Just One Time closes late to win Grade 1 Madison

Just One Time turned in a successful closing effort on Saturday, coming on late to win the Grade 1, $500,000 Madison at Keeneland.

The win in the seven-furlong event for older fillies and mares required the Not This Time filly to beat out a stellar field. It was her second win for trainer Brad Cox, who took over for Michael Salvaggio Jr. for Just One Time’s 2022 campaign.

“It was a big effort,” Cox said after the race. “She ran big.”

Lady Rocket, also trained by Cox, took the early lead in the race, knocking out early fractions in 22.11 seconds, 44.50 and 1.09.64. She held on until the field came out of the turn, when Bell’s the One came running.

As the Majesticperfection mare ran past the field, it seemed for a moment that she would hang on for the win. But Just One Time, who came from the very back of the nine-horse field, had the final word.

The filly moved up under jockey Flavien Prat to get the win by three quarters of a length. The final time was 1:22.79.

“She came rolling down the middle of the track and obviously ran down a Grade 1 winner in Bell’s the One, she’s a good mare in her own right,” Cox said. “Just happy to pick up the Grade 1 for these guys.”

The filly returned $6.60 for the win. Cox said the goal will be the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland for Just One Time, and she could run at Churchill Downs in the Derby City Distaff (G1) for her next race, though that race might come too quick.

“We’re going to have to just see how things are coming up,” Cox said.

Bell’s the One held on for second place while Kimari completed the trifecta.