Panty Raid captures Juddmonte Spinster Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - Panty Raid, ridden by Garrett Gomez, outlasted 2-1 favorite Lady Joanne to win Sunday's $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes at Keeneland. The victory, part of the "Win and You're In" program, guarantees Panty Raid a spot in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Monmouth Park on October 27.

Lady Joanne, with Calvin Borel in the saddle, set the pace up the backstretch in the 1 1/8 mile race for fillies and mares. Sugar Shake was pressing the pace from the inside with Altesse and Rolling Sea alternating in third and fourth.

Entering the far turn Sugar Shake took a short lead over Lady Joanne, but the favorite quickly drew along aside Rafael Bejarano's mount. Lady Joanne had the lead coming off the final turn as Panty Raid advanced on the outside.

Panty Raid and Lady Joanne were even at the top of the stretch with the favorite sticking her nose in front with a furlong to run. Panty Raid took the lead with less than a 100 yards to run and held on for a half-length victory.

Teammate finished third in the 11 horse field followed by Sugar Shake, Asi Siempre, Altesse, Rolling Sea, Naissance Royale, High Heels, Promenade Girl and Solo Survivor.

The time for the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes was 1:51.30 on the all-weather track.

Panty Raid is owned by Glencrest Farm and trained by Todd Pletcher. The three- year-old filly was coming off a loss in the Alabama Stakes to Lady Joanne at Saratoga as the favorite.

Sunday's win was worth $300,000 to bring Panty Raid's career earnings to more than $1 million. She has won five of eight lifetime starts, taking four of seven this year.

Also this year Panty Raid won the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico and the American Oaks on the turf at Hollywood Park.

Panty Raid returned $8.20, $4.40 and $3.40. Lady Joanne paid $3.60 and $2.80, and Teammate paid $6.80 to show.