Too Bad Justice rules in Sagamore Sired Stakes

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (May 18, 2022) – Too Bad Justice and jockey Joe Ramos ruled over a field of eight in the 9th running of the $100,000 Sagamore Sired Stakes, the first of four on the special Caesars Stakes Day card at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The duo ran over a rain-soaked track in a time of 1:05.1 for the five and one-half furlong sprint.

Starting from post seven, Too Bad Justice rallied up from the outside to take on early leaders Mr Chaos and Rodney Prescott and Pickle Feet and Orlando Mojica. Ramos placed the chestnut son of Harry’s Holiday right on the heels of the top duo until reaching the only turn of the race. Too Bad Justice began to excel around the turn and was even with both Mr Chaos and Pickle Feet at the top of the stretch.

Too Bad Justice hit another gear in the lane and moved away from contenders, reaching the finish line one and one-half lengths ahead of Pickle Feet. Me and Chili and Marcelino Pedroza Jr. closed well to finish third.

“This horse (Too Bad Justice) was still green last year,” said Ramos. “I think it helped getting some time off this winter. He’s changed his mind and figured out what he’s doing now. I shook him out of the gate last time, and he really surprised me. I am not surprised he won today. Marvin (Johnson) has done a great job with him and got him ready for this.”

Owned by Matt Kwiatkowski, Jason Kaylor and Roger Browning, Too Bad Justice paid $8.40 for the win. It was the second straight victory for the three-year-old, who had three seconds in three starts last year at two. Marvin Johnson trains the now stakes winner, who went over $125,000 in earnings with the victory.

“I wasn’t really concerned with the muddy track,” said Johnson. “Last fall, this horse ran second in the $100,000 stakes on an off track, so I thought he’d handle the footing today. And, we had a good post on the outside looking in. We were able to prevail.”

It was the second trip to the winner’s circle on the day for the Johnson, Ramos and co-owners Matt Kwiatkowski and Jason Kaylor. They also connected with Mansfield Tiger earlier in the day.

“God is always first,” said Ramos. “And I thank all the people that have and are helping me out. These owners are special. They own several horses I ride, and I thank them for their trust in me. I’m hungry and hustling and trying so hard. I want to keep going. I don’t want to stop.”

Photos by Coady Photography