Tommy Jo Maintains Undefeated Record in the Alcibiades, Though via the Stewards’ Decision

The Spendthrift Farm filly was awarded the win following the disqualification of Percy’s Bar, securing her spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1)

The moment of interference, with Tommy Jo boxed out / KEENELAND

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- The opening of Keeneland’s fall meeting delivered high drama and a touch of controversy in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1–1700 m, dirt, US$ 650,000), where Tommy Jo (Into Mischief–Mother Mother, by Pioneerof the Nile) preserved her unbeaten record in three starts, despite not crossing the wire first. The Spendthrift Farm filly was promoted to the win following the disqualification of Percy’s Bar (Upstart), penalized by the stewards for a dangerous maneuver in the stretch.

With just six entries, the race quickly became a showdown between the two fillies who had starred in the Spinaway Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, where Tommy Jo had won impressively. This time, however, Percy’s Bar, ridden by Brazilian Luan Machado, changed tactics: she broke sharply from the inside, seized the lead, while Tommy Jo, the 2-5 favorite, tracked her closely under John Velázquez.

The battle remained tight until the final furlong. As they entered the stretch, Percy’s Bar veered sharply under pressure, impeding her rival and making violent contact. Tommy Jo had to correct, lost momentum, and finished 2 3/4 lengths behind. After a five-minute steward deliberation and a claim by Velázquez, Percy’s Bar was disqualified to second place. A questionable call…

“My filly was pushing and suddenly got hit from the side; she opened up and lost impulse,” Velázquez explained after the race. “I had to ask her again, but it was too late. Still, I knew it was enough to lodge a claim.”

On the other side, frustration reigned for Percy’s Bar’s team. Machado said, “I don’t think it was fair, but rules are rules. I felt I had the better filly.” Trainer Ben Colebrook added, “If the margin had been a head or a neck, I’d understand. But with that difference, I’m not convinced. Either way, we’ll head to the Breeders’ Cup—that was the plan if we won.”

Crossing the line in 1:44.69, Tommy Jo earned US$ 397,963, bringing her career earnings to US$ 617,963. It was her first start around two turns, and while she didn’t show the same dominance as in her Saratoga victories, trainer Todd Pletcher was pleased: “It was her Keeneland debut, her first try at the distance, against horses training here. It’s a race that will help her mature. I’m confident she’ll be in top form for the Juvenile Fillies.”

That next test, on October 31 at Del Mar, will be the true exam for the Pioneerof the Nile granddaughter, now a standout of her generation. Bred and owned by Spendthrift Farm, Tommy Jo’s name honors Eric Gustavson’s granddaughter, a prominent figure in the operation that also owns her sire, Into Mischief, the leading stallion in the U.S.

Behind the leading pair, The Grumpy Rabbit (Not This Time) closed well from the back to finish third, 2 3/4 lengths back.

With the win—and the automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup through the Win and You’re In Challenge Series—Tommy Jo positions herself as one of the favorites for the Juvenile Fillies (G1). History supports her claim: since 2019, three Alcibiades winners have gone on to capture the Juvenile Fillies, most recently the champion Immersive in 2024.

Spendthrift can dream of another juvenile crown, and even if the stewards’ desk played a role this time, Tommy Jo has shown her class remains very much intact.