Tommy Jo Returns in the Victory Ride to Spearhead Spendthrift's Attack

The exceptional dual Grade 1 winner makes her highly anticipated return following a nine-month layoff at Saratoga Race Course, the very track where she shone brilliantly during her juvenile campaign. She will share the iconic Spendthrift Farm silks with the progressive Goodall

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— The Victory Ride Stakes (G3), which this Friday opens the path for the sophomore sprinting fillies at Saratoga, will feature as its main attraction the highly anticipated return of Tommy Jo, one of the absolute stars of her generation in 2025 who returns to the racetrack following a nine-month layoff.

Bred by Spendthrift Farm and conditioned by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Into Mischief left a profound impression during her juvenile campaign. She debuted with an authoritative victory over the main track at The Spa before demolishing her rivals by 6 1/2 lengths in the historic Spinaway Stakes (G1), a performance she subsequently confirmed in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, where she was promoted to first via disqualification. Her lone career defeat came in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), where she finished fifth.

"She has developed beautifully, and we see her much stronger and more mature than last year," remarked Ned Toffey, General Manager of Spendthrift. "She is a filly with a tremendous amount of energy, and we believe that returning in a sprint is an excellent launching pad for her season."

With legendary rider John Velazquez in the saddle, Tommy Jo will face a demanding test against several sharp, race-ready rivals, including her own stablemate Goodall, who enters the engagement in the finest form of her career.

Trained by Steven Asmussen, the daughter of Yaupon comes off a dominant victory in the Jersey Girl Stakes (L) at Saratoga, a success that followed her prior triumph in the Purple Martin Stakes (L) at Oaklawn Park. With Flavien Prat retaining the mount, she looks to prove she belongs among the elite sprinters of her crop.

The powerful Asmussen stable will also send forth Iron Orchard (Authentic), the brilliant winner of the Frizette Stakes (G1), who makes her first appearance since the Breeders' Cup and debuts for new connections after being transferred from the Danny Gargan barn.

The exceptionally deep field features a host of high-quality fillies, including Carmel Coast (Omaha Beach), who chased Goodall home when second in the Jersey Girl; Peach Tie (Preservationist), the recent winner of the Miss Preakness Stakes (G3); multiple stakes winner Mythical (St Patrick's Day); A Fine Chardonnay (Maclean's Music), winner of the Beaumont Stakes (G2); and the always-dangerous Sneaky Good (Into Mischief), promising one of the most exciting and competitive contests of the opening weekend at Saratoga.