Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Hard to Justify posted a half-length victory in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, handing trainer Chad Brown a record sixth win in the race.

Breaking from the 12 hole, jockey Flavien Prat angled Hard to Justify over early and hustled her past the frontrunning Dreamfyre turning for home. Hard to Justify surged down the lane to score in a tight finish over Porta Fortuna to her inside and She Feels Pretty on her outside.

Campaigned by Wise Racing, Hard to Justify raced the mile on a firm turf course in 1:34.42 as the 9.10-1 fifth betting choice.

“She’s a very progressive horse who has proven she can overcome trouble,” Brown said. “She’s really very advanced for her age, mentally, and had that physical toughness to overcome a brutal trip in her first race, making a couple different runs during the race to get up.

“In her second race (the Grade 2 Miss Grillo Stakes), she was forward and was always there for Flavien. He was excited to ride her here and liked her chances in the race.”

The 2-year-old Justify filly improved her record to a perfect 3-for-3 and won her second stakes following the Miss Grillo. Brown’s first five wins in the Juvenile Fillies Turf came with Maram (2008), Lady Eli (2014), Stephanie’s Kitten (2015), New Money Honey (2016), and Rushing Fall (2017).

Porta Fortuna edged She Feels Pretty by a head for second.