Beschizza conjures up more magic to grab first Graded win on Mom's On Strike

Report: Keeneland, Friday

Bewitch Stakes (Grade 3) | 1m4f | 4yo+ f&m | turf

Jockey Adam Beschizza rounded off the Keeneland spring meeting with a first Graded stakes victory on Mom's On Strike (Joe Sharp).

In a field containing the former Jonathan Portman-trained Ickymasho and Daddys Lil Darling, who was withdrawn from last year's Oaks at Epsom having been spooked by lightning, Mom's On Strike raced in mid-division before galloping on strongly in the stretch to win.

Beschizza, 25, has enjoyed a highly successful winter in the USA, first at Fair Grounds before extending his stay to ride at Keeneland. He is set to move on to Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby takes place next Saturday.

"It was an [uneventful] trip for me," Beschizza said. "She's a mare that switches leads very nicely. This trip is ideal for her because she can get into a nice rhythm.

"The long stretch here just allows her to lengthen away and get there in her own time."

Beschizza's association with trainer Joe Sharp has been particularly profitable with their successes including sending out Triple Chelsea to defeat Lady Aurelia in the Listed Giant's Causeway Stakes.

Sharp said: "With her running style we just figured she needed more ground. The stretch here at Keeneland is nice and long."

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