Justify’s Rosie’s Alibi Romps in Parx Maiden Special Weight

$625,000 MyRacehorse yearling purchase Rosie’s Alibi (2f Justify x Essential Rose, by Bernardini) became Justify’s newest winner on Saturday with a 5¼-length Maiden Special Weight victory at Parx.

Making her second career start, the filly pressured the leader throughout the 6½-furlong dirt race and that one finally gave way as they turned into the stretch. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. didn’t have to do much from there, just giving her some light urging as Rosie’s Alibi romped home well in front.

Purchased by her racing owner at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale last year, Rosie’s Alibi is part of the Todd Pletcher string.

Rosie’s Alibi is a half-sister to stakes winners Rose’s Vision and Roses for Debra with all four of their dam’s runners now winners. The filly’s granddam is the Grade II winning Essential Edge, who also produced stakes performers as well. The filly’s fourth dam is the successful broodmare Flame of Tara, who herself produced seven stakes performers.

Essential Rose had a filly by American Pharoah this year.

This is the third winner from three runners by Justify out of Bernardini mares with the cross including stakes winner Justa Warrior and impressive debut winner Justique.