Jules N Rome / NYRA Photo

Castellano's "perfect ride" pilots Jules N Rome to Saratoga Dew victory

by Brian Bohl

Jules N Rome stalked the leader and overtook Isabelle in deep stretch to win Monday's $100,000 Saratoga Dew for New York-bred fillies and mares at Saratoga Race Course.

Trained by Rudy Rodriguez, Jules N Rome won her first career stakes race in finishing the 1 1/8-mile course in 1:50.98. Claimed by Michael Dubb two races back, the 4-year-old gray filly won by 1 3/4 lengths.

"We always liked her," Rodriguez said. "We looked at her for a long time; we wanted to claim her for $40,000 [last October] but a couple of the [potential] owners didn't think she had the numbers. When they put her in [for $62,500 on May 30], we talked to Michael Dubb, and he said 'Take her.' That's why he is who he is in this game."

Isabelle, trailed by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, set fractions of 23.80, 48.52, 1:12.98 and 1:38.09 before Jules N Rome, under jockey Javier Castellano, surged late to win for the third time this year.

"Today, we had to overcome the outside post. I was concerned and had to save ground the first turn to cover her up, and I think that was the key," Castellano said." Once I put her back outside turning for home, she really responded and took it to the field. Rudy told me it was tricky being way outside, and not to use too much horse in getting position so she would have something left at the end."

The 3-1 wagering choice, Jules N Rome paid $8.70 on a $2 win wager and improved her career earnings to $376,182.

Isabelle finished 1 ½ lengths in front of Jc's Shooting Star in third. Flipcup, the 2-1 favorite, came in fourth.

Literata, Daisy Cutter, Carameaway, Legally Bay, Perfect Freud and Bella Joy completed the order of finish.

The Saratoga Dew is named for the filly who became the first state-bred to win an Eclipse Award in 1992. The Gary Sciacca-trained daughter of Cormorant won eight races during her 3-year-old season, including victories in the Grade 1 Gazelle, Grade 1 Beldame and the Grade 2 Comely.