Journeyist springs upset in Peach of It Handicap

As expected, trainer Michele Boyce won the $75,000 Peach of It Handicap on Thursday at Hawthorne Racecourse. Less expected was the Boyce-trained Journeyist, a 5-1 shot, running right past the Boyce-trained 1-5 favorite Katie M’lady at the furlong grounds. In the end, Journeyist had to hold clear a late bid from 18-1 shot White Lies to prevail by a head in this dirt route race for Illinois-bred older fillies and mares.

Katie M’lady set a solid pace while hounded by Summer Day, going her half-mile in 47.91 seconds, and she regressed Thursday after winning her first three starts of 2023. She also was burdened with 126 pounds, seven more than Journeyist and eight more than White Lies.

Journeyist, who has improved markedly in recent months, got a great trip stalking the leaders from third under Luis Colon. Colon sent his mount after the top pair turning into the long Hawthorne stretch, Summer Day going timidly and Journeyist taking Katie M’lady’s measure shortly thereafter. White Lies had 1 3/4 lengths on third-place Katie M’lady.

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Bred and owned by Steve and Diane Holland’s S D Brilie Inc, Journeyist is a 4-year-old by Tourist out of Beeway, by Champali. She was timed in 1:45.93 for 1 1/16 miles over a fast track and paid $13.40.

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