by Myra Lewyn

Augustin Stables’ late-running Forever Together surged into contention from the outside and wore down runner-up Dynaforce late to win the $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

The four-year-old Belong to Me filly, who was making her third start on grass, won by three-quarters of a length under Julien Leparoux and covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:46.52 on turf rated as good.

Forever Together earned her second graded stakes victory and first at the highest level as well as a starting berth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) on October 24 at Santa Anita Park. The Diana is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.

Forever Together relaxed at the back of the ten-horse field as Bayou’s Lassie sprinted to the front and opened a clear lead while laying down a strong tempo. Bayou’s Lassie continued to build on her advantage and led by as many as 5½ lengths on the backstretch as Dynaforce chased from second.

Bayou’s Lassie led approaching the stretch but was soon leg weary and yielded to Dynaforce, who opened a half-length advantage. Forever Together advanced on the turn and closed from five wide in the lane. Seventh in early stretch, she easily reeled in five opponents, including champion and 3.05.to-1 favorite Wait a While, before collaring Dynaforce late for the victory at odds of 9-to-1.

“I was last [early], but it was nothing spectacular,” Leparoux said of Forever Together, who is trained by Jonathan Sheppard. “I mean, she was last, relaxed, and around the stretch I thought to make a move and come inside. When I got her out, she just took off. So, that was very good.”

Forever Together, who is out of the Relaunch mare Constant Companion, won for the second time in four starts this season and was making her first start at the Diana distance. She rallied from well off the pace to finish third in the one-mile Just a Game Stakes (G1) on firm turf at Belmont Park on June 7 in her previous start after winning the Reluctant Guest Stakes at the same distance at Arlington Park on yielding turf on May 17.

Bred by in Kentucky White Fox Farm, Forever Together improved to five wins in 11 starts, including the 2007 Forward Gal Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, and boosted her lifetime bankroll to $575,300.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times Today editor