Almostgone Rocket turns on afterburners in stretch of Jersey Girl Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Trainer Brad Cox said prior to Thursday’s $200,000 Jersey Girl Stakes that his Almostgone Rocket was “cut out to be a nice horse.” Any doubt about that statement was erased in the 1:09.52 it took for the undefeated 3-year-old filly to complete six furlongs en route to a dominant, six-length victory over the previously unbeaten Manama Gold.

The Jersey Girl was the second of four stakes decided on opening day of the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga.

Almostgone Rocket, who did not make her first start until the spring of her 3-year-old campaign, entered her stakes debut unbeaten and untested in two previous tries, having won those outings by a combined 16 lengths. She exited the race untested in three starts.

With Jockey Flavien Prat aboard, Almostgone Rocket broke alertly to stalk the pace of Gray Lightning in the run down the backstretch. Almostgone Rocket overtook the leader entering the far turn, shook off that rival along with a bid from Manama Gold approaching the stretch, then drew off with complete authority in the final furlong.

Manama Gold’s three previous wins all came in Dubai and included a 1 1/4-length triumph in the Group 3 UAE Oaks on Feb. 23. She joined trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn during the spring with a possible start in the Kentucky Oaks in mind, but had her U.S. debut delayed until she finally returned to action in the Jersey Gold.

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Stumbling briefly a few yards out of the gate, Manama Gold recovered to join the leaders while racing wide into the stretch. She ultimately proved no match for the winner while racing on her left lead the entire length of the stretch.

Gray Lightning, who ran off the screen to 14 1/2 and 12 1/4-length victories in her previous two starts, both at Parx, weakened to finish third, three lengths behind Manama Gold. Becky’s Joker, the 2023 Schuylerville winner, finished fourth followed by Dorothy’s Dreams, who trailed throughout after stumbling badly at the break.

Carmelina, Roman Grace, and Moonlit Lady were scratched.

Almostgone Rocket is a daughter of Into Mischief. She is owned by Frank Fletcher Racing Operations and Ten Strike Racing. She earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure and paid $3.

“Big run, a big pedigree, now’s she’s a stakes winner so that takes some of the pressure off, although obviously our goal is to get her a graded stakes win at some point,” Cox said. “She had a minor setback, we took our time, and she’s rewarded us in a big way. I’m very proud of what she was able to do here today.

Cox said the short-term goal for Almostgone Rocket is the seven-furlong, Grade 1 Test here on Aug. 3.

Pletcher said he was pleased with Manama Gold’s effort in defeat.

“She stumbled, recovered, got a good position, still a little green down the lane but a good effort,” said Pletcher. “We’ll stretch her out in her next start. I’m just not sure where yet.”

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