father Christmas and Michaelmas. Grand Cru Classe's G3-winning second dam has also produced Black Type winner Elusive Gift, sired by former Darley stallion Elusive Quality.
Grand Cru Classe is Bernardini’s 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.