—Apr 7— Ricardo Santana hustled She’s a Julie from the gate, drew out to a large early lead, then held on gamely as the overwhelming 1/20 race favorite, Monomoy Girl, unleashed a powerful late bid that fell three-quarters of a length short to win the 81st running of the Grade I Ashland Stakes at Keeneland Race Course on Saturday.
With the victory, She’s a Julie became the nation’s top money-earner in the three-year-old fillies division.
The real story of the race, though, was Monomoy Girl, who dawdled leaving the gate and was allowed to fall far behind the winner by her rider, Florent Geroux. Whether or not Geroux will remain on the talented filly moving forward is anyone’s guess. Based on the conflicted look on co-owner Sol Kumin’s face after the race, the ownership team will, at the very least, weigh their options. Kumin’s post race remarks offering a modicum of support for the rider fell short of an endorsement: “I think Florent was doing what he could to try to win the race,” the owner said.
She’s a Julie paid $21.80, $2.90 and $2.20 as the 9/1 second-favorite.
Eskimo Kisses, the third favorite at 12/1, finished third, followed by C.S. Incharge. Patrona Margarita and Andina Del Sur were far back.
Retro Horse Racing Game 