Tasting the Stars scores in Just Jenda

Despite a layoff of almost six months, Tasting the Stars won her stakes debut and kept her perfect record intact in the $75,000 Just Jenda Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Sunday at Monmouth Park.

Tasting the Stars capitalized on a perfect trip under Nik Juarez, sitting just off a strong pace set by Souper Escape. Odds-on favorite Ellyb surged to the lead into stretch, but Tasting the Stars edged out from just behind her and swooped past inside the eighth pole and drew off to a 1 3/4-length victory. Sweet Sami D rallied on the outside with the winner and secured the place late. Souper Escape outlasted Ellyb late for third, causing some slightly outsized show payoffs.

Tasting the Stars had won her previous two races, a maiden and a first-level allowance, for trainer Mike Stidham this past winter at the Fair Grounds. The daughter of Bodemeister for the one mile on turf in 1:34.76 and paid $7.80 as the second choice.