Juliet Foxtrot breaks through in Gallorette at Pimlico
Juliet Foxtrot announced herself with authority when first arriving to America for Juddmonte Farms and trainer Brad Cox. She won her first three races and looked on her way to the top of the female turf division.
She hit a bit of a bump in the road after that and though she had run competitively against some of the best in her division, she had lost six races in a row heading into the Gallorette (G3) at Pimlico, the first of six graded stakes on Saturday's Preakness Stakes card.
The drop in competition and a perfect trip were just what the daughter of Dansil needed to turn things around.
50-1 shot Jabuticaba set very slow early fractions, completing the opening half mile in :50.59. Florent Georux positioned Juliet Foxtrot perfectly outside the big long shot and set sail turning for home once Jabuticaba threw in the towel.
“The ‘7’ horse looked like she had a lot of speed, Geroux said. "I just wanted to break good and get away from there and not be on the rail. I wanted to make sure I got a clear shot. I sat second place all the way and when I asked her, she went on."
Varenka, making her first start in blinkers, closed strongly from the back of the pack to grab second despite the slow early pace. The Graham Motion filly could be worth following next time, but this day belonged to Juliet Foxtrot who completed the mile and one sixteenth journey in 1:49.24 and paid $4.20 to win. No Mo Lady edged out She'sonthewarpath for third.
Following the race, Geroux stated how pleased he was that his mare was able to win despite what he felt were less than ideal circumstances.
"We were concerned how far she wanted to go. I think she’s a true miler. I think she’s more effective on the firm turf. The ground was a concern, but she was able to show off her class. She won on her class today, and not on what she likes.”
The Gallorette could be the start of a big day for Cox and Geroux. Cox has four horses, including Juliet Foxtrot, listed at 7-5 or less on Pimlico's morning line. Geroux will seek Preakness glory with Thousand Words and has a plethora of live mounts on the card.