China Grove delivered a powerful performance in Monday’s $100.000 Mardi Gras Stakes, rallying from off the pace to capture the 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares four years old and upward at Fair Grounds. The black five-year-old mare by Z Grayte One demonstrated tremendous determination and tactical brilliance, rating patiently in mid-pack through honest fractions before launching a sustained rally under Jose Ortiz’s masterful handling that carried her to victory in the final stages. Racing for owner Xcel Racing, China Grove validated her perfect record in five-furlong turf sprints, extending her remarkable streak to seven consecutive victories at this specialty distance and establishing herself as one of the most consistent turf sprinters in training. The triumph marked her second career victory in 2026 and her seventh win from twenty career starts, with lifetime earnings now approaching significant territory as she continues to dominate this sprint class.

Flow & Calls

As the gates opened for the Mardi Gras Stakes, Lwaxana broke alertly to establish early positioning through an opening quarter mile in :22.1 seconds. Castillo sent the defending champion to the front immediately, showing excellent gate speed. Ginger Tulip settled into second position under Lopez’s handling, tracking the leader from close range. China Grove raced in third under Ortiz’s confident handling, maintaining perfect striking position. Stayawayfrommyman settled into fourth under Geroux’s patient handling, rating kindly in the early stages. Tell Milady brought up the rear of the compact five-horse field.

Through the half mile in :45.1 seconds, Lwaxana continued to show the way under Castillo, setting honest fractions while maintaining her advantage. Ginger Tulip remained in closest pursuit from second position, tracking the leader under Lopez. China Grove held third, racing within striking distance of the front-runners under Ortiz’s patient handling. Stayawayfrommyman maintained her position in fourth, rating comfortably as Geroux bided his time. Tell Milady continued to trail the field through the middle stages.

Approaching the stretch after five furlongs in :56.4 seconds, the race developed into a competitive battle as multiple fillies and mares launched their bids. Lwaxana maintained a narrow advantage as Castillo asked her for her best effort, but the challengers were closing rapidly. Ginger Tulip continued to press from second position, maintaining her tracking position under Lopez. China Grove loomed ominously from third, moving up with a powerful run under Ortiz’s urging as the mare began her sustained rally. Stayawayfrommyman advanced boldly from fourth position, launching her bid under Geroux’s handling. Tell Milady attempted to rally from the back of the field but found herself outrun by the front-runners.

In the final furlong, China Grove displayed tremendous courage under Ortiz’s confident handling, surging to the front with a powerful finishing kick and drawing clear of her rivals in the final strides. Stayawayfrommyman closed powerfully from fourth position, making up significant ground to challenge for second under Geroux’s urging. Lwaxana battled tenaciously after setting the pace, fighting to maintain her position. In a thrilling finish, China Grove prevailed by 1/2 lengths over Stayawayfrommyman, with Lwaxana finishing another neck back in third. Ginger Tulip held on for fourth after her prominent position, beaten another length. Tell Milady completed the field in fifth, well beaten by the top finishers after trailing throughout.

Each Runner Mentioned

China Grove delivered a career-defining performance, demonstrating tremendous class and a powerful finishing kick to capture the Mardi Gras Stakes in impressive fashion. The black mare by Z Grayte One out of Shootihavenoidea was bred by Luz International in New York and is now owned by Xcel Racing after being claimed for $20.000 in July 2025. With lifetime earnings now standing at $221.730 from twenty career starts that include seven wins and eight seconds, China Grove has established herself as one of the most consistent turf sprinters in training. Her pedigree combines tactical speed with proven turf ability, creating a powerful closer capable of unleashing devastating finishing kicks. Her perfect 7-for-7 record in five-furlong turf sprints demonstrates remarkable consistency and superiority at this specialty distance, and her proven effectiveness makes her an intriguing prospect for other major turf sprint stakes opportunities throughout the spring and summer.

Stayawayfrommyman ran an excellent race in defeat, closing powerfully from fourth position to finish second by 1/2 lengths and confirming her ability to compete at the stakes level despite limited experience.

Lwaxana battled courageously after setting the pace, finishing third by a neck in her attempt to defend her 2025 Mardi Gras Stakes title.

Ginger Tulip held on for fourth by a length after pressing the pace throughout, making her first start of 2026 in this assignment.

Tell Milady completed a disappointing rally to finish fifth, well beaten by the top finishers after trailing throughout the race.

Track: Firm
Time: :22¹  :45¹  :56⁴  1:02³

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 3 – 5 Paid 21.00
$1 Trifecta: 3 – 5 – 1 Paid 42.70

Scratched: None

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded