Southern Squall noses out Lori Z's Punch in overnight handicap at Charles Town

In her most recent race two months ago, Maryland-based filly Southern Squall won a third-level allowance at Charles Town as the 3-5 favorite.

Back at the same 4 1/2-furlong distance in Tuesday night’s $35,200 overnight handicap for fillies and mares, Southern Squall was a surprising 14-1 when she held off Lori Z’s Punch by a nose to make it back-to-back victories over Charles Town’s bullring.

Ridden for the first time by Luis Batista, the 4-year-old Southern Squall ($30.60) pressed the pace, opened up a one-length lead, and then just held off the late charge of Lori Z’s Punch while completing the 4 1/2 furlongs in 52.93 seconds.

It was the third win in 13 lifetime starts for Southern Squall, who is based at the Bowie training center with trainer Jerrell Roadcap.

Gottahope, a 10-1 outsider, finished third, 1 3/4 lengths behind Lori Z’s Punch. Hear Our Prayer was sixth as the 6-5 favorite.