Laurelin, undefeated in five starts for trainer Graham Motion after winning the Grade 2 Saratoga Oaks International last out, will make her next start in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 11.
The Ireland-bred filly by Zarak was bought as a yearling by Newstead Stables, owned by Steven and Jessica Jell. She had two starts last year, breaking her maiden at the Belmont at the Big A meet in October and winning the black-type Tepin Stakes in November.
"We gave her the winter off," Motion said. "I really didn't want to get into taking her to to Florida. No particular reason. I just wanted to give her time."
Laurelin returned in April with a win in the listed Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct and then the black-type Penn Oaks. Then came her first start in graded company in the Saratoga Oaks.
"She came out this year and ran just like she did last year, which was encouraging," Motion said. "I didn't have any reason to think she wouldn't. Just, every time they win it becomes increasingly harder to keep that streak going, right? We kind of stepped her up last time with the big girls, and she still more than held her own."
Motion isn't thinking beyond the QEII. "I think that's kind of wait and see at that point. Obviously, that's going to be another step for her."
And he doesn't think he's had a horse get off to a five-win start. "If I have, I don't remember it. It seems unlikely."
Stablemate Gimme a Nother, a 5-year-old mare also owned by Newstead Stables, started her career with seven straight wins in her native South Africa before joining Motion's barn.
She won the John C. Mabee (G2) last out at Del Mar over odds-on favorite Medoro.
"I plan to take her to the Breeders' Cup," Motion said. "I think she's earned a spot in there after her last race."
