Grand Job notches first graded stakes with Inside Information
?q=100)
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Bill Mott always thought Grand Job had the ability to become a graded stakes winner. And while it might have taken a little longer than he had hoped, that goal was accomplished Saturday at Gulfstream Park with her decisive 2 3/4-length victory over former stablemate Sterling Silver in the Grade 2 Inside Information Stakes.
Grand Job was the fourth winner on the Pegasus World Cup program for jockey Junior Alvarado. Three of those wins came aboard horses trained by Mott.
Grand Job began her career in Europe before joining Mott’s barn during fall 2024. She won three of her first four U.S. starts by an average margin of more than six lengths, with her lone setback during that span coming in her only try around two turns, a second-place finish in the Grade 3 Royal Delta here last winter.
And she looked like a winner nearly every step of the way when back at seven furlongs for the Inside Information.
Grand Job broke alertly to rate within easy striking distance of the early pace set by Jody’s Pride. Racing in the better footing away from the rail, Grand Job readily gained command midway on the turn, shook free when sharply roused on settling into the stretch, and was never menaced thereafter.
Sterling Silver was transferred from Mott to trainer Anthony Margotta Jr. shortly after winning the Iroquois Stakes at Aqueduct in late October. She raced wide with her bid into the stretch and was easily second-best, finishing another 2 3/4 lengths in front of Claret Beret, who was third.
Grand Job, a daughter of Justify owned by Bell Tower Thoroughbreds in partnership with Medallion Racing, covered seven panels in 1:21.41 (100 Beyer Speed Figure) over a fast track and returned $6.20.
“We always felt she had this kind of race in her,” Mott said. “Both Knightsbridge’s form and her form are alike. They won early on, but were kind of untested coming out of maiden and ‘one other than’ races where they looked very good. But now they’ve developed, and with time are looking that good against stakes quality horses, like she did in this race, which was good to see. It’s been a challenge to get a nice stakes win for her and we finally got it today.”
Mott praised Alvarado for the success they have had together over the past few years and the trip he orchestrated for Grand Job in the Inside Information.
“It was a good post for her, we weren’t stuck down inside and didn’t have to force her hand early,” Mott said. “She was up close today, but had a long run down the backside and when he let her out a notch, he had her in perfect winning position.”
Mott was also well aware it was his former pupil, Sterling Silver, who ran second in the Inside Information.
“I had her for two years and didn’t get the option to take her back. I still don’t understand that,” Mott said. “I thought she had done enough (after winning the Iroquois), but that being said she’s still going strong down here. I’m in love with that mare. I wish I had her as a broodmare.”
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.