Trainer Saffie Joseph Mulling Stakes Options for Apple Blossom Winner Claret Beret

Ogden Phipps and Fleur de Lis among races under consideration for the 5-year-old mare's next start.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:50pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a horse race, with overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, orange, and white representing the sport's vibrant colors and competitive spirit.Claret Beret's dominant Apple Blossom victory has her connections mapping out a campaign to keep the 5-year-old mare competitive at the highest level of older female racing.Hot Springs Today

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said he is still finalizing next-race plans for Claret Beret, the sparkling winner of the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park on April 11. The 5-year-old mare, who earned a career-best 105 Beyer Speed Figure for her 4 1/2-length victory, is being considered for the Ogden Phipps Stakes at Saratoga in June and the Fleur de Lis Stakes at Churchill Downs later that month, both at 1 1/8 miles.

Why it matters

Claret Beret's dominant Apple Blossom win established her as one of the top older female horses in the country. Her connections are now weighing options to keep her competitive at the highest level, with the Breeders' Cup Distaff as the ultimate goal in the fall.

The details

After giving Claret Beret an easy week following the Apple Blossom, Joseph said he will evaluate the mare next week and finalize plans for her next start. The Ogden Phipps and Fleur de Lis, both 1 1/8-mile Grade 1 and Grade 2 events respectively, are under consideration. Claret Beret was exiting a five-length victory in the Grade 3 Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream Park prior to her Apple Blossom triumph.

  • Claret Beret won the Apple Blossom Handicap on April 11, 2026.
  • The Ogden Phipps Stakes is scheduled for June 5, 2026.
  • The Fleur de Lis Stakes is scheduled for June 27, 2026.

The players

Saffie Joseph Jr.

The Florida-based trainer of Claret Beret.

Claret Beret

The 5-year-old mare who won the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap with a career-best 105 Beyer Speed Figure.

Myron Miller

The owner of Claret Beret, who privately purchased the mare following a fifth-place finish in March 2025.

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What they’re saying

“She's back in Florida. She just had an easy week, just kind of walking under tack for the whole week. No plans yet. We'll probably come up with a plan next week. I'll be back next week. I've been at the (OBS) sales, so I want to go over her first and then come up with a plan.”

— Saffie Joseph Jr., Trainer

“We're going to keep her at two turns, for sure.”

— Saffie Joseph Jr., Trainer

“Not This Time was really starting to take off. (Miller) paid quite a bit of money for her. But we felt like if we could get black type, or a stakes win, I don't think anybody thought she was going to become this, that we thought the risk versus reward was there. Obviously, she's turned into a really good horse.”

— Saffie Joseph Jr., Trainer

What’s next

Joseph said he will be back at Oaklawn Park next week to evaluate Claret Beret and finalize plans for her next start, which could come in either the Ogden Phipps Stakes at Saratoga on June 5 or the Fleur de Lis Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 27.

The takeaway

Claret Beret's dominant Apple Blossom victory has elevated her into the top echelon of older female horses, and her connections are now mapping out a campaign to keep her competitive at the highest level, with the Breeders' Cup Distaff as the ultimate goal.