Nitrogen Dominates in Edgewood Stakes Victory

In a powerful return to action, Nitrogen justified her heavy favoritism with a decisive victory in the Grade 2 Edgewood Stakes at Churchill Downs. Guided confidently by Jose Ortiz, the filly made a strong case for being one of the top 3-year-old turf fillies in the country.

As the gates opened, Gowells Delight flashed early speed and took command, setting solid but manageable fractions (23.67, 48.87) while unchallenged through the opening half-mile. Nitrogen, breaking sharply from the outside, was allowed to settle into a comfortable stalking position mid-pack under a patient ride from Ortiz.

As the field rounded the far turn, Ortiz gave Nitrogen her cue. She responded immediately—angled out with a powerful outside bid and quickly inhaled the pacesetter Gowells Delight, who was still fighting but beginning to tire.

By the top of the stretch, Nitrogen surged past and drew clear, putting daylight between herself and the rest of the field. Her winning margin was 3-1/2 lengths, and she covered the 1-1/16 miles in 1:41.58.

Despite a game effort from Gowells Delight, she was no match for Nitrogen’s turn of foot in the final furlong. Lush Lips (GB) made a mild run from off the pace to finish second for the second consecutive time to Nitrogen, after finishing second 3/4 of a length in the G3-Florida Oaks in March.

Vixen, who also finished second to Nitrogen, in the G2-Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland last month, closed well late to round out the top three.

Completing the finishing order were Aterradora (IRE), Will Then, Gowells Delight, and Hideaway.

Scratched Horse(s): Admit (Stakes Scratch)

Fractional Times: 23.67 48.87 1:13.20 1:35.74
Final Time: 1:41.58

Winning Connections

Winner: Nitrogen
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Mark Casse
Owner: D.J. Stable, LLC (Leonard and Lois Green)
Breeder: D.J. Stable, LLC
Bloodline: Bay Filly, by Medaglia d’Oro out of Tiffany Case, by Uncle Mo. Foaled Mar 06, 2022 in Kentucky
Medaglia d’Oro is standing at Darley, Lexington, KY. ($75,000 stands & nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2 EXACTA (5-7) – $12.08
• $0.50 TRIFECTA (5-7-2) – $5.24 
• $1 SUPERFECTA (5-7-2-4) – $44.16
• $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-7-2-4-8) – $87.80

Watch the Replay