Gun Runner’s champion 2-year-old filly of 2021 Echo Zulu made a flashy 2023 debut with a dominating tally in the May 29 Winning Colors S. (G3) at Churchill Downs.
The outcome looked in doubt at the top of the stretch when Echo Zulu, who had the lead until Fire On Time put her head in front passing the quarter pole. Echo Zulu responded right away to retake the lead and drew off in the stretch for a 5 ¾-length victory.
The time for the six furlongs on a fast track was an excellent 1:08.99, worthy of a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 97.
“I’m very grateful for the owners of this very talented filly [L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds] and [trainer] Steve Asmussen,” said winning jockey Florent Geroux, who was aboard the 4-year-old for the first time. “She broke really well today and took herself right to the front. We had some pressure on her outside but she was traveling very comfortably the entire race.”
Echo Zulu is now 7-1-0 in nine starts. Among her six graded wins are a trio of Grade 1 wins at two, culminating in her Eclipse win. The bay filly has now earned $2,255,375.
Echo Zulu was bred in Kentucky by Betz/J. Betz/Burns/CHNNHK/Magers/CoCo Equine/Ramsby and sold to her owners for $300,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling sale.
