Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Jaywalk to winter in Florida

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jaywalk emerged from her emphatic victory Friday in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs in good shape and is scheduled to ship Sunday to her winter base, the Palm Meadows training center in south Florida, where the Cross Traffic filly eventually will resume training in her role as the early favorite for the 145th Kentucky Oaks.

John Servis was relishing his first Breeders’ Cup victory in a 34-year training career as he rehashed early Saturday the way Jaywalk led virtually all the way in the Grade 1, $2 million Juvenile Fillies. She prevailed by 5 1/2 lengths over Restless Rider.

Jaywalk, owned by the D J Stable and Cash Is King Stable, earned a 94 Beyer Speed Figure after finishing 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.62.

“It was awful impressive,” said Servis, whose lone prior BC starter was Jostle, ninth in the 2000 Distaff. “She’s got such a fast cruising speed. She’ll rate. She’ll do whatever you want her to do. Once she got in front, she just pricked her ears and relaxed.”

:: Want to get the latest news with your past performances? Try DRF’s new digital PPs

Restless Rider, the 3-1 second choice for trainer Kenny McPeek, ran well in defeat, holding off 35-1 Vibrance for second. Bellafina had a wide trip from post 10 but otherwise had every chance to make an impact before settling for fourth, another 3 1/4 lengths back as the 19-10 favorite in a field of 10 2-year-old fillies.

Restless Rider (85 Beyer) likely will run back in the Grade 2 Golden Rod at Churchill on Nov. 24.

“It’s important in its own right,” said McPeek, who remains winless from 31 Breeders’ Cup starters but nonetheless has a remarkable six seconds and 10 thirds. “I’m really proud of the filly.”

Restless Rider also will go to Florida for the winter at month’s end, either to Payson Park or Gulfstream Park, said McPeek.