Late-running Pin Up Betty came from sixth at the top of the stretch to win the $250,000 Old Forester Mint Julep S. (G3) by 1 ½-lengths on June 1 at Churchill Downs.
The 4-year-old daughter of Constitution won the Regret S. (G3) exactly one year ago over this same turf course with an almost identical trip.
On Sunday, she was allowed to settle well off the early pace that was set by Charlene’s Dream, who went through a half-mile in :47.45. After going three-wide around the final turn, Pin Up Betty came even wider into the stretch as she set her sights on the leader. She took over from Charlene’s Dream inside the furlong marker, then drew off late to stop the timer in 1:40.55 on the firm turf.
The winner’s time eclipsed the previous best Mint Julep time of 1:40.70 set by Quite a Bride in 2007.
“She likes to be on the outside of horses, so even though we lost a little position early, it probably worked out for the best,” said winning trainer Mike Maker. “We didn’t get the best of the photo last time but thankfully we did today.”
Maker was referring to her narrow loss in the Distaff Turf Mile (G2) on Derby Day at Churchill. Sunday’s win upped her record to 3-6-1 in 16 starts, with earnings of $774,591 for owner/breeder Three Diamonds Farm.
Top-10 General Sire Constitution is over $6.2 million in progeny earnings in 2025 and has eight stakes winners and 16 black type horses overall this term. His leading earner is Grade 1 winner Mindframe, who is slated to run in the Met Mile (G1) on Belmont S. day this Saturday.
