Naomis Secures Thrilling Victory in Lake Placid Stakes Debut
In a display of impressive racing prowess, Naomis, a French import, made a stunning U.S. debut by rallying from last place to seize victory in the Grade 2 Lake Placid Stakes. This triumph, her second consecutive stakes win, positions her as a formidable contender in future races and substantially increases her lifetime earnings.
French Filly Naomis Conquers Saratoga in Lake Placid Stakes
On a memorable Saturday at Saratoga, August 29, 2026, the France-bred filly Naomis delivered an electrifying performance in the Grade 2, $400,000 Lake Placid Stakes. Over a one-mile turf course designed for three-year-old fillies, Naomis, the favored 6-5 contender, showcased an extraordinary closing burst, surging from the back of the eight-horse field to claim a thrilling half-length victory. Piloted by jockey Flavien Prat and trained by Chad Brown, her final time was a brisk 1:35.72 on the firm track.
This impressive win marks Naomis's second consecutive stakes victory, following her triumph in the one-mile Prix de Sandringham (G2) at Chantilly on May 31. This earlier success prompted her acquisition by a partnership including Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, Thirty Year Racing, and Michael Caruso. Despite a slow start that saw her lagging over six lengths behind the early leader, Flowerhead, Naomis systematically advanced, making her decisive move on the final turn. She overtook Ultimate Love, ridden by Paco López, who had taken the lead after East Jabip. Ultimate Love finished a commendable second, while Deep Learning, with Manny Franco aboard, secured third place in a close finish.
Trainer Chad Brown revealed that Naomis's U.S. debut could have occurred earlier in the Lake George (G3) on August 1, but a minor health setback led them to target the Lake Placid. This strategic decision proved fruitful, as the filly's strong performance in mile-long races made the Lake Placid an ideal starting point. With this victory, Naomis's career earnings have escalated to $354,697 from a record of eight starts, four wins, one second, and one third. Her next major target is expected to be the prestigious Queen Elizabeth (G1) during the Keeneland fall meet, a race that Brown believes she is well-suited for given her current form.
Naomis's remarkable rally from the back of the pack to win a graded stakes race on her U.S. debut underscores the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of horse racing. Her performance serves as a powerful reminder that with the right combination of talent, training, and strategic race placement, even a challenging start can culminate in a glorious finish. This victory also highlights the growing international appeal of American racing, as top-tier foreign horses continue to bring their competitive spirit to the U.S. tracks, enriching the sport for fans and participants alike.