Despite a dramatic finish, longshot Serenas Ghost rallied impressively in the final sixteenth of a mile to claim victory in Friday’s Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland, winning by just over a length. The 2-year-old filly by Girvin, ridden by Luis Saez, completed the 1 1/16 miles on a turf course rated “good” in 1:45.57. This win secured Serenas Ghost an automatic spot in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland later this month.
During the race, Serenas Ghost had to quickly change course when the early leader, Seneca Park, drifted wide near the furlong marker, prompting jockey Luis Saez to steer sharply toward the inside rail. This move encouraged the filly to switch to her right lead, and Saez capitalized on it, driving her up the rail. Brian Hernandez Jr., aboard Seneca Park, tried to put pressure on Serenas Ghost by angling his horse inward, but Serenas Ghost was already gaining momentum, eventually finishing 1 1/4 lengths ahead. Seneca Park took second place, and Mel Went Home finished third.
Saez explained that he initially attempted to guide Serenas Ghost to the outside but found limited space, narrowly avoiding interference before redirecting inside. “She responded after that,” Saez said. “She proved that she’s an amazing filly.”
Trained by Joe Sharp and owned by her breeders Barry and Joni Butzow, Serenas Ghost is a product of strong bloodlines. Sharp previously trained both Serenas Ghost’s sire, Grade 1 winner Girvin, and her dam, the stakes-winning mare Sirenusa by Tiznow. Sharp remarked, “She really seems like the perfect combination of both of them—both were extremely gritty and loved racing, and she has shown that from day one.”
Sharp also credited his assistant, Kylie Wellington, who managed much of Serenas Ghost’s early training at Turfway Park and handled her debut victory at Horseshoe Indianapolis. “My assistant Kylie Wellington had a lot of confidence going into her first race, and watching the replay before this race got me excited, too,” Sharp commented.
This Jessamine Stakes was Serenas Ghost’s second career start, following her maiden win at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Sharp highlighted the filly’s composure in her first stakes race as a positive sign ahead of the Breeders’ Cup. “Moving forward to the end of the month, there will be plenty of challenges, so she’ll need a strong will to win—and she certainly shows that,” he said.
This article was first published by Paulick Report on October 2, 2026.
Fan Take: This thrilling victory by a 22-1 longshot highlights the unpredictability and excitement that makes horse racing so captivating. Serenas Ghost’s grit and adaptability could make her a standout star in the Breeders’ Cup, potentially inspiring a new generation of fans and showcasing the depth of talent in the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
