Juvenile Summer Stakes Winners Part III

Moving into the second half of the year, juvenile race distances are lengthening.  Later maturing babies are starting to appear and overtake their more precocious counterparts.  As we slowly gear up for the Breeders’ Cup, let’s review the top two-year-olds from around the country. In this three-part series, we’ll focus on stakes winners and notable stakes placed runners at the major tracks.

 

Part I of Juvenile Summer Stakes Horses focused on Saratoga stakes winning two year olds.  Part II of the series examined the gifted youngsters at Del Mar. Part III takes a closer look at juvenile stakes winners from Arlington, Churchill, Gulfstream and Woodbine.

 

You can find more of this season’s two year olds on the 2015 Kentucky Derby Contenders and 2015 Kentucky Oaks Contenders lists. 

 

 

 

RECOUNT (Limehouse - Lucky in Love, by Bold Badgett)

Race record: 3-2-0-1 ($112,060)

Trainer:  James DiVito

Owner:  Doubledown Stables, Inc.

Breeder:  Barney Gallagher & Anne Gallagher

Auction:  FTKOCT13 $40K

 

Pedigree:  Recount is a half to the stakes placed sprinter Point Count.  Their dam is stakes placed and owns the only other blacktype in three generations.  Recount has a sprinter/miler pedigree. The Illinois-bred gelding is 2-2 on Poly and has placed on dirt. His full sister won on dirt, but was unplaced over an off track.

 

 

Outlook: The Prairie Meadows Juvenile Mile Stakes is shaping up to be a key race.  Recount was third in the contest after a wide trip behind the winner Private Prospect.  Recount avenged that loss by winning the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G-3) by a bare head over Private Prospect.  , Lucky Player, the second place finisher in the Prairie Meadows Juvenile recently won the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill. The Arlington-Washington Futurity hasn’t produced much over the last five years other than Florida Derby winner TAKE CHARGE INDY and the Grade 1 winning sprinter CALEB’S POSSE. Both were runners up in their respective years.

 

 

 

PRIVATE PROSPECT (Discreet Cat - Private Deputy, by Private Terms)

Race record: 4-3-1-0 ($142,100)

Trainer:  Michael Campbell

Owner:  Mellon Patch, Inc.

Breeder:  Randal Family Trust, R David & Marylyn A Randal

Auction: KEESEP12 $28K

 

 

 

Outlook: Private Prospect is only a head shy of being undefeated. He fought off Lucky Player by a neck in the Prairie Meadows Juvenile Mile and was on the losing end of a photo finish against Recount a race later. We may see Private Prospect return to dirt in the Breeder’s Futurity at Keeneland.

 

 

 

QUALITY ROCKS (Rock Hard Ten - Elusive Virgin, by Elusive Quality)

Race record: 2-2-0-0 ($76,200)

Trainer:  William Helmbrecht

Owner:  Destiny Oaks of Ocala

Breeder:  Destiny Oaks of Ocala

Auction:  OBSAUG13 $37K (RNA)

 

Pedigree: Quality Rocks is a winner over Tapeta and Polytrack. Although her sire Rock Hard Ten competed on dirt, the progeny of the son of Kris S. are stronger over turf and synthetics. Her dam Elusive Virgin hit the board once in seven tries, earning a win through DQ in a dirt mile race. She’s a half to the multiple graded turf stakes veteran PURELY COZZENE, stakes winner ERICA'S SMILE and stakes placed Forestry Prince. 

 

 

Outlook: Quality Rocks captured the Arlington-Washington Lassie in 1:24.88, just an eye blink off of the Futurity’s final time of 1:24.25.  Unfortunately, both races were shortened this year to seven furlongs instead of the traditional 1 1/16 miles.  The last winner of the Lassie who did anything notable later in their career was 2009 winner She Be Wild, who earned the Juvenile Champion Filly title. Quality Rocks could contest the Jessamine Stakes or experiment with the dirt in the Alcibiades or even the Frizette.

 

 

 

 

CINCO CHARLIE (Indian Charlie - Ten Halos, by Marquetry)

Race record: 4-2-0-1

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Owner:  William & Corinne Heiligbrodt

Breeder:  Candyland Farm

Auction:  OBSMAR14   $190K

 

 

Pedigree: Cinco Charlie is the first stakes winner produced by his dam.  Ten Halos is a multiple stakes placed sprinter.  She’s a half sister to multiple graded stakes winners and sires BWANA CHARLIE, his full brother, MY PAL CHARLIE (Indian Charlie) and BWANA BULL (Holy Bull).  Cinco Charlie will likely find his niche as a sprinter/miler.

 

 

Outlook: The precociousCinco Charlie captured his debut in early May. A month later, he blasted through six furlongs in 1:10.36 to win the Bashford Manor Stakes by 1 ¾ lengths.  Who did he beat? Skyway, who won the G-2 Best Pal Stakes in his next outing and Lucky Player, the recent Iroquois Stakes winner.  Cinco Charlie dueled through blazing opening fractions in the Sanford Stakes and tired to third. A race later, he did the same thing in the Saratoga Special and faded late to fifth place. Cinco Charlie takes on lesser competition at Delaware Park on September 13 in the First State Dash Stakes.

 

 

 

LUCKY PLAYER (Lookin At Lucky - Janetstickettocats, by Storm Cat)

Race record:   4-2-1-0 ($115,691)

Trainer:  Steve Asmussen

Owner:  Jerry Durant

Breeder:  Destiny Oaks of Ocala

Auction:  FTSAUG13 $175K (RNA)

 

 

Pedigree:  Lucky Player is the most accomplished son of #2 ranked Freshmen Sire Lookin at Lucky.  The Two Year Old Champ has sired three stakes winners to date.  Lucky Player is the first foal produced by his dam. She managed to hit the board once in five starts. Janetstickettocats is a half sister to RUNWAY MODEL, heroine of the Alcibiades and Golden Rod Stakes; Turf Paradise Derby hero MAMBO TRAIN; plus stakes placed Texas Kitty and Elena Strikes. Lucky Player’s second dam is a stakes winning sprinter/miler.  The colt has Rasmussen Factor breeding (inbred to a blue hen within five generations) to Smartaire, through the half siblings Smarten (Cyane), who is the damsire of Smart Strike. Smart Strike is the sire of Lookin at Lucky.  Smartaire is also the dam of Smart Angle (Quadrangle) who produced Houston, Lucky Player’s second damsire.  Lucky Player has the pedigree to handle middle distances (1 1/16 – 1 1/8 miles), after that, it gets iffy. 

 

 

Outlook:  The stable mate to Cinco Charlie won the Iroquois Stakes, the first race of the Kentucky Derby qualifying events, earning ten points.  However, none of the past winners of the Iroquois Stakes have had influence on the three Triple Crown races, although the 1983 third place finisher At The Threshold was also third in the Kentucky Derby. The 2012 Iroquois third place runner Overanalyze won the Arkansas Derby.  Some of the previous winners, Court Vision, Harlan’s Holiday and Capt Candyman Can became Grade 1 winners.  Either way, Lucky Player appears to be a quality colt with a nice future.   The next logical step is the Breeders’ Futurity or Champagne Stakes.

 

 

 

BOLD CONQUEST (Curlin - One for Jim, by Distorted Humor)

Race record:  3-1-2-0 ($88,576)

Trainer:   Steve Asmussen

Owner:  Ackerley Brothers Farm

Breeder:  Glory Days Breeding, Inc.

Auction:  None

 

 

Pedigree: Bold Conquest is the son of the Smart Strike stallion Curlin.  The #1 Third Crop sire has already sired a Classic winner when his son Palace Malice won the Belmont Stakes.  Bold Conquest’s dam One for Jim is a multiple stakes miler. His second dam by Belmont hero A. P. Indy is an unraced half sister to Cigar Mile hero JERSEY TOWN.  Bold Conquest’s third dam JERSEY GIRL won the Test, Acorn and Mother Goose Stakes, all Grade 1 events.  Bold Conquest has a classic pedigree and should improve with maturity and distance. This is a colt to watch on the Derby trail.

 

 

Outlook:  Bold Conquest won his second race in mid-August.  Stepping up against winners in the Iroquois, the colt made an eye-catching five-wide move around the turn and even had the lead briefly before his more experienced stable mate Lucky Player stuck his neck in front at the wire.  This was a good learning experience for Bold Conquest.  He should benefit from racing and really shine when the distances get longer.  Bold Conquest has something in common with Kentucky Derby winners.  Most won their maidens between August and December and were stakes placed as two year olds.  The next logical step for Bold Conquest is the Breeders’ Futurity or Champagne Stakes.  Hopefully, this colt will stay sound and be competitive in next year’s Triple Crown prep races.

 

 

 

HASHTAG BOURBON (Super Saver - Waltzing With Deb, by Robyn Dancer)

Race record: 3-1-0-2 ($77,088)

Trainer:  Kellyn Gorder

Owner:  Bourbon Lane Stable

Breeder:  Farfellow Farms LTD.

Auction:  OBSMAR14 $130K

 

 

Pedigree: The son of #1 Freshmen Sire Super Saver is his sire’s third most accomplished offspring, right behind Competitive Edge and I Spent It, who finished one-two in the G-1 Hopeful.   Hashtag Bourbon is a half to 2002 Arkansans Derby runner-up Wild Horses (Saint Ballado) and stake placed Waltzing With Blue (Malibu Moon). Their dam Waltzing With Deb is a half to the dam of multiple graded sprinter and sire SUCCESSFUL APPEAL and his half brother G-2 winner TRUE TO TRADITION.  Although we don’t know how far Super Saver’s babies will run until they do it, Hashtag Bourbon should handle 1 1/16 miles and may go farther.

 

 

Outlook: After a victory in the Mountaineer Juvenile, Hashtag Bourbon hoofed it into graded stakes company.  Unfortunately, he didn’t have a chance in the Iroquois Stakes.  He tracked the pace on the inside, but found himself with nowhere to run through the stretch.  He managed to find running room, but it was too late. He finished third, beaten only 1 ½ lengths.  Hashtag Bourbon is a promising youngster. The next logical step is the Breeders’ Futurity or Champagne Stakes.

CRISTINA'S JOURNEY (Any Given Saturday - Toss the Feather, by Dixie Union)

Race record: 2-2-0-0 ($153,159)

Trainer:  Dale Romans

Owner:   GSN Racing, LLC.

Breeder:  Phil Needham, Judy Needham & Bena Halecky

Auction:  KEESEP13 $37K

 

 

Pedigree:  Christina’s Journey is the third foal and first stakes winner out of her dam.  Toss the Feather is a half to Miss Grillo runner-up Miss Gemilli. The second dam DANCING MIRAGE is a multiple turf stakes winning miler and a half sister to Dubai Golden Shaheen hero KINSDALE KING. Christina’s Journey is a winner at 1 1/6 miles. With turf attributes throughout her pedigree, Christina’s Journey may also be proficient over the lawn and may go farther on that surface.

 

 

Outlook:  After galloping to a four length victory in her debut, Christina’s Journey did the same thing against a full field of winners in the Pocahontas Stakes.  The field included Schuylerville Stakes runner-up TAKE CHARGE BRANDIand listed stakes placed Rachel’s Ready. The untested Christina’s Journey could make an appearance in the Alcibiades Stakes on October 3 at Keeneland.

 

 

 

PANGBURN (Congrats - It's True Love by Yes It's True)

Race record:  2-1-1-0 ($61,560) It's True Love

Trainer:  Ken McPeek

Owner:   Shortleaf Stable, Inc.

Breeder:  Edward A. Seltzer & Beverly Anderson

Auction:  FTKJUL13  $130K

 

 

Pedigree:   Pangburn is the second foal to race and first blacktype earner for her stakes winning dam.  It's True Love is a half to the multiple stakes winning sprinter KAYS AND JAYS. Pangburn should handle 1 1/16 miles, and could place going longer. 

 

 

Outlook: In her second start, Pangburn broke awkwardly in the Pocahontas, but made up ground to finish second, beating the third place finisher by over two lengths.  The versatile Pangburn won her debut at a mile over the lawn. With her options open, Pangburn could contest either the Alcibiades or wait for the Jessamine over the turf on October 9.

 

 

 

 

LEAP YEAR LUCK(Hear No Evil - Lucky of Course, by Awesome of Course)

Race record:  4-1-1-1 ($99,974)

Trainer: Stanley Gold

Owner:  Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

Breeder: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

Auction: None

 

 

Pedigree: The Jacks or Better Farm homebred owns the only blacktype in three generations of her female family. Leap Year Luck has a sprint over stamina pedigree. She should handle 1 1/16 miles.  

 

 

Outlook: Leap Year Luck won her maiden in the Desert Vixen Stakes, galloping to a 4 ¾ length victory in the six furlong event.  In her following start in the Susan's Girl Stakes , Leap Year Luck made a sustained move from near the back of the 13 horse field and got up for third place in the seven furlong race. What’s so great about that?  Gulfstream Park is notoriously speed favoring, so one run types are at a disadvantage.  With her closing running style, Leap Year Luck should love the 1 1/16 mile distance of the My Dear Girl Stakes on October 7. Winners of the Florida Sire Stakes series have  gone on to win stakes on the national level, most notably 2010 heroine Champion Awesome Feather and

 

 

 

SING PRAISES (Hear No Evil - Sacred Psalm, by Awesome of Course)

Race record: 4-2-2-0 ($184,275)

Trainer:  Stanley Gold

Owner:  Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

Breeder:  Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

Auction: None

 

 

Pedigree: The Hear No Evil/Awesome of Course bloodline cross certainly produces results.  Sing Praises and his stable mate, Leap Year Luck are bred along the same lines and owned/trained by the same connections. Other than sharing the same sire/damsire, the two are not related. Sing Praises is the second foal and winner produced by his stakes placed sprinting dam. The only other blacktype earner in two generations is out of a half sister to Sacred Psalm. The multiple stakes winner HEAR YE HEAR YE is a member of this distaff line.

 

 

Outlook: Sing Praises has won two of four starts, including the Birdonthewire Stakes and a front-running 1 ¾ score in the Dr. Fager Stakes. Sing Praises tried the same front-running tactics in the Affirmed Stakes at seven furlongs, but was caught a neck shy of the wire by another stable mate, Twotwentyfive A. Sing Praises could return to avenge his loss in the In Reality Stakes on October 7.

 

 

 

TWOTWENTYFIVE A (Awesome of Course - Garter Belt, by Anasheed)

Race record: 2-2-0-0

Trainer:  Stanley Gold

Owner:  Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

Breeder:  Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

Auction: None

 

 

Pedigree: Awesome of Course is one of Florida’s hidden gems. With a rate of 56% winners and 8% stakes winners, he consistently out-performs more expensive sires.  Twotwentyfive A is a half brother to the stakes placed D N A Approved.  The two are members of an illustrious Florida distaff line.  Their multiple stakes winning dam GARTER BELT is a half sister to the multiple G-1 stakes veteran JACKSON BEND and to the multiple stakes placed sprinter Grande Shores.  Twotwentyfive A’s third dam LOTTSA TALC, another multiple stakes winner, bore multiple graded stakes winner FORT LOUDON.   

 

 

Outlook: After capturing his maiden by over three lengths, Twotwentyfive A out-classed his more experienced stable mate Sing Praises and six other colts to win the Affirmed Stakes. The two could meet up in the In Reality Stakes or perhaps one will take a shot at graded stakes competition with an eye towards the Breeders’ Cup.

 

 

 

Race record:  4-1-1-2 ($73,068)

Trainer:  Kathleen O'Connell

Owner:  Gilbert G. Campbell

Breeder:  Gilbert G. Campbell

Auction:  None

 

 

Pedigree:  Jaiden’s Best is the first blacktype earner produced by his dam.  Truly the Best went 0-9 in her career and she’s a full sister to the multiple graded stakes veteran BLAZING SWORD and stakes winner DEMI'S BRET.  Jaiden’s Best’s second dam DEMETROULA is also a stakes winner.  Jaiden’s Best has the pedigree to handle dirt or turf.  His dam’s siblings were competent over both surfaces.

 

Outlook:  Jaiden’s Best beat a full field of ten colts to win his maiden in a dirt sprint in late July. The deep-closing colt finished third in the   Dr. Fager and Affirmed Stakes.  He’s at a disadvantage over the speed-favoring Gulfstream surface, but should appreciate the extra distance in the In Reality Stakes.  Jaiden’s Best has the running style and pedigree to be a competitive miler over turf and we may eventually see him on the surface. I suspect that he’ll be a slower maturing type that should bloom as a three and four year old.

 

 

HOLYWELL (Exclusive Quality - All Saint's Day, by Gold Case)

Race record:  4-2-0-1 ($184,924)

Trainer:  Jose Pinchin

Owner:  Tracy Pinchin

Breeder:  Tracy Pinchin

Auction:  None

 

 

Pedigree:  Holywell is a half sister to stakes winner SINISTER BREW. Their unraced dam is a half to the graded stakes winner GOLDEN MYSTERY and that one’s ¾ sister, graded stakes placed Beloveda. The third dam ORANGE SICKLE is also a stakes winner.  Holywell’s distaff family is talented over both dirt and turf.  She’ll likely be best as a sprinter/miler.

 

 

Outlook:  After a front-running score in her maiden, Holywell had a tough trip in the Desert Vixen Stakes after being bumped, shuffled back and forced to go wide.  She learned from that experience and showed her true capabilities in the Susan’s Girl.  After breaking from a dreaded outside post, Holywell was forwardly placed, grabbed the lead in the stretch and held on to win by a slim nose. Holywell will likely return in the My Dear Girl Stakes.

 

 

 

 

SOUPER COLOSSAL (War Front - Soaring Emotions, by Kingmambo)

Race record: 3-3-0-0 ($117,000)

Trainer:  Edward Plesa, Jr.

Owner:  Live Oak Plantation

Breeder:  Moyglare Stud

Auction:  FTSAUG13  $350k

 

 

Pedigree:  Souper Colossal has a speed over stamina pedigree. His G-2 winning dirt sprint sire is a son of Danzig, who is noted for getting winners over dirt and turf. War Front is also a talented sire who gets a strong 20% turf winners.  Souper Colossal and his second dam, the stakes placed turf miler LUMINOUS BEAUTY own the only blacktype in two generations. His third dam is the French Group 1 heroine CAERLINA.  Her daughters bore a variety of international stakes winners.  So far, Souper Colossal has been just that as a dirt sprinter.  With Kingmambo as his damsire and A.P. Indy as his second damsire, Souper Colossal could potentially handle classic distances. War Front has sired two stakes winners at 1 ¼ miles.  

 

 

Outlook:  Based at Monmouth Park, Souper Colossal won his maiden in early June. A couple of months later, the talented speedster won the five furlong Tyro Stakes in :57.75 despite stumbling at the start. Just 28 days later, Souper Colossal put away a field of six colts in the one mile Sapling.  The untested colt has a number of options. He could contest the Champagne Stakes or head to Keeneland for the Futurity. Could he be the surprise Champion Two Year Old?

 

 

 

COCO'S WILDCAT (Wildcat Heir - Coco's for Real, by Sword Dance (IRE))

Race record: 3-2-1-0 ($84,745)

Trainer:  Kathleen O'Connell

Owner:  Gilbert G. Campbell

Breeder:  Gilbert G. Campbell

Auction:  None

 

 

Pedigree: Coco's Wildcat is bred on the same Wildcat Heir/Sword Dance bloodline cross as Jaiden’s Best. This is a strong nick, with a record of five starters, four winners and two blacktype earners.   The juvenile filly is the first blacktype earner for her dam. Coco's for Real is a hardy veteran of 25 races and never earned blacktype. She’s a full sister to the stakes winning veterans FRIEL'S FOR REAL, LITTLE THUNDER, RYAN'S FOR REAL and a half to stakes winner ONEPOINTHREEKARATS. The second dam Beaties For Real is a stakes placed. 

 

 

Outlook:  Coco's Wildcat zipped through her 4 ½ furlong debut in :52.12, a little more than a second off of the track record. She embarrassed a full field of twelve fillies in the Cassidy Stakes at Gulfstream by 5 ¾ lengths. The precocious miss suffered her first loss in the Sorority Stakes at Monmouth when she raced evenly in second place, but couldn’t catch the two-length winner Concealedwithakiss.  The options are open for Coco's Wildcat. She could return to Gulfstream Park for a shot at the My Dear Girl Stakes or take on graded stakes company in the Frizette or even head to Keeneland for the Alcibiades.

 

 

 

 

CONQUEST HARLANATE (Harlan's Holiday - Allison's Pride, by Dixieland Band)

Race record: 3-2-0-1 ($173,569)

Trainer:  Mark Casse

Owner:  Conquest Stables, LLC

Breeder:  Windhaven Farm Limited

Auction:  KEESEP13  $120K

 

 

Pedigree: Conquest Harlanate is a half sister to the stakes placed dirt router Penobscot Bay.  Her dam was unplaced in two starts and is a half sister to stakes placed Lindero. The second dam Mrs. Highness is stakes placed.  Conquest Harlanate has the pedigree to handle 1 1/16 miles to 1 1/8 miles and could be adaptable to dirt.

 

 

Outlook:  Conquest Harlanate was third in her debut over Woodbine’s Polytrack at five furlongs. An added a furlong and switch to turf resulted in a maiden victory. In her graded stakes debut, Conquest Harlanate went four wide on the turn and out gamed the favorite, Isabella Sings by a neck to record a victory in the Natalma (G-2) at a mile on the turf. The Natalma is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race and guarantees Conquest Harlanate a spot in the starting gate of the Juvenile Fillies Turf.  Conquest Harlanate has the luxury of training up to the race or she could contest the Jessamine Stakes on October 9.

 

 

 

CONQUEST TSUNAMI (Stormy Atlantic - Classic Neel, by El Corredor)

Race record: 4-4-0-0 ($246,938)

Trainer:  Mark Casse

Owner:  Conquest Stables, LLC

Breeder:  Josham Farms Limited & Yvonne Schwabe Thoroughbreds

Auction: KEESEP13  $190K

 

 

Pedigree: Conquest Tsunami has an adaptable pedigree.  His full brother, the stakes placed Stormy Pacific, won from six furlongs on dirt to a mile on the Polytrack. Their stakes winning dam was proficient at 1 1/16 miles over the turf. Her dam, NICKEL CLASSIC, won the Delaware Oaks at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt.  Conquest Tsunami should handle 1 1/6 miles, might go to 1 1/8 miles, and the accomplished youngster could be one of those race horses who can race over anything.

 

 

Outlook: Conquest Tsunami is undefeated in four starts. His first two victories were so devastating that only two other horses showed up to face him in the Victoria Stakes. Switching to the turf and adding a furlong, Conquest Tsunami almost lost his perfect record. He made all of the pace in a seven furlong allowance and grimly held on by a head over the surging Passion for Action.  The third place finisher was more than seven lengths back.  To avoid a confrontation with his stable mate Conquest Typhoon in the Summer Stakes, Conquest Tsunami scratched out of the Summer Stakes. Ironically, Pasion for Action defeated Conquest Typhoon in their maiden race by a neck. Conquest Tsunami’s options are open for his next start, but it is likely that he’ll contest one of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge races.

 

 

 

CONQUEST TYPHOON (Stormy Atlantic - Swanky Bubbles, by Ascot Knight)

Race record: 3-1-2-0 ($170,054)

Trainer:  Mark Casse

Owner:  Conquest Stables, LLC

Breeder: Josham Farms Limited

Auction: KEESEP13  $78,545

 

 

Pedigree:  Conquest Typhoon has miler speed over stamina pedigree. His half sister Bubbles to the Top is a multiple stakes placed sprinter/miler over Polytrack and turf. Although their dam is a half to a stakes placed runner, we have to go back to the third generation to find notable blacktype.  Jerome Handicap hero SCHOSSBERG is part of this family. 

 

 

Outlook:   Conquest Typhoon was second in two sprints before stretching to a mile to capture his first victory in the Summer Stakes. With that win, Conquest Typhoon assured himself of a chance to defeat rivals in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.  He could train up to the race or make another start, perhaps at Keeneland in the Dixiana Bourbon Stakes October 5.