Woodford Thoroughbreds’ Aussie Girl (IRE), always prominent throughout the race, took command at the head of the stretch and held off a late bid from favored Saffron Moon by a half-length to win Thursday’s featured $130,000 Upson Downs Purse for fillies and mares. (Click here for a video of the race.)

Trained by Will Walden and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Aussie Girl completed the 1 1/16 miles over a turf course rated as good in 1:44.63.

Making her second U.S. start after beginning her career in Europe, the 4-year-old Group 3-placed daughter of Starspangledbanner (AUS) out of the Galileo (IRE) mare Ravissante improved her record to 16-4-5-2 and increased her earnings to $232,462 with Thursday’s $49,220 check.

Aussie Girl returned $13.82, $5.78 and $4.28. Saffron Moon, ridden by Flavien Prat, returned $3.26 and $2.84 and finished 2¼ lengths in front of Blissful, who paid $7.36 to show under Jose Ortiz.

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Racing continues Friday with a 10-race program beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

Friday is College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane’s End.