If you spot Pin Up Betty in a race June 1, 2026, it's probably worth placing a bet.
The chances are probably slim, given that it will be a Monday and she's a graded stakes-caliber horse, but the date has been fruitful for the daughter of Constitution .
On June 1 last year, she earned her first graded triumph in the Regret Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs. This year, Three Diamonds Farm's homebred filly notched an authoritative score in the $237,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3T) at the same track to end the six-race losing streak that had piled up since.
Despite not getting a win in the second half of her 3-year-old season, Pin Up Betty could always be trusted to run her race. In her 4-year-old debut May 3, she showed signs of increased strength when beaten just a neck by Simply in Front in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2T).
"She was little. The time off helped her this winter, she really filled out," trainer Mike Maker said. "She loves it here at Churchill, won a stakes last year. I'm really pleased with her performance."
Pin Up Betty has won three of her five starts over the Churchill Downs grass, representing all three career victories from 16 career starts.
"She likes it here," said jockey Luis Saez. "Every time I ride her over here, she always tries, she always shows up. Today, she did it very impressively. It was a great race."
Saez knows the filly well, holding a record of 3-2-0 from six starts on her back. The pair settled in sixth on the clubhouse turn and were content to idle in that position until the 3/8-pole. That was when Saez gave Pin Up Betty the cue and began to pick up ground on the outside as they entered the stretch.
The main challenge would be running down Charlene's Dream who, exiting a Gallorette Stakes (G3T) victory off 15 days rest, was bold on the lead after setting fractions of :23.75, :47.45, and 1:11.35 for jockey Rafael Bejarano.
"She broke perfect, she was in a great spot," Saez said. "When she came to the top of the stretch, I had a lot of horse and she gave me a good turn of foot."
Pin Up Betty drew even inside the eighth pole and Charlene's Dream could not deny the challenge, settling for the runner-up position 1 1/2 lengths behind.
Pin Up Betty completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.55 and paid $12.50 to win.
Movin' On Up finished third, but jockey Frankie Dettori lodged an objection against the top two finishers for drifting into his path around the time Pin Up Betty reached Charlene's Dream. The objection was reviewed and quickly dismissed by the stewards.
Pin Up Betty became the second graded winner this season for Constitution, joining Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) and Gulfstream Park Mile (G2) winner Mindframe. She is out of the multiple stakes-winning and three-time grade 3-placed Into Mischief mare I'm Betty G. Constitution stands the 2025 season at WinStar Farm for a $110,000 fee.
Now back in the win column, Maker said the ultimate goal for Pin Up Betty would be adding a grade 1 victory to her credentials.
