They pushed her every step of the way, but 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Explora (Blame) was too classy to defeat en route to claiming the Leslie's Lady Stakes at Churchill Downs.The winner of the GIII Honeybee Stakes Mar. 1 at Oaklawn Park, trainer Bob Baffert made the decision to train the daughter of Blame up to the GI Kentucky Oaks. She was on the lead for most of the race, but steadily faded to fourth behind a trio that all returned last Friday for the GI Acorn Stakes, and all three hit the board.Off here at even-money, Explora found herself in a familiar position at the head of affairs, but had persistent company in Brooklyn Blonde (Gun Runner) through an opening quarter in :22.72 and a half-mile in :45.07. Turning that one away heading for home, Explora dug deep to fend off an oncoming rush from On Time Girl (Not This Time), but kept her at bay by a length. Shilling (Global Campaign) came on late to claim third.Baffert said after the race that Explora's likely next target would be the GI Test Stakes.Sales history: $22,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $350,000 2yo '25 EASMAY. O-Pegram, Michael E., Watson, Karl and Weitman, Paul; B-Mesingw Farm, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. digs in down the lane to turn back the challenge by ON TIME GIRL to win the Leslie's Lady Stakes @ChurchillDownsJockey @flothejock was up for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/ybexvvTNC8— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 7, 2026The post ‘Rising Star’ Explora Turns All Challengers Away to Win Leslie’s Lady appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.