Bodacious Bay delivered the biggest victory of her career on September 19, winning the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing and turning her first start for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. into a major success.
The three year old daughter of Not This Time moved into contention as the field approached the far turn, took command in the stretch and held a clear advantage over Kentucky Oaks winner Always a Runner. Measure finished third, narrowly missing second, while Tap to Open was fourth.
A major step forward at Parx
My Miss Mo established the early pace, covering the opening quarter in 23.81 seconds and the half mile in 47.99 seconds. Bodacious Bay remained within striking distance before advancing around the turn and taking control as the leaders entered the stretch.
She completed 1 1/16 miles on a fast dirt track in 1:43.60. The victory was her first stakes win, first graded stakes win and first Grade 1 success.
Bodacious Bay entered the Cotillion after finishing second in the Monmouth Oaks in July. Her victory at Parx immediately changes her standing within the three year old filly division and gives her connections an important late season Grade 1 result.
Always a Runner settles for second
Always a Runner entered as the Kentucky Oaks winner and the favorite, but Bodacious Bay had already established a decisive advantage when the favorite produced her late run. Measure closed strongly to finish just behind Always a Runner.
The result adds another important chapter to a major Parx card that also includes the Pennsylvania Derby and Gallant Bob Stakes.
OTB Bet readers can revisit the Cotillion Stakes preview for the field entering the race, and follow the Pennsylvania Derby preview for the other Grade 1 centerpiece at Parx.
Image is illustrative and does not depict the Cotillion Stakes field.
