(Irad Ortiz, Jr. / Coady Photography)

From the NYRA Media Team:

Clarkland Farm’s Kentucky homebred Just Cindy outdueled Summer Promise in a spirited stretch battle to capture Thursday’s Grade 3, $175,000 Schuylerville, a six-furlong sprint for juvenile fillies on Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course.

Trained by Eddie Kenneally and piloted by Irad Ortiz, Jr., the Justify bay entered from a 2 1/4-length debut score in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight on June 17 at Churchill Downs.

Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. — Just Cindy:

Irad Ortiz, Jr., who recently secured his 19th NYRA riding title after posting 48 wins at the Belmont spring/summer meet, said he was impressed with his first experience aboard Just Cindy.

“The filly is really nice. She does everything right,” Ortiz, Jr. said. “From the one post, she overcame everything and got there on time. When I asked her at the quarter pole, she did it.”

Assistant Trainer Kelly Wheeler — Just Cindy:

The win marked the third graded victory at Saratoga for Kenneally, who captured the Grade 3 Sanford in 2016 [Bitumen] and 2019 [By Your Side].

Kelly Wheeler, assistant to Kenneally, said she appreciated Just Cindy’s tenacity in the stretch run.

“She kind of got knocked around a little bit and she stayed professional and ran on,” Wheeler said. “It’s really all you can ask for in a second-time starter.

“I think she’ll go longer – I don’t think that will be an issue at all,” added Wheeler. “We kind of thought the added distance today wouldn’t be an issue at all, and it wasn’t.”

Rider Luis Saez — Summer Promise (2nd):

Summer Promise, a dark bay daughter of Uncle Mo trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, was purchased for $500,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Out of Grade 1-winning millionaire Dream of Summer, Summer Promise is a half-sister to Grade 1-winners Creative Cause and Vexatious.

She entered from a facile five-length score under David Cohen in a June 25 maiden special weight at Churchill Downs.

Luis Saez, who picked up the mount, said Summer Promise should improve with experience.

“She sat second in good position. She came to the top of the stretch and kind of waited a little for the other one,” Saez said. “But she did good. She’s going to be better next time.”