Julia Shining could make next start in Suncoast Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Julia Shining, narrow winner of Saturday’s Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes, left for South Florida on Monday morning and will take residence at trainer Todd Pletcher’s Palm Beach Downs base.

Pletcher indicated to the New York Racing Association press department that Julia Shining could make her 3-year-old debut in the Suncoast Stakes on Feb. 11 at Tampa Bay Downs. Though the race is only a mile and 40 yards, it would keep her racing around two turns. It is the same race Pletcher used with Nest to kick off her 3-year-old campaign in 2021.

The Suncoast could lead to the Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland in April.

Despite struggling with the sloppy Aqueduct surface, Julia Shining got up in time to win the Demoiselle by a neck over the maiden Affirmative Lady. Her final time of 1:53.05 for the 1 1/8 miles translated to a 70 Beyer Speed Figure.

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Julia Shining gave Pletcher his third straight victory and eighth overall in the Demoiselle. One of those wins came in 2020 with Malathaat, a full sister to Julia Shining and the 2021 3-year-old filly champion who is likely to earn a second Eclipse Award this year.

Weekend handle down sharply

All-sources handle on Saturday’s Cigar Mile Day card was $10,891,066, down 37.2 percent from last year’s figure of $17,345,029.

Saturday’s 10-race card was run under sloppy track conditions, did not consist of any turf races, and had 70 betting interests. In 2021, there were four turf races on the card, the main track was fast, and there were 84 betting interests. Moreover, there was a $729,612 pick six carryover going into the 2021 Cigar Mile Day card that prompted an additional $2.36 million wagered into that pool.

On Sunday, all-sources handle was $5,900,064, down 45.5 percent compared to the corresponding Sunday a year ago. In 2021, there were 10 races – six on turf – and 99 betting interests and handle was $10,829,329. On Sunday, there nine races – all on dirt – and only 56 betting interests.

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