Juddmonte homebred Marjoram delivered an impressive come-from-behind victory in her racing debut Saturday at Churchill Downs, capturing a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies.
The Quality Road filly, sent off at 3-1 odds, rallied from last place to secure a three-quarter length triumph under jockey Luis Saez, completing the distance in 1:19.17 over a sloppy track.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Marjoram showed remarkable acceleration after trailing the field through the opening quarter in :22.68. The bay juvenile advanced to fourth position entering the far turn, continued her momentum through the half-mile in :46.25, and swung wide into the stretch to challenge frontrunner Kayla’s Komet.
“She showed tremendous heart down the stretch,” said Saez following the race. “Once she found her stride, I knew we had a real chance.”
Marjoram’s pedigree suggests significant potential. She is a full-sister to Spiced Up, winner of this summer’s GIII Mahony Stakes, and her dam Cardamon is a half to multiple Grade I winner Emollient and Grade I-placed Hofburg.
The victory earned Marjoram’s connections $69,300 from the $117,975 purse.
Juddmonte continues to develop this impressive female line, with Cardamon producing a yearling filly by Into Mischief and a weanling colt by Flightline. The mare was bred back to Flightline for a 2026 foal.
Marjoram’s extended family includes 2024 G1 Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, adding further luster to her pedigree page.
Marjoram is a debut winner in R8 at @churchilldowns under @luissaezpty for trainer Michael McCarthy! 🌟
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/cTji4Jk9wi
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires)
Marjoram is a debut winner in R8 at November 22, 2025
