Stakes Next for Impressive Julia Shining

Stonestreet Stables’ homebred Julia Shining, a full sister to champion Malathaat, made her racing debut on Sunday one to remember as she came from far back to score a 2¾-length victory in the sixth race.

“The end result was what we wanted, but she went about it not in the typical way in winning on debut,” trainer Todd Pletcher said of the 2-year-old filly.

Julia Shining broke well but dropped back to the rear of the 12-horse field in the race over the Beard Course of 7 furlongs, 184 feet.

“She started climbing from the kickback, but once (jockey) Luis (Saez) got her in the clear she was fine,” Pletcher said. “Still, at the five-eighths pole, I was not sure.”

Approaching the far turn, Julia Shining began a four-wide move and by the time the field hit the top of the stretch, she was widest of all and swept past the field.

“I thought the Beard Course might be too short for her,” Pletcher said. “She should relish two turns, and I think the ($250,000) Demoiselle (G2) going a mile and eighth (at Aqueduct) would be a strong possibility and the timing (Dec. 3) is pretty good.”