Just Wicked battles to win Adirondack Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – A race over the track and a little extra experience may have made the difference during the latter stages of Saturday’s $200,000 Adirondack Stakes, with Just Wicked finally getting the better of the gritty pacesetter Tonasah in the closing yards to post a well-deserved 1 1/4-length victory in the Grade 2 dash for juvenile fillies.

Just Wicked already had two starts under her belt and a win over the course, having won her maiden here July 24. Tonasah, on the other hand, had run just once prior to the Adirondack, cruising to a maiden win more than six weeks ago at Belmont Park.

With regular rider Jose Ortiz aboard, Just Wicked, a grand-looking daughter of Tapit, broke well to stalk the early pace of Tonasah, who posted splits of 22.21 and 45.52 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and half-mile of the 6 1/2-furlong Adirondack. Just Wicked engaged the leader midway on the turn before finally proving best after a thrilling stretch-long duel.

Tonasah, the 6-5 favorite, was easily second-best, finishing eight lengths clear of her stablemate Delicate Lady, who had her best chances compromised when solidly bumped by Kandoo after the break. Decked Out, Lookout Sister, the unlucky Kandoo, who stumbled badly at the break, and Heartbreaker Girl completed the order of finish.

Just Wicked is owned by her breeder, Ron Winchell, and is trained by Steve Asmussen. She completed the distance in 1:16.61 and returned $8.70.

“I’d originally planned on skipping this race with her, but she just trained so good, and she came through,” said Asmussen. “The other filly [Tonasah] made an easy lead, Jose said he went after her pretty early, and obviously it paid off. This is a very special filly looks-wise, class-wise, and for her to win a graded stakes at Saratoga, that’s what she’s made for.”

Asmussen said he’ll consider Just Wicked for the Grade 1 Spinaway on Sept. 5, but he’ll let her tell him if she’s ready to run.

“I thought she trained better off her first race here and was capable of stepping up today,” said Asmussen. “And we’ll look for similar indications before the next one.”