Lift Up uses eye-catching finish to win Miss Liberty Stakes

Lift Up finished with a rush to win the $76,500 Miss Liberty Stakes for fillies and mares at Monmouth Park on Saturday. She paid $8.20 for her 1 3/4-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile race contested over firm turf.

Ridden by Mario Pino, the Kentucky-bred daughter of Ghostzapper was near the back of the pack while Stallion Heiress and Team of Teams dueled through a first quarter-mile in 23. 41 seconds. Lift Up was in sixth after Stallion Heiress opened up a clear lead and posted a half-mile time of 47.50. Saving ground the whole way, she moved into contenting entering the stretch, had to wait for room at the eighth pole, and when Pino moved her outside, she exploded to win going away.

Viva Vegas stalked the early leaders, took the lead just past the eighth pole, and held on well to finish second. Party Boat rallied from last to finish three-quarters of a length behind Viva Vegas.

Lift Up is trained by Michael Dickinson and owned by Augustin Stable. It was the fifth win and first stakes victory in nine starts for the lightly raced 4-year-old filly. The $45,000 winner’s share of the purse brought her earnings to $166,809.