Champion filly Caledonia Road done for the year, to be sold

The connections of champion 2-year-old filly Caledonia Road on Monday evening announced she's finished racing for the year and will be offered at public auction.

A press release from Sallusto and Albina Bloodstock revealed the daughter of Quality Road developed bone bruising following her last start and will be turned out. She last raced June 9, finishing fifth of six in the Acorn (G1) at Belmont Park, and before that was slow to return to the races this year following her victory in the 2017 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Caledonia Road was trained by Ralph Nicks for owners Zoom and Fish Stable, Charlie Spring, and Newtownanner Stud.

"It will be tough to let her go," said managing partner Luc Paiement. "She was a brilliant 2-year-old with a pedigree to be a much better older filly. She has all the makings of a top broodmare."

Caledonia Road broke her maiden on debut last September at Saratoga. She then finished second in Belmont's Frizette (G1) before taking down the Breeders' Cup. Offseason surgery to remove a bone chip delayed her return to training, and a virus further pushed back Caledonia Road's return race plans.

Finally, on April 29 she won an allowance optional claiming race at Belmont Park to set her up for the Acorn.

Nick Sallusto, who manages for Newtownanner Stud, called Caledonia Road "a one-of-a-kind talent and has international appeal, adding that "it is a privilege to be associated with her."

Even before the Acorn, connections had said they were likely to sell Caledonia Road, who was acquired by Zoom & Fish for $140,000 as a yearling.