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Churchill Downs Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Twin Oaks Bloodstock, Joseph Bulger, Will Campbell and IEE Racing Stables Miss Justify gamely held off a late surge from stablemate Life Talk to win Saturday’s 4th running of the $171,750 Seneca Overnight Stakes (Listed) at Churchill Downs.
Ridden by Luis Saez and trained by Todd Pletcher, the 3-year-old filly completed the 1 1/16-mile event in a final time of 1:43.14.
Breaking well from the gate, Chatalas and Home Game were hustled forward for the lead with Chatalas gaining the upper hand into the first turn. Chatalas led the field through an opening quarter-mile in :23.62, tracked by Home Game in second and Miss Justify in third, about two lengths off the leader.
The moderate pace continued through a half-mile in :48.34 as the field approached the far turn. Miss Justify began to apply pressure, rallying three wide and sticking her nose in front at the quarter pole. Chatalas fought hard on the inside but Miss Justify dug in and held off a late closing run from Life Talk in the final strides to secure the victory by a half-length. Chatalas finished 1 ¼ lengths back in third followed in order by Here’s the Spider, Neon Icon, Home Game, Little Jamie and Midshipman’s Dance.
MISS JUSTIFY ($4.72) just held off her stablemate Life Talk to win the $175,000 Seneca Overnight Stakes at @ChurchillDowns. @PletcherRacing trained the 3-year-old filly by @CoolmoreAmerica's Justify, @luissaezpty was up. pic.twitter.com/BSIYa7pvAw
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) September 21, 2024
“I had the position I was looking for,” Saez said. “She relaxed nicely behind the leaders, and when I asked her to finish, she really responded well. She’s a very talented filly.”
With this victory, Miss Justify, a 3-year-old filly by Justify out of the Majesticperfection mare Swiss Alps, improved her record to 7-4-0-1 boasting purse earnings of $333,164. She was bred in Kentucky by Killora Stud.
Sent off as the 6-5 favorite, Miss Justify paid $4.72, $3.78 and $2.60. The Pletcher exacta returned $22.28 for a $2 wager.
