Res Judicata Upsets Salvator Mile

An aggressive early ride by Nik Juarez paid off late for Res Judicata, who controlled the pace early and drew off in the stretch for an upset win in the $100,000 Salvator Mile Stakes (gr. III) July 2 at Monmouth Park. 

Breaking from the widest post in the field of four 3-year-olds and older going a mile, Res Judicata was hustled early to seize the lead and an inside position going into the first turn. The 6-year-old son of Smarty Jones   then settled through a quarter-mile in :23.55, a half-mile in :47.31, and six furlongs in 1:10.94 while enjoying a clear advantage throughout.

In the far turn Allied Air Raid attempted to rally outside and Nonna's Boy tried to make up ground inside, but Res Judicata wasn't much in the mood for drama. He opened up a big advantage turning for home, extended that to 3 1/2 lengths in midstretch, and cruised to about a 3 3/4-length score.

At age 6, Res Judicata knocked down his first graded stakes win. He is a homebred for Someday Farm and is trained by John Servis—the same owner and trainer as his dual-classic winning sire.

In Saturday's race, the plan came together.

"The instructions were to make sure his face stayed clean," Juarez said. "He broke really well and we got to the front and over to the rail. He settled well and I was able to give him a breather along the backstretch and then asked him to go around the three-eighths pole and he answered."

Res Judicata, the longest shot in the short field, returned $18 to win and $4.60 to place. Allied Air Raid returned $2.80 to place. After the scratches of Comfort and Green Gratto left the field at four, show wagering was note offered.

Pennsylvania-bred Res Judicata is the first stakes winner for winning Honour and Glory mare Mohonour.