Go Google Yourself Returns Victorious in Bayakoa

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Jay Em Ess Stable homebred Go Google Yourself returned to the winner’s circle yet again on Monday, this time grinding her way forward just in time to take the $200,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

Breaking from post 2 as the 2/1 second choice under Brian Hernandez, Jr., Go Google Yourself sat just behind the pace while saving ground. Ahead of her, Lady Suebee posted opening fractions of :23.91, :47.70, and 1:11.96.

Midway through the far turn, Whoa Nellie ranged up from her two-wide stalking position and took command as the field straightened for home. Set down for the stretch drive, the Larry Jones trainee looked clear until the final 1/16, when a steadily-advancing Go Google Yourself drew even on her outside.

Inching past in the shadow of the wire, the Paul McGee-trained Go Google Yourself crossed a neck in front in a final time of 1:43.65 for the 1 1/16-mile event over the fast main track.

“We had to run hard to wear down a nice filly,” said Hernandez, Jr. “We had a lot of confidence in her. I got a little nervous inside the 1/8 pole because Larry Jones horses can be tough to wear down. Our filly is a multiple stakes winner and she got the job done today.”

Though caught late, Whoa Nellie was 3 3/4 lengths clear of Cairenn in third. Motion Emotion was another 6 3/4 lengths back, passing a tiring Lady Suebee late for fourth.

Gold Standard gave way halfway through the race before completing the order of finish.

Go Google Yourself’s win was her third in her past four starts, including the Locust Grove Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs two back, before running second there in the Falls City Handicap (G2). The 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief improved her record to 19-7-5-3 with $639,625 earned.

“It was a tough race,” McGee said. “I didn’t get confident until she made the lead, actually, right there at the wire. She’s a game, hard-trying filly and always has been. The fact that we ran down that other filly, I was really proud of her. Although it was a six-horse field, it was a tough six horses, I thought. A lot of stakes experience among the horses in there. Google, she’s just a classy, hard-trying filly. That’s all you can ask for.”

Go Google Yourself returned $6.20 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.80 to show. Whoa Nellie brought back $3 to place and $2.60 to show, while Cairenn paid $4.80 to show.