Partisan Politics overcame interference to run out a convincing winner of the Listed P G Johnson Stakes (1700m) at Saratoga on Wednesday.
The Kentucky bred filly scored by next to three lengths on the turf circuit to become the 131st stakes winner by Vinery champion More Than Ready.
Partisan Politics (2f More Than Ready – Bluegrass Princess by Dynaformer) was facing the starter for just the second time after a close-up third on debut at the Spa in July. “It got a little bit rough early,” winning jockey Javier Castellano admitted. “But I was able to put her in a good spot and I’m honoured to win the race named after such a great guy.”
Hall Of Famer Phil Johnson prepared Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Volponi and claimed training titles at Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga before his death in 2004.
Partisan Politics had settled just off the pace at the break but was bumped hard by Ancient Goddess who carried several rivals wide rounding the first turn. “I’m really proud of her to go wide and still power home,” trainer Chad Brown said. “I thought we would have had to save a little more ground to win, but she didn’t need it.”
Partisan Politics was purchased Seth Klarman’s Klaravich Stables in partnership with William Lawrence for $175,000 at the 2013 Keeneland September yearling sale. She the first foal of Bluegrass Princess who was stakes placed at Saratoga, Belmont and Gulfstream Park.
Her British-bred second-dam America America (Mister Baileys) won the LR Lone Star Oaks in Texas.
