Randomized came close to clinching an Eclipse Award in 2023, narrowly losing to Pretty Mischievous for champion 3-year-old filly. However, her stunning performance on June 8 in the $500,000 Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course could set her up for another shot at the title.

Displaying top-tier form, Randomized fended off reigning champion older dirt female Idiomatic to win the Ogden Phipps by a slim margin in a photo finish.

True to her style, she surged from the gate and set a steady pace. 

Idiomatic, after a slow start, settled into third under jockey Florent Geroux, trailing Randomized by a few lengths. Longshot Tizzy in the Sky raced between them.

As the race progressed, Idiomatic closed in on Randomized, while Pretty Mischievous made a bid from the inside. In the end, it was a two-horse race, with Randomized holding off Idiomatic to win in 1:49.58, rewarding her backers with a $14 payout.

"She's back," said Seth Klarman of Klaravich Stables, referring to Randomized, the previous year's Alabama Stakes (G1) winner.

Jockey Joel Rosario celebrated his fourth overall Phipps victory and third consecutive win, following triumphs on Clairiere in 2022-23.

"I was begging for the wire because (Idiomatic) was closing in. I was sweating a bit, but she pulled it off," Rosario commented.

Pretty Mischievous finished third, followed by Raging Sea, Soul of an Angel, and Tizzy in the Sky.

Trainer Brad Cox expressed frustration with Idiomatic's run, stating, "She was the best horse. Lost ground, no pressure on the winner, and a tough bob."

This race contrasted with their previous encounter in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Santa Anita Park, where Idiomatic had pressured Randomized early and won by half a length.

Since then, Idiomatic claimed the La Troienne Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs, while Randomized finished second in the Ruffian Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack, a race Chad Brown, her trainer, felt she needed.

Reflecting on the rivalry, Brown said, "Idiomatic is a worthy champion. She's exceptional, and we were lucky to save ground in this race."

The two might face off again later this year, with potential clashes in the Aug. 23 Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) at Saratoga and the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar. The Phipps victory secured Randomized an automatic berth in the Distaff through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In.

Randomized is sired by Nyquist, who stands at Darley in Lexington for $85,000 in 2024. Nyquist's other notable progeny this year include Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T) winner Johannes, Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) winner Nysos, and Lexington Stakes (G3) winner Encino.

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