JUSTIN PHILLIP, a Maiden Special Weight winner in his second start at Belmont by 2 3/4 lengths with a 93 Beyer, went nearly wire-to-wire to win this one mile and 70 yards allowance event at the Fair Grounds. This 3-year-old colt by FIRST SAMURAI now has two wins and three placings in five career starts.
Quickly recovering from an awkward start, JUSTIN PHILLIP moved up on the inside to take the lead and cruised on the front end and proved much the best under hand urging to win by 3 1/4 lengths.
Out of the stakes-placed Cryptoclearance mare Ava Knowsthecode and bred by Oakbrook Farm, JUSTIN PHILLIP was a $400,000 Keeneland September purchase by Zayat Stables and is trained by Steve Asmussen.