Prospect Watch: Half-sibling to Grade 1 winner Maxfield debuts

Horse Racing Nation’s Prospect Watch scans all upcoming entries for starters early in their careers who sold for more than $500,000 at their most recent auction or whose dams or siblings are graded-stakes winners.

Another week, another loaded set of maiden races for the brand-new 3-year-olds. This week's spotlight is on Wondrous, a half-sister to Clark (G1) winner, Maxfield. Check out this and many others in the Prospect Watch report below.

Wednesday, January 8

Half-sister to Grade 3 winner Ocean Club

Chicago Theatre debuts in Tampa Bay Downs Race 5, a maiden special weight at one mile on turf. This daughter of Medaglia d'Oro is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Ocean Club ($511,000). Trainer Bethany Baumgardner has this 6-1 shot ready for her career debut.

Half-brother to Grade 1 winner Speech

John Hancock makes his first start in Tampa Bay Downs Race 8, a maiden special weight at six furlongs on dirt. This son of Constitution is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Speech ($497,000). Trainer Brad Cox sends out this well-regarded 2-1 morning line favorite.

Thursday, January 9

4-year-old out of champion Songbird

Rumours Have It returns in Gulfstream Park's maiden special weight event after an encouraging debut. This promising youngster by Tapit is out of the phenomenal Grade 1 winner Songbird, who amassed over $4.69 million in earnings. In her debut on November 22 at Gulfstream Park, Rumours Have It showed promise with a strong second-place finish, beaten just three-quarters of a length going six furlongs on dirt, earning an impressive 87 HRN speed figure. Trainer Todd Pletcher has this homebred ready for a second attempt, and the morning line suggests she'll be among the favorites. Owner Whisper Hill Farm bred and races this regally-bred prospect.

Son of Grade 1 winner Victory to Victory

Win After Win debuts in Gulfstream Park Race 1, going 1 1/16 miles on turf. This son of Street Sense is out of Grade 1 winner Victory to Victory. Trainer Michael Trombetta has this 7-2 shot ready for his first start.

Half-sister to Grade 1 winner Maxfield

Wondrous debuts in Turfway Park Race 5, going six furlongs on synthetic. This daughter of Uncle Mo is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Maxfield ($2 million). Trainer Brendan Walsh sends out this promising 8-1 shot.

Friday, January 10

Daughter of Grade 1 winner By the Moon

Moonlit Drive debuts in Aqueduct Race 6, going six furlongs on dirt. This daughter of Quality Road is out of Grade 1 winner By the Moon ($1.55 million). Trainer Michelle Nevin debuts this well-bred filly.

Half-sister to Grade 1 winner The Chosen Vron

Clubhouse Cutie debuts in Santa Anita Race 7, going 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt. This daughter of Clubhouse Ride is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner The Chosen Vron ($1.71 million). Trainer Eric Kruljac debuts this California-bred.

Saturday, January 11

Son of Grade 1 winner American Gal

Vanderbilt debuts in Gulfstream Park Race 4, going six furlongs on dirt. This son of Into Mischief is out of Grade 1 winner American Gal ($912,000). Trainer Brad Cox debuts this regally-bred colt.

Half-brother to Grade 1 winner Harvey's Lil Goil

Gosger makes his second start in Gulfstream Park's maiden special weight after a promising debut. This son of Nyquist is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Harvey's Lil Goil, who earned nearly $900,000 in her career. In his debut on December 14 at Gulfstream Park, Gosger showed significant talent with a second-place finish, beaten just 1 3/4 lengths while earning a solid 86 HRN speed figure going six furlongs on dirt. Trainer Bill Mott has this prospect ready for another attempt, and based on the morning line, they're expected to be among the top choices.

Half-brother to Grade 1 winner Basin

Austin's Map makes his third career start in Gulfstream Park's maiden claiming event. This son of Liam's Map is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Basin, who earned $574,000 in his career. Coming off a fifth-place finish on November 2 at Churchill Downs where he was beaten 9 1/4 lengths with a 72 HRN speed figure, this colt drops in class while trying six furlongs on dirt again. Trainer Dale Romans looks to get this prospect his first win while trying the maiden claiming ranks.

Sunday, January 12

Half-brother to Grade 1 winner Catholic Boy

Lomax returns in Gulfstream Park maiden special weight after showing promise in his debut. This son of Justify is a half-brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Catholic Boy, who earned over $2.13 million in his illustrious career. In his debut on November 24 at Gulfstream Park, Lomax finished third, beaten 5 1/4 lengths while earning a 76 HRN speed figure going a mile and seventy yards on the synthetic surface. Trainer Todd Pletcher now moves this prospect to the main track, and based on the morning line, they're expected to be well-supported in this spot.

Daughter of Grade 3 winner Dream It Is

Invisible String debuts in Gulfstream Park Race 3, going six furlongs on dirt. This daughter of Blame is out of Grade 3 winner Dream It Is. Trainer Christophe Clement has this well-bred filly ready for her career debut.

Legend:

Div: Age and sex. 2F for 2-year-old fillies, 2M for 2-year-old males (colts/geldings), etc.

Top sibling (highest graded stakes): The sibling with the highest level of graded stakes won (G1, G2, G3) followed by the most money won if two siblings are at the same level.

Bolded names are mentioned in the article.