Albaugh Family Stables’ Kentucky-bred Juju’s Map earned her way into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) with a dominating victory in the $400,000 Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 8.
Ridden by Florent Geroux, the Brad Cox charge stalked early leader Runup in second position early. As Runup began retreating, Juju’s Map took control of the race. She spurted clear, opening up a commanding three-length lead in the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile test and reported home a 4 ¼-length winner over fellow Kentucky-bred Distinctlypossible. In winning her stakes debut, Juju’s Map covered the distance in 1:43.52.
“She sat close to a hot pace and was still able to finish, and I thought, ‘That’s what good horses do,’” trainer Brad Cox said. “She broke running. Florent put her in a good position, and she finished up well. I’m very proud of her performance. As long as she comes out of it in good order, I think we’ll march on toward California (Breeders’ Cup).”
Geroux said, “She’s very talented to start with, but today it was tricky because there were a couple of other speed horses. From the one hole, you have to use speed to your advantage to make sure they don’t cross over and slow it down. So, I just wanted to break ahead, so if they wanted the lead, they would have to work for it, and that’s what they did. When I asked her down the lane, she gave me another gear, the kind of effort you want to see, and hopefully, she’s going into the Breeders’ Cup in the right way.”
Bred in the Bluegrass by Fred Hertrick III, Juju’s Map is a daughter of Liam’s Map out of the Flatter mare Nagamble. The bay filly was a $300,000 Keeneland September graduate in 2020. Juju’s Map finished second in her career debut in July at Ellis Park and followed that effort with an impressive 5 ¾-length victory in a maiden special weight at Ellis in her second lifetime start.