Clement wins fourth straight Orchid

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Christophe Clement figured to win his fourth straight Orchid Handicap with Moon Queen. But when Clement was forced to withhold the 121 pound highweight from the race due to a minor injury he found an able substitute in Julie Jalouse who ran down 6-5 favorite Sweetest Thing in the final strides to post a neck victory in Sunday's $200,000 at Gulfstream Park.

Julie Jalouse, making her U.S. debut, raced in mid-pack for the opening mile of the 12 furlong Orchid. She commenced her bid leaving the final turn, eased out for the stretch run and finished courageously to catch Sweetest Thing just before the wire. The latter, rated six lengths off the pace of Refugee, overtook the leader near midstretch, gradually forged to command but could not last.

Refugee held on gamely to the end to finish another half length behind Sweetest Thing. She was followed by Tap Dance, Guillotine, Ready, Jennasietta, Ruff and Bail Money. A claim of foul by the rider of Jennasietta against Julie Jalouse for alleged interference on the opening turn was disallowed.

Julie Jalouse paid $13.00 after covering the distance in 2:25.89 over a firm turf course under jockey Jose Santos.

Clement won the last three renewals of the Orchid with Innuendo, Lisieux Rose and Coretta. He said he was forced to withdraw Moon Queen, easy winner of The Very One Handicap here last month, because of a "small suspensory problem" that will necessitate giving her some time off.

"Julie Jalouse trained well but I did not know whether she would handle the distance," said Clement by phone from Payson Park. I don't think the race was as strong this year as in year's past but don't take anything away from this filly. She tried very hard. I am very lucky because I get horses to train from owners-breeders in Europe who can stay a mile and one half."

Clement said Julie Jalouse could make her next start in the Sheepshead Bay Handicap at Belmont Park on June 1.