She's a Julie breaks clear late in Bayakoa

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - She’s a Julie showed her class in the Grade 3, $200,000 Bayakoa on Monday at Oaklawn Park when she moved clear of the field in the later stages for a 2 3/4-length win in her first start at 4.

Promise of Spring rallied for second, finishing 1 1/2 lengths clear of third-place finisher Moonlit Garden.

The Bayakoa was the first of three stakes on the card at Oaklawn.

She’s a Julie ($4.80) moved to the lead soon after the start under regular rider Ricardo Santana Jr., and took the field through an opening quarter in 23.78 seconds. She continued to set the pace through a half-mile in 48.01 seconds, withstood pressure from Remedy and Moonlit Garden through six furlongs in 1:12.30, and went on to cover the 1 1/16 miles on a track rated fast in 1:43.45.

“She’s very special,” said trainer Steve Asmussen, who had four winners on the card. “It’s very emotional. She’s named after my wife.”

Carrol Castille of Whispering Oaks Farm, who co-owns She’s a Julie, named the filly for Julie Asmussen.

She’s a Julie was the class of the Bayakoa field, as she entered the race a multiple Grade 3 winner. She has now won 5 of 12 starts for career earnings of $580,530. She’s a Julie is a daughter of Elusive Quality who also races for Team Hanley, Bradley Thoroughbreds, and Madaket Stables.

Last year, the filly won her graded races in the Grade 3 Iowa Oaks and Grade 3 Remington Park Oaks. She also ran second in the Grade 1 Alabama.

Asmussen said plans are to be determined for She's a Julie.