Jersey Pearl steps out early, takes Poinsettia Stakes
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Jersey Pearl and jockey Francisco Arrieta adapted quickly in the $150,000 Poinsettia on Sunday at Oaklawn Park when she moved to the front after anticipated leader and 1-2 favorite Hillerito broke tardily and found herself trailing the field. Jersey Pearl pushed the pace and went on to a length win over Benedetta.
It was another length back in third to Tapit Quick.
The Poinsettia was for fillies and mares over 5 1/2 furlongs.
Jersey Pearl ($12.40) broke outside of her potential pace rivals and joined leader Kant Believe It through an opening quarter in 22.48 seconds before taking command through a half-mile in 46.21. Jersey Pearl went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:04.17.
“I was glad we were on the outside,” winning trainer Darrin Miller said in an interview conducted by Oaklawn. “That helped us a bunch.
“She’s fast herself.”
Jersey Pearl turned the tables on Hillerito, whom she had finished third to in the Dream Supreme last month at Churchill Downs.
Jersey Pearl is a daughter of Bee Jersey who races for Silverton Hill LLC. She picked up $87,750 for her win in the Poinsettia to improve her record to 6 for 15 for earnings of $629,022.
Racing resumes next Friday.
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