BloodHorse
By: Frank Angst
Date: 4/28/2023
In posting a 1 1/2-length victory in the $297,500 Bewitch Stakes (G3T), War Like Goddess became just the third horse in the history of the Lexington track to win the same stakes three years in a row, and the first to do so since Knight Counter won a third straight Ben Ali Handicap (G3) in 1974.
In the 1 1/2-mile test for fillies and mares, the featured race on closing day of Keeneland's spring meet, War Like Goddess tracked in third as Personal Best enjoyed a two-length lead through a half-mile in :52.39 and six furlongs in 1:18.74 on the good turf. As jockey Joel Rosario asked for a bit more as War Like Goddess approached the final turn, Jose Ortiz moved up Temple City Terror to her outside.
War Like Goddess displayed a little burst to claim the lead and avoid being caught between Temple City Terror and Personal Best. Angled out several paths entering the stretch, War Like Goddess then held off hard-trying Temple City Terror to complete the race in 2:32.11.
"It's very, very special what she did today," Krikorian said. "She's really showed us that she's a special horse. We're proud of her."
