Destino d’Oro dominates Pucker Up S. (G3) for first stakes win

Top-three Fourth-Crop sire Bolt d’Oro earned her first stakes win in scintillating fashion Sunday at Ellis Park with a 3 ¾-length victory in the $400,000 Pucker Up S. (G3). Bolt d’Oro has a half-dozen stakes winners and over $6 million in progeny earnings to date in 2025.

With Drop the Hammer setting the early fractions, Destino d’Oro sat patiently in second, three furlongs back after six furlongs. Launching her bid with a quarter-mile to run, Destino d’Oro ranged up alongside the pacesetter in midstretch and went to the lead with no resistance, drawing off late to stop the timer in 1:45.64 for the 1 1/8-miles on the firm turf.

“She sat much closer to the pace this time and I think it really helped her,” said winning rider Luan Machado. “Down the backside, I could tell she was full of run, even sitting as close to the pace as she was. She’s been very impressive so far in her career and I think has a great future ahead of her.”

With the win, Destino d’Oro has three victories in four starts. Her only blemish is a blanket third-place finish in the Jessamine S. (G2) last autumn at Keeneland. She has earned $444,909 for owner Steve Landers Racing LLC, who purchased her for $185,000 at the 2024 OBS Spring 2-year-old sale.

Destino d’Oro was bred in Kentucky by Hurstland Farm, Inc. & James H. Greene Jr.