Under a clever ride from Jorge Ruiz, Cayton Park Stud homebred Marksman Queen went to the front early and kicked on when challenged late to win the $250,000 Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes (G3T) July 5 at Delaware Park.
The win gave trainer Graham Motion a record 10th victory in the 1 3/8-mile turf race, held just 15 miles to the east of his base at Fair Hill Training Center near Elkton, Md. Motion's first win in the Dick Memorial came in 1999 and before Saturday's victory, his most recent was in 2023 with Sopran Basilea, also ridden by Ruiz.
Marksman Queen, a 5-year-old Dubawi mare, vaulted to the lead out of the gate Saturday. Parish Lane was the first to try to make a move, advancing from fifth place early up to second on the backstretch. Ruiz, however, sat chilly on the leader, maintaining a length lead into the third and final turn.
Just as Parish Lane's attack stalled, Qatar Racing and Michaela Faust's Spanish Eyes made a menacing three-wide move. The 4-year-old Zarak filly trained by Brendan Walsh drew nearly even with Marksman Queen, but when Ruiz asked for more, Marksman Queen responded. Those two battled to the wire, with Marksman Queen hanging on late to win by a head.
"It was an awesome performance by Marksman Queen," Motion said. "She is such a tenacious and game mare. Jorge (Ruiz) was awesome and did a terrific job with her trip. I am amazed and humbled to win this race a 10th time. Some really good distance turf fillies have run in this race, so it is honor to win such a significant race this many times."
Due to a timer malfunction, no fractions were posted. The final time, which was hand timed, was 2:15.85 over firm turf. Favored Marksman Queen paid $4.60 to win in the field of five.
It was another 2 3/4 lengths back to Hooties Racing's Boss Lady Bailey in third. The 5-year-old Connect mare trained by Mike Maker earned her first stakes placing.
