In the $150,000 Poinsettia Stakes for fillies and mares held Sunday at Oaklawn, Jersey Pearl capitalized on a delay involving the favorite Hillert to secure a two-length victory. Starting from the 6th post, Jersey Pearl chased the leader Can’t Believe It from the outside, taking the lead as they approached the final stretch.
Jersey Pearl, at $12.40 odds, pulled away decisively down the stretch, holding off Benedetta in the last 100 yards, finishing the race in 1:04.17 on the fast track. Benedetta finished just a quarter length ahead of third-place Tapit Quick, followed by Can’t Believe It, Hillert, and Gray Lightning.
Hillert, who had beaten Jersey Pearl in the six-furlong Dream Supreme Stakes at Churchill Downs on November 8, was not a significant threat this time. Hillert, ridden by eight-time Oaklawn champion Ricardo Santana Jr., had previously never finished worse than second in her last eight starts.
This marked the first Oaklawn Stakes win for Jersey Pearl’s Kentucky-based owners, Tommy and Bonnie Hamilton of Silverton Hill Farm, and trainer Darrin Miller, since Great Notion’s Southwest (L) win in 2003.
Jersey Pearl, a 5-year-old daughter of Bee Jersey and Jersey’s Soul (Perfect Soul (IRE) mare), boosted her career earnings to $629,022 with her sixth win in 15 races. The Hamiltons purchased her at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for just $12,000, and she was raised in Kentucky by Charles Fipke.
This Poinsettia win was Jersey Pearl’s second stakes victory, adding to her 2023 Cheryl S. White Memorial Stakes win at Mahoning Valley. Notably, she placed third in the Dream Supreme.
Winning jockey Francisco Arrieta praised Jersey Pearl’s consistent effort, noting, “She’s such a great filly. She always works hard for me. I’ve ridden her about five times with three wins, one second, and one third. Darrin Miller did a fantastic job keeping her fit and healthy. She jumped well and gave me a great lead with a strong finish.”
Trainer Darrin Miller commented, “I think she would have been a little worried if she hadn’t competed elsewhere, but it helped her a lot. She’s naturally fast. (Regarding future plans?)”
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on December 22, 2025.
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Fan Take: Jersey Pearl’s victory is a thrilling example of how dedication, smart training, and an underdog purchase can pay off big in horse racing, reminding fans that excitement can come from beyond the favorites. This win also highlights the depth of talent in fillies and mares competitions, promising more competitive and engaging races in the sport’s future.
