LEXINGTON, KY (Feb. 3, 2017) – Keeneland sales graduates dominate entries for the weekend’s prep races on the Roads to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1). Headlining entries are the eagerly awaited sophomore debuts of Eclipse Award winners and 2016 Experimental Free high weights Classic Empire and Champagne Room in Saturday’s Lambholm South Holy Bull (G2) at Gulfstream and Sunday’s Las Virgenes (G2) at Santa Anita, respectively.
Keeneland sales graduates take center stage on the Triple Crown trail this weekend and include:
- Five of the nine 3-year-olds set to go postward in the Holy Bull, led by Classic Empire and also featuring the season debut of Saratoga Special (G2) and Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) winner Gunnevera.
- Eight of the 10 entries for the Withers (G3) at Gulfstream, among them El Areeb, who has reeled off three consecutive wins topped by an 11¼-length victory in the Jerome (G3).
- Four of the five horses entered in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita, led by trainer Doug O’Neill’s trio of Cecil B. DeMille (G3) winner Term of Art, Oak Tree Juvenile winner Dangerfield and Grade 1 stakes-placed Irap.
Keeneland sales alumni also take next steps on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. Keeneland sales represent four of the five fillies entered in the Las Virgenes, which features the match-up between Champagne Room and likely favorite and Santa Ynez (G2) winner Unique Bella. Keeneland September Yearling Sale graduate Pretty City Dancer, dead-heat winner of the Spinaway (G1), makes her sophomore debut in the Forward Gal (G2) at Gulfstream on Saturday.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
LAMBHOLM SOUTH HOLY BULL S. (G2), Gulfstream, 1 1/16 Miles, 3YOs
GUNNEVERA, 3YO colt by Dialed In – Unbridled Rage ($16,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Brandywine Farm & Stephen Upchurch; Buyer- Antonio Sano, agent) O- Peacock Racing Stables; B- Brandywine Farm & Stephen Upchurch (KY); T- Antonio Sano
PERRO ROJO, 3YO colt by Birdstone – Lillybuster ($70,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, agent; Buyer- Calumet Farm) O- Calumet Farm; B- Mueller Farms (KY); T- Nick Zito
CLASSIC EMPIRE, 3YO colt by Pioneerof the Nile – Sambuca Classica ($475,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Warrendale Sales, agent; Buyer- John C. Oxley) O- John C. Oxley; B- Steven & Brandi Nicholson (KY); T- Mark Casse
FACT FINDING, 3YO colt by The Factor – Sweet Belle ($100,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Nursery Place, agent; Buyer- Tally Ho Stud) O- Stonestreet Stables, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B- Nursery Place & Partners (KY); T- Todd Pletcher
FIRE FOR EFFECT, 3YO colt by Smart Strike – In the Slips ($60,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Hunter Valley Farm, agent; Buyer- Imagine) O- West Point Thoroughbreds; B- Jellystone Holdings (KY); T- Dale Romans
SAN ANTONIO S. (G2), Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Miles, 4YOs & Up
HOPPERTUNITY, 6YO horse by Any Given Saturday – Refugee ($300,000, 2012 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Betz Thoroughbreds, agent; Buyer- Bob Baffert, agent) O- Karl Watson, Mike Pegram & Paul Weitman; B- Betz/DJ Stable/Kidder/J. Betz/Robenait (KY); T- Bob Baffert
DALMORE, 4YO colt by Colonel John – Silver Breeze ($47,000, 2014 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Kaizen Sales, agent; Buyer- Big Chief Racing) O- Big Chief Racing, Keith Desormeaux & Rocker O Ranch, et al; B- Sally Andersen (FL); T- J. Keith Desormeaux
ACCELERATE, 4YO colt by Lookin At Lucky – Issues ($380,000, 2014 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Bluewater Sales, agent; Buyer- L. E. B.) O- Hronis Racing; B- Mike Abraham (KY); T- John Sadler
PALOS VERDES S. (G2), Santa Anita, 6 Furlongs, 4YOs & Up
IKE WALKER, 5YO gelding by Bellamy Road – Quite Familiar ($125,000, 2013 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Buck Pond Farm, agent; Buyer- Ike & Dawn Thrash) O- C T R Stables, Jerry Hollendorfer & Dr. Michael Sigband; B- Buck Pond Farm (KY); T- Jerry Hollendorfer
OCHO OCHO OCHO, 5YO horse by Street Sense – Winner ($50,000, 2013 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent; Buyer- Grassroots Training & Sales) O- D P Racing; B- Siena Farms (KY); T- Jim Cassidy
SAN MARCOS S. (G2), Santa Anita, 1¼ Miles (T), 4YOs & Up
BLUE TONE, 8YO gelding by Birdstone – Princess Cart ($100,000, 2010 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Gainesway, agent; Buyer- Robert Hess Jr.) O- Engelberg, Schroeder Farms & Steeper; B- Far View Stables (KY); T- Robert Hess Jr.
GUSTNADO, 5YO gelding by Smart Strike – Blithe ($95,000, 2012 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- James B. Keogh (Grovendale), agent, Buyer- Woods Edge Farm; $285,000, 2013 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Woods Edge Farm, agent, Buyer- Matt Schera) O- Ruis Racing; B- Haymarket Farm (KY); T- Craig Dollase
PERFECTLY MAJESTIC, 5YO gelding by Majesticperfection – Skatesheba (FR) ($32,000 RNA, 2013 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Brereton Jones/Airdrie Stud, agent) O- Griffin Thoroughbred Stables & Schroeder Farms; B- Brereton Jones (KY); T- Robert Hess Jr.
CONQUEST DADDYO, 4YO colt by Scat Daddy – Hangingbyamoment ($150,000, 2014 Jan Horses of All Ages, Consignor- Shannondoe Farm, agent, Buyer- Spring House Farm; $120,000, 2016 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent, Buyer- Martin Anthony) O- Hronis Racing; B- James Everatt, Janeane Everatt & Arika Everatt Meeuse (ON); T- John Sadler
ISOTHERM, 3YO colt by Lonhro (AUS) – Game for More ($120,000, 2014 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Paramount Sales, agent; Buyer- Rockbridge Bloodstock) O- Matthew Schera; B- H. Allen Poindexter (KY); T- George Weaver
SWALE S. (G2), Gulfstream, 7 Furlongs, 3YOs
DEREK’S SMILE, 3YO colt by Brother Derek – A Wink and a Smile ($20,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent) O- George Hall; B- K & G Stables (KY); T- Kelly Breen
SONIC MULE, 3YO colt by Distorted Humor – Globe Trot ($175,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Select Sales, agent; Buyer- Calumet Farm) O- Calumet Farm; B- WinStar Farm (KY); T- Todd Pletcher
VANISH, 3YO colt by Algorithms – Elusive Hope ($19,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Kaizen Sales, agent) O- Gary Barber; B- Hope Stock Farm (ON); T- Mark Casse
IMPRESSIVE EDGE, 3YO colt by Harlan’s Holiday – Cool Edge ($70,000 RNA, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent; $185,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- Good Omen Stable) O- N & K Racing; B- Fred W. Hertrich III & John Fielding (KY); T- Dale Romans
FORWARD GAL S. (G2), Gulfstream, 7 Furlongs, 3YO Fillies
BODE’S DREAM, 3YO filly by Bodemeister – Frolic’s Dream ($135,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Bedouin Bloodstock, agent; Buyer- Walter Bloodstock; $300,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Paramount Sales, agent, Buyer- Crupi’s New Castle) O- St. Elias Stable; B- SF Bloodstock (KY); T- Todd Pletcher
PRETTY CITY DANCER, 3YO filly by Tapit – Pretty City ($825,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Gainesway, agent; Buyer- John C. Oxley) O- John C. Oxley; B- Gainesway Thoroughbred (KY); T- Mark Casse
MS LOCUST POINT, 3YO filly by Dialed In – Whisper Number ($17,000, 2015 Jan Horses of All Ages, Consignor- Paramount Sales, agent, Buyer- Barzini Syndicate; $27,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Paramount Sales, agent) O- Jim Reichenberg, Bruno De Julio & Cash Is King; B- Lesley Campion (KY); T- John Servis
SUMMER LUCK, 3YO filly by Lookin At Lucky – Seasonal ($17,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Hidden Brook, agent, Buyer- Walter Bloodstock; $40,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hunter Valley Farm, agent, Buyer- Atlantic Bloodstock) O- Gary Barber; B- Imperious Stable & Lookin At Lucky Syndicate (KY); T- Mark Casse
WITHERS S. (G3), Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Miles, 3YOs
TRUE TIMBER, 3YO colt by Mineshaft – Queen’s Wood ($170,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- St. George Sales, agent; Buyer- Calumet Farm) O- Calumet Farm; B- Mr. & Mrs. Marc C. Ferrell (KY); T- Kiaran McLaughlin
APARTFROMTHECROWD, 3YO colt by Gio Ponti – Glencoe Church ($45,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Paramount Sales, agent; Buyer- Golden Legacy Stables) O- Klaravich Stables & William Lawrence; B- Maxxam Alliance (FL); T- Chad Brown
EL AREEB, 3YO colt by Exchange Rate – Feathered Diamond ($100,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent; Buyer- Eisaman Equine) O- M M G Stables; B- Dixiana Farms (KY); T- Cathal Lynch
FILLET OF SOLE, 3YO colt by Union Rags – Detect ($350,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Betz Thoroughbreds, agent; Buyer- Crupi’s New Castle) O- St. Elias, Teresa Viola Racing Stables, Brooklyn Boys & MEB Stables; B- Betz, Kidder, Blackburn, Lamantia, Graves & Davidson (KY); T- Todd Pletcher
ALWAYS A SUSPECT, 3YO colt by Exchange Rate – Copper Beauty ($85,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent; Buyer- Xavier International Bloodstock, agent) O- Victory Racing Partners; B- Exchange Rate Syndicate & J. Hogan Enterprises (KY); T- Kiaran McLaughlin
SMALL BEAR, 3YO gelding by Macho Uno – Stella Prima ($45,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Bluewater Sales, agent; Buyer- Randy Bradshaw) O- August Dawn Farm; B- Martin Lake & Serendipity Farm (KY); T- Gary Sciacca
SQUARE SHOOTER, 3YO colt by Trappe Shot – Flask ($80,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Stone Farm, agent; Buyer- B.L.B. Inc) O- Gold Square; B- Stone Farm & Joseph Sutton (KY); T- Michael Lerman
J BOYS ECHO, 3YO colt by Mineshaft – Letgomyecho ($485,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Betz Thoroughbreds, agent; Buyer- Albaugh Family Stable) O- Albaugh Family Stable; B- Betz, Blackburn, Betz, Ramsby, CNHHNK (KY); T- Dale Romans
ROBERT B. LEWIS S. (G3), Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Miles, 3YOs
ROYAL MO, 3YO colt by Uncle Mo – Royal Irish Lass ($300,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Brandywine Farm; Buyer- Mr. & Mrs. J.S. Moss) O- Mr. & Mrs. J.S. Moss; B- Brandywine (KY); T- John Shirreffs
IRAP, 3YO colt by Tiznow – Silken Cat ($140,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent) O- Reddam Racing; B- Aaron & Marie Jones (KY); T- Doug O’Neill
DANGERFIELD, 3YO colt by Into Mischief – Amusingly ($92,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Warrendale Sales, agent, Buyer- Headford Farm; $450,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- St. George Sales, agent, Buyer- Zayat Stables & W.C. Racing) O- W.C. Racing & Zayat Stables; B- Joe B. Murphy (KY); T- Doug O’Neill
TERM OF ART, 3YO colt by Tiznow – Miles of Style ($220,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Timber Town, agent; Buyer- Calumet Farm) O- Calumet Farm; B- Whisper Hill Farm (KY); T- Doug O’Neill
SWEETEST CHANT S. (G3), Gulfstream, 1 Mile (T), 3YO Fillies
OKINAWA, 3YO filly by The Factor – Friona ($75,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent; Buyer- Walter Bloodstock; $140,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hunter Valley Farm, agent, Buyer- Quarter Pole Enterprises) O- Ramona Bass; B- Labhras Draper & Catherina McDonnell (KY); T- Chad Brown
MO JUSTICE, 3YO filly by Lemon Drop Kid – Undercover Justice ($80,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent) O/B- Bill Justice (KY); T- Christophe Clement
BAHAMA HALO, 3YO filly by More Than Ready – Bahama Bound ($350,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent; Buyer- Let’s Go Stable) O- Let’s Go Stable; B- Dell Ridge Farm (KY); T- Todd Pletcher
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5
LAS VIRGENES S. (G2), Santa Anita, 1 Mile, 3YO Fillies
MOPOTISM, 3YO filly by Uncle Mo – Peppy Rafaela ($135,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Blandford Stud, agent; Buyer- McMahon & Hill Bloodstock, agent) O- Reddam Racing; B- Frank Batten (KY); T- Doug O’Neill
CHAMPAGNE ROOM, 3YO filly by Broken Vow – Lucky to Be Me ($70,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Denali Stud, agent, Buyer- Summerfield Sales, agent; $55,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Summerfield, agent) O- S. Alesia, Ciaglia Racing or Exline-Border Racing et al; B- Respite Farm (KY); T- Peter Eurton
MISTRESSOFTHENIGHT, 3YO filly by Midnight Lute – Ringmistress ($23,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent; Buyer- James Spicer) O- Beerman Family Trust or Hall or Sayjay Racing; B- George Krikorian (KY); T- Richard Baltas
UNIQUE BELLA, 3YO filly by Tapit – Unrivaled Belle ($400,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Eaton Sales, agent; Buyer- Don Alberto Corporation) (career 3-2-1-0, $162,400) O- Don Alberto Stable; B- Brushwood Stable (PA); T- Jerry Hollendorfer
# # #
keeneland
@keenelandracing
keeneland
keenelandfan