Keeneland September Sale Graduate Jesus’ Team among Favorites for $12 Million Dubai World Cup

Keeneland sales graduates are showcased on the world stage Saturday as leading contenders in both the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) Sponsored by Emirates Airline and the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) Presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa, a major prep on the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Twenty-four Keeneland-sold horses are competing on a blockbuster day of racing as part of the Dubai World Cup celebration at Meydan. Millionaire Jesus’ Team, second in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) in his last start, and multiple graded stakes winner Sleepy Eyes Todd highlight the Dubai World Cup field.  

Other prominent Keeneland sales graduates entered at Meydan include:

• Champion and Grade 1 winner Channel Maker (Dubai Sheema Classic-G1); 
• Japanese group stakes winners Copano Kicking and Matera Sky (Dubai Golden Shaheen-G1 Sponsored by Gulf News);
• Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint (G2) runner-up Cowan (Al Quoz Sprint-G1 Sponsored by Azizi Developments); 
• Grade 1-placed Ambivalent (UAE Derby-G2 Sponsored by Emirates NBD); and
• European group winners Red Verdon and Spanish Mission (Dubai Gold Cup-G2 Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors).  

Keeneland September Sale alumni comprise half the field for the Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream on Saturday, led by Grade 2 winner Spielberg, who comes into the race following a second in the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn; Sam F. Davis (G3) runner-up Nova Rags and Papetu, third in the Fountain of Youth (G2). 

On the same day, Herecomesthebride (G3) winner Con Lima and graded stakes-placed Competitive Speed seek points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2).

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

CURLIN FLORIDA DERBY (G1) PRESENTED BY HILL ‘N’ DALE FARMS AT XALAPA, Gulfstream, 1 1/8 Miles, 3YOs

NOVA RAGS, 3YO colt by Union Rags – Wishful Splendor ($275,000 RNA, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hartwell Farm, agent) O/B- Michael Shanley (KY); T- Bill Mott 

QUANTUM LEAP, 3YO colt by Pioneerof the Nile – Grand Glory ($270,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Denali Stud, agent; Buyer- Lothenbach Stables) O- Lothenbach Stables; B- WinStar Farm (KY); T- Ian Wilkes

SOUTHERN PASSAGE, 3YO colt by Super Saver – Almudena (PER) ($47,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Four Star Sales, agent; Buyer- Baron Thoroughbreds) O- Robert Baron; B- William Saba & WinStar Farm (KY); T- Dale Romans

SPIELBERG, 3YO colt by Union Rags – Miss Squeal ($1 million, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent; Buyer- SF/Starlight/Madaket) O- SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm & Robert Masterson; B- G. Watts Humphrey Jr. (KY); T- Bob Baffert

PAPETU, 3YO colt by Dialed In – Lady Malkin ($80,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Select Sales, agent; Buyer- Jose DeFreitas) O- Magic Stables; B- Almar Farm (KY); T- Antonio Sano

 

GULFSTREAM PARK OAKS (G2), Gulfstream, 1 1/16 Miles, 3YO Fillies

CON LIMA, 3YO filly by Commissioner – Second Street City ($15,000, 2018 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Vinery Sales, agent, Buyer- V. C. Corp.; $19,000 RNA, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Eaton Sales, agent) O- Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Jospeh Graffeo, Eric Nikolaus Del Toro & Troy Johnson; B- Lisa Kuhlmann (TX); T- Todd Pletcher

PENS STREET, 3YO filly by Street Sense – Scooter Bird ($38,000 RNA to Sale, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Stonehaven Steadings; Buyer- J A L Racing) O- Dennis Smith & Daniel Walters; B- Stonehaven Steadings (KY); T- Rohan Crichton

LEN LO LADY, 3YO filly by Speightstown – Prettypriceygirl ($30,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Brookdale Sales, agent; Buyer- Baron Thoroughbreds) O- Robert Baron; B- Spruce Lane, Grand Crue, Copper Beech, Quickel Lynn & Ward Robbins (KY); T- Dale Romans

COMPETITIVE SPEED, 3YO filly by Competitive Edge – Shopped Out ($50,000 RNA, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent) O- John Minchello; B- White Fox Farm (KY); T- Javier Gonzalez

 

PAN AMERICAN (G2) PRESENTED BY ROOD & RIDDLE S., Gulfstream, 1½ Miles (T), 4YOs & Up

CROSS BORDER, 7YO ridgling by English Channel – Empress Josephine ($180,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Greenfield Farm, agent; Buyer- Aquinnah Ventures) O- Three Diamonds Farm; B- Berkshire Stud & B. D. Gibbs (NY); T- Mike Maker

TEMPLE, 5YO gelding by Temple City – Desant ($19,000 RNA, 2016 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Legacy Bloodstock, agent) O- Paradise Farms Corp.; B- Mark Toothaker & Dan White (KY); T- Mike Maker

CHURN N BURN, 4YO gelding by Liam’s Map – Swirls ($150,000, 2017 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Brookdale Sales, agent; Buyer- Eldemere Bloodstock) O- Lothenbach Stables; B- Double K (KY); T- Ian Wilkes

 

JEFF RUBY STEAKS (G3), Turfway, 1 1/8 Miles, 3YOs

LIKE THE KING, 3YO colt by Palace Malice – Like a Queen ($28,000, 2018 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Vinery Sales, agent; Buyer- The Acorn) O- M Racing Group; B- Horseshoe Racing (KY); T- Wesley Ward

KING’S OVATION, 3YO colt by Not This Time – Karen’s Silk ($100,000, 2018 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- Albaugh Family Stable; $100,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- Recio/Hubbard, agent) O- West Point Thoroughbreds & Peacock Stable; B- Roxanne Martin Stable (KY); T- Dale Romans

AWESOME GERRY, 3YO colt by Liam’s Map – Star of Munster $45,000 RNA, 2018 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent; $37,000 RNA, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- South Point Sales Agency, agent) O- John Fanelli, Cash is King, LC Racing, Paul Braverman & Timothy Pinch; B- John Liviakis (KY); T- Saffie Joseph Jr.

SAINTHOOD, 3YO colt by Mshawish – Lemon Hero ($100,000, 2019 Jan Horses of All Ages, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- The Legend Sables; $90,000 RNA, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent) O- WinStar Farm & CHC; B- Edward Taylor & Springland Farm (KY); T- Todd Pletcher

TARANTINO, 3YO colt by Pioneerof the Nile – Without Delay ($610,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- SF/Starlight/Madaket; $240,000 RNA, 2020 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- ELiTE, agent) O- SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm & Robert Masterson; B- Fred W. Hertrich III & John D. Fielding (KY); T- Rodolphe Brisset

MOONLITE STRIKE, 3YO colt by Liam’s Map – Twinkling ($45,000 RNA, 2018 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- South Point Sales Agency, agent; $120,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- South Point Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- Marc Tacher) O- Sonata Stable; B- Brushy Hill (KY); T- Saffie Joseph Jr.

HARD RYE GUY, 3YO colt by Hard Spun – La Pomme d’Amour ($110,000, 2018 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Penn Sales; Buyer- McMahon & Hill Bloodstock, agent) O- Bourbon Lane Stable; B- Godolphin & John Penn (KY); T- Ian Wilkes

 

KITTEN’S JOY APPLETON S. (G3), Gulfstream, 1 Mile (T), 4YOs & Up

FROSTMOURNE, 7YO gelding by Speightstown – Leaning Tower ($375,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Paramount Sales, agent) O/B- Green Lantern Stables; T- Eddie Kenneally

EVER DANGEROUS, 4YO colt by Kitten’s Joy – The Rahy Angel ($135,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent; Buyer- Reeves Thoroughbred Racing) O- Reeves Thoroughbred Racing & R. A. Hill Stable; B- Knowles Bloodstock (KY); T- George Weaver

RENAISANCE FROLIC, 6YO gelding by Paynter – Frolic’s Appeal ($90,000 RNA, 2015 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Hidden Brook, agent; $60,000 RNA, 2016 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hidden Brook, agent) O- Sir David Seale; B- Stride Rite Racing Stable (KY); T- Saffie Joseph Jr.

FOREVER MO, 5YO horse by Uncle Mo – Natchez Trace ($140,000, 2017 Jan Horses of All Ages, Consignor- Farfellow Farms; Buyer- deMeric Stables, agent) O- Tedesco Racing; B- Farfellow Farms (KY); T- Timothy Hills

SEISMIC WAVE, 5YO gelding by Tapit – Conference Call (GB) ($60,000, 2020 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- WinStar Racing, agent for Juddmonte Farms; Buyer- Steven W. Young, agent) O- Michael Dubb, Michael Caruso & Nice Guys Stable; B- Juddmonte Farms (KY); T- Chad Brown

 

GHOSTZAPPER S. (G3), Gulfstream, 1 1/8 Miles, 4YOs & Up

EYE OF A JEDI, 6YO gelding by Eye of the Leopard – Sea Song’s Grace ($1,500, 2016 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Darby Dan Farm, agent; Buyer- Big Easy) O/T- Steve Budhoo; B- Calumet Farm (KY)

JUST WHISTLE, 6YO horse by Pioneerof the Nile – And Why Not ($190,000 RNA, 2016 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Gainesway, agent) O/B- Helen Groves (KY); T- Michael Matz

WAR STOPPER, 4YO colt by Declaration of War – Mira Alta ($75,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent; Buyer- Eisaman Equine) O- Salerno Stables & Madaket Stables; B- Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds (KY); T- Todd Pletcher

VIOLENT CITY, 4YO colt by Violence – Dazzletown ($330,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Woods Edge Farm, agent; Buyer- Lothenbach Stables) O- Lothenback Stables; B- Woods Edge Farm (KY); T- Ian Wilkes

 

ORCHID S. (G3), Gulfstream, 1 3/8 Miles (T), 4YOs & Up, F&M

WAR LIKE GODDESS, 4YO filly by English Channel – Misty North ($1,200, 2017 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, agent, Buyer- Lawrence Hobson; $1,000 RNA, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent) O- George Krikorian; B- Calumet Farm (KY); T- Bill Mott

ENJOYITWHILEWECAN, 5YO mare by Quality Road – Unicity ($47,000, 2020 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Ashview Farm, agent; Buyer- Three Diamonds Farm) O- Three Diamonds Farm; B- Jamm et al (KY); T- Mike Maker

MORNING MOLLY, 5YO mare by Morning Line – Honor Your Gift ($45,000 RNA, 2017 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Vinery Sales, agent) O/B- Willow Lane Stables; T- Tom Proctor

CRYSTALLE, 4YO filly by Palace Malice – Undo ($85,000 RNA, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Shawhan Place, agent) O- Gary Barber; B- Glendalough (KY); T- John Kimmel

DELTA’S KINGDOM, 4YO filly by Animal Kingdom – My Spanx ($85,000, 2016 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Paramount Sales, agent; Buyer- Blue Sky Stable) O- Maram; B- H. Allen Poindexter KY); T- Bill Mott

 

SANTA ANA S. (G3), Santa Anita, 1 1/4 Miles (T), 4YOs & Up, F&M

MUCHO UNUSUAL, 5YO mare by Mucho Macho Man – Not Unusual ($170,000 RNA, 2017 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent) O/B- George Krikorian; T- Tim Yakteen

ALTEA (FR), 6YO mare by Siyouni (FR) – Ensis (SPA) ($200,000, 2020 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- ELiTE, agent; Buyer- SF Bloodstock) O- MyRacehorse; B- Carlos Vazquez Gonzalez (FR); T- Michael McCarthy

COLONIAL CREED, 5YO mare by Jimmy Creed – Neverthesame ($160,000 RNA, 2017 Sept Yearling, Consignor- South Point Sales Agency, agent) O- Doug Branham, Richard Baltas & Jerry McClanahan; B- Doug & Felicia Branham (KY); T- Richard Baltas

 

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DUBAI WORLD CUP SPONSORED BY EMIRATES AIRLINE (G1), Meydan, 2000M, 3YOs & Up

JESUS’ TEAM, 4YO colt by Tapiture – Golden Memories ($30,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Darby Dan Farm, agent; Buyer- Alfamaq) O- Grupo 7C Racing Stable; B- Pamela Gartin (KY); T- Jose Francisco D’Angelo

SLEEPY EYES TODD, 5YO horse by Paddy O’Prado – Pledge Mom ($9,000, 2016 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Legacy Bloodstock, agent; Buyer- Jonathan Wong) O- Thumbs Up Racing; B- Two Hearts Farm & Kristen Goncharoff (KY); T- Miguel Angel Silva

 

DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC (G1), Meydan, 2410M (T), 3YOs & Up

CHANNEL MAKER, 7YO gelding by English Channel – In Return ($57,000 RNA, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Warrendale Sales, agent) O- Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, R. A. Hill Stable & Reeves Thoroughbred Racing; B- Tall Oaks Farm (ON); T- Bill Mott

 

DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN SPONSORED BY GULF NEWS (G1), Meydan, 1200M, 3YO & Up

COPANO KICKING, 6YO gelding by Spring At Last – Celadon ($19,000 RNA, 2016 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Eaton Sales, agent) O- Sachiaki Kobayashi; B- Reiley McDonald (KY); T- Akira Murayama

IMPORTANT MISSION, 7YO horse by More Than Ready – Laura’s Pleasure ($175,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Bedouin Bloodstock, agent; Buyer- Blandford Bloodstock) O- Sheikh Juma Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum; B- Brian Kahn & More Than Ready Syndicate (KY); T- Salem Bin Ghadayer

MATERA SKY, 7YO horse by Speightstown – Mostageleh ($140,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Hunter Valley Farm, agent, Buyer- Cobra Farm; $350,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Bluewater Sales, agent, Buyer- Teruo Ono) O- Tsuyoshi Ono; B- Lynch Bages (KY); T- Hideyuki Mori

PREMIER STAR, 4YO colt by Tapiture – Letthetigerparty ($105,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent; Buyer- Red Wings) O- Sonata Stable; B- Charles Deters (KY); T- Michael Trombetta

SWITZERLAND, 7YO horse by Speightstown – Czechers ($170,000, 2014 Nov Breeding Stock, Consignor- Brookdale Sales, agent, Buyer- Fairwinter Farm; $175,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Eaton Sales, agent, Buyer- McKathan Bros.) O- Rrr Racing; B- Branch Family Trust (KY); T- Doug Watson

YAUPON, 4YO colt by Uncle Mo – Modification ($350,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Betz Thoroughbreds, agent; Buyer- Hoby & Layna Kight) O- William & Corinne Heiligbrodt; B- Betz, Lamantia, CoCo Equine, Magers & Burns (KY); T- Steve Asmussen

ZENDEN, 5YO horse by Fed Biz – You Laughin ($7,500, 2017 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Blandford Stud, agent; Buyer- South Legacy Stables) O- LLP Performance Horse; B- Brent & Beth Harris (KY); T- Carlos David

 

AL QUOZ SPRINT SPONSORED BY AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS (G1), Meydan, 1200M (T), 3YOs & Up

MAN OF PROMISE, 4YO colt by Into Mischief – Involved ($170,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Betz Thoroughbreds, agent; Buyer- Godolphin) O- Godolphin; B- Betz, Magers, CoCo Equine, Kidder, Lamantia & Davidson (KY); T- Charlie Appleby

COWAN, 3YO colt by Kantharos – Tempers Flair ($185,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent; Buyer- Bill & Corinne Heiligbrodt) O- Bill & Corinne Heiligbrodt, Madaket Stables & Spendthrift Farm; B- Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings (KY); T- Steve Asmussen

 

UAE DERBY SPONSORED BY EMIRATES NBD (G2), Meydan, 1900M, 3YOs

AMBIVALENT, 3YO colt by Constitution – Screwgie ($95,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Kaizen Sales, agent; Buyer- Red Wings) O- Reddam Racing; B- J. Stephen McDonald (KY); T- Doug O’Neill

FIRE GROUP, 3YO colt by Not This Time – Pick and Pray ($100,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent; Buyer- Team Glenn Dot) O- Elbashir Salem Elhari; B- Dr. Charles Giles (KY); T- Musabbeh Al Mheiri

FRANCE GO DE INA, 3YO colt by Will Take Charge – Dreamy Blues ($100,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Betz Thoroughbreds, agent; Buyer- Hideyuki Mori) O- Yuji Inaida; B- Betz, Kidder & Canetti (KY); T- Hideyuki Mori

MNASEK, 3YO filly by Empire Maker – Washington Bridge ($27,000 RNA, 2019 Jan Horses of All Ages, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent; $28,000, 2019 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Eaton Sales, agent, Buyer- Bruno DeBerdt, agent) O- Al Rashid Stables; B- Don Alberto Corp. (KY); T- Doug Watson

 

GODOLPHIN MILE SPONSORED BY MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM CITY-DISTRICT ONE (G2), Meydan, 1600M, 3YOs & Up

CHIEFDOM, 6YO horse by The Factor – Sultana ($300,000, 2016 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Hunter Valley Farm, agent; Buyer- Blandford Bloodstock) O- Sheikh Hasher Mohammed Al Maktoum & Faiuz Al Turkmani; B- Rhinestone Bloodstock (KY); T- Salem Bin Ghadayer

MIDNIGHT SANDS, 5YO horse by Speightstown – It’s Midnight ($70,000 RNA, 2017 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent) O- The Cool Silk Partnership; B- Flaxman Holdings (KY); T- Doug Watson

PARSIMONY, 5YO horse by Dominus – Lil Cora Tee ($41,000, 2017 Jan Horses of All Ages, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- Gary Broad; $85,000, 2017 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Buyer- Grand Oaks) O- Reddam Racing; B- Maria Montez Haire (PA); T- Doug O’Neill

RODAINI, 7YO horse by Exchange Rate – Blessings Count ($140,000, 2015 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Greenwood Lodge Farm; Buyer- Margaret O’Toole) O- Touch Gold Racing; B- Greenwood Lodge Farm (KY); T- Satish Seemar

SNAPPER SINCLAIR, 6YO horse by City Zip – True Addiction ($30,000, 2016 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent; Buyer- Cool Hill Farm) O- Bloom Racing Stable; B- K & G Stables (KY); T- Steve Asmussen

TUZ, 4YO colt by Oxbow – Suede Shoe ($7,000, 2018 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Mill Ridge Sales, agent; Buyer- Oracle Bloodstock, agent) O- Dakki Stable; B- Calumet Farm (KY); T- Satish Seemar

 

DUBAI GOLD CUP SPONSORED BY AL TAYER MOTORS (G2), Meydan, 3200M, 3YOs & Up

RED VERDON, 8YO horse by Lemon Drop Kid – Porto Marmay (IRE) ($85,000, 2014 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Gainesway, agent; Buyer- Jim McCartan) O- The Hon R. J. Arculli; B- Liberty Road Stables (KY); T- Edward Dunlop

SPANISH MISSION, 5YO horse by Noble Mission (GB) – Limonar (IRE) ($125,000, 2017 Sept Yearling, Consignor- Lane’s End, agent; Buyer- Lynch Bloodstock) O- Team Valor & Gary Barber; B- St. Elias Stables (KY); T- Andrew Balding