Prospect Watch: Half-siblings to Epicenter, Zandon debut
Welcome back to our popular Prospect Watch column, where we shine the spotlight on racing's potential future stars. This week, we're examining several well-bred youngsters making their racing debuts or just beginning their careers. These horses carry some of the sport's most prestigious bloodlines. Will they live up to their famous relatives? Let's dive into this exciting crop of prospects.
Tuesday
In Fair Grounds race 8, Tempus Volat, a 3-year-old colt by Not This Time, makes his second career start in this one mile maiden special weight on the turf course. As a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Delahaye, this Three Chimneys Farm homebred showed promise in his debut on February 13 at Fair Grounds when finishing third, beaten only 3 1/2 lengths in a turf sprint. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jareth Loveberry, Tempus Volat is listed at 8-1 on the morning line. The stretch out to a mile could benefit this well-bred colt who appears ready to take a step forward in his development.
Wednesday
Episist, a 3-year-old filly by Outwork, makes her career debut in Fair Grounds race 6, a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on the main track. As a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Epicenter, who amassed nearly $3 million in earnings and was runner-up in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, this Westwind Farms homebred carries significant expectations. Trained by Steve Asmussen, who also conditioned her famous half-brother, and ridden by Jaime Torres, Episist is 6-1 on the morning line. Her dam, Silent Candy, was Grade 3-placed during her racing career, adding further quality to this filly's pedigree.
In Tampa Bay Downs race 5, Midway Memories, a 3-year-old filly by Cairo Prince, makes her first career start in this one-mile maiden special weight on the turf. As a half-sister to Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Zandon, who earned over $2.2 million and finished third in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, this filly brings a classy pedigree to her debut. Bred by the late Brereton Jones and racing for First Row Partners and Jones' estate, Midway Memories is trained by Chad Brown, who also conditioned her accomplished brother. With Antonio Gallardo aboard and 3-1 morning-line odds, this well-connected filly merits close attention in her racing debut.
Fair Grounds race 5, Advanced Spirit, a 4-year-old colt by Not This Time, makes his debut in this 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight on the turf. Purchased for $500,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale, this expensive prospect has been patiently handled by trainer Michael Stidham. Owned by Speedway Stable and bred by Brandywine Farm, Advanced Spirit will be ridden by Ben Curtis and is listed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite. His high price tag and strong connections suggest he's been showing talent in his morning workouts.
Gulfstream Park race 7 includes Sansone, a 3-year-old colt by Uncle Mo, as he makes his second career start in this seven-furlong maiden special weight on the dirt. As a half-brother to superstar Midnight Bisou, who earned nearly $14 million while capturing 13 graded stakes, including seven Grade 1s, this colt carries a pedigree that demands attention. After a disappointing debut at Saratoga last summer, trainer Shug McGaughey has given him plenty of time to mature. Owned by a partnership that includes West Point Thoroughbreds and ridden by Dylan Davis, Sansone is listed at 5-1 on the morning line. His dam, Diva Delite, was a Grade 3 winner herself.
Thursday
McKinzie Magic, a 3-year-old filly by McKinzie, makes her third career start in Fair Grounds race 5, a 7 1/2-furlong maiden optional claimer on the turf. As a daughter of Grade 3 winner Jet Black Magic, who earned nearly $400,000, this filly is trying a surface switch after two attempts on dirt. Her most recent effort came March 9 at Fair Grounds where she finished fourth going a 1 mile, 70 yards. Bred by White Fox Farm and owned and trained by George Leonard III, McKinzie Magic will be ridden by Jareth Loveberry and is listed at 6-1 on the morning line. The surface change could be the key to unlocking her potential.
Friday
In Fair Grounds race 5, Swaging, a 4-year-old colt by City of Light, makes his second career start going 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Purchased for $560,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sale, this pricey acquisition showed promise in his debut Feb. 2 at Fair Grounds when finishing second in a turf sprint. Bred by Emory Hamilton and owned by Keith Plaisance, Swaging is trained by Joseph Felks and will have the services of Jose Ortiz. Listed at 3-1 on the morning line, this well-regarded colt should appreciate the added distance in his second career start.
Fair Grounds race 8 is where Hey Bertie, a 3-year-old filly by Kantharos, takes the step up to allowance company in this 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint after an impressive maiden victory. As a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Brilliant Berti, who has already amassed $1.6 million in earnings, this Klein Racing homebred brings strong bloodlines to the table. She won her debut Jan. 17 at Fair Grounds, scoring by 1 1/2 lengths on the dirt. Trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Hey Bertie is listed at 4-1 on the morning line as she tries turf for the first time.
Gata Brazil, a 3-year-old filly by Into Mischief, makes her third career start in this 5 1/2-furlong allowance optional claimer on the turf, Fair Grounds race 8. As a half-sister to Grade 1 Test Stakes winner American Gal, who earned $912,000, this filly has already shown significant talent. In her last start Aug. 2 at Laurel Park, she dominated a maiden special weight on turf by 5 1/2 lengths, earning an impressive 93 HRN speed figure. Bred by Don Alberto Corp. and owned by Nice Guys Stables, Gata Brazil is trained by Brittany Russell and will be ridden by Jaime Torres. Listed at 6-1 on the morning line, she could be tough despite the layoff.
Saturday
In Gulfstream Park race 11, Weaponized, a 3-year-old colt by Gun Runner, makes his much-anticipated debut in this 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on the turf. As a half-brother to 2023 Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Kingsbarns, who has earned over $1.5 million, this colt brings an outstanding pedigree to his first start. Bred by Parks Investment Group and owned by N Theory Racing, Weaponized is trained by Brad Cox and will be ridden by Edwin Gonzalez. With his sire and dam both being dirt influences, it will be interesting to see how he handles the turf surface in his racing debut.
In Fair Grounds race 1, Love Song, a 3-year-old filly by Ghostzapper, makes her third career start in this one-mile maiden special weight on the turf. As a half-sister to 2021 Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Mystic Guide, who has earned over $7.5 million, and a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Music Note, who earned over $1.6 million, this filly sports an exceptional pedigree. In her most recent effort on Feb. 20 at Fair Grounds, she finished fifth on dirt, beaten only 3 3/4 lengths. This Godolphin homebred is trained by Michael Stidham and will be ridden by Axel Concepcion. Her world-class bloodlines suggest she has tremendous potential.
In Fair Grounds race 12, John Hancock, a 3-year-old colt by Constitution, puts his Kentucky Derby aspirations on the line in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at 1 3/16 miles. As a half-brother to Ashland Stakes (G1) winner Speech, this improving colt enters off a solid victory in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 8. A WinStar Farm homebred now racing for a partnership of WinStar and CHC, John Hancock is trained by Brad Cox and will be ridden by Flavien Prat. His tactical speed and proven ability to handle two turns make him a major contender in this final Derby prep at Fair Grounds.
Hypnus, a 3-year-old colt by Into Mischief, tries to rebound in the Louisiana Derby after a seventh-place finish in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn. As a son of Grade 1 winner Dream Tree, who earned over $530,000, this colt has the pedigree to be a top-level performer. Bred by Phoenix Thoroughbreds and owned by Brookdale Racing, Hypnus is trained by Kenny McPeek and will be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. Drawing the outside post position 10 may force his hand tactically in this 1 3/16-mile Kentucky Derby prep race.
Oaklawn Park race 4, Avery's Mischief, a 3-year-old filly by Curlin, makes her third career start in this 6-furlong maiden special weight on the dirt. As a daughter of Humana Distaff winner Mia Mischief, who earned over $1.2 million, this filly carries a pedigree built for speed. In her most recent effort Feb. 24 at Oaklawn, she finished fourth, beaten 4 1/4 lengths. This Stonestreet Stables homebred is trained by Steve Asmussen and will be ridden by Keith Asmussen. With two races under her belt, she should be primed for a breakthrough performance.
Sunday
In Fair Grounds race 5, Silver Pearls, a 3-year-old filly by Constitution, makes her racing debut in this 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight on the turf. As a daughter of Grade 2 winner Pure Silver, who earned $290,000, this filly brings a solid pedigree to her first start. A Twin Creeks Farm homebred, Silver Pearls is trained by Rob Atras and will be ridden by Jeiron Barbosa. Her sire Constitution has proven to be versatile, producing top runners on both dirt and turf, so it will be interesting to see how she handles the grass surface in her racing debut.
Gulfstream Park race 2, Unlimited Spending, a 3-year-old filly by Japanese Triple Crown winner Orfevre, makes her second career start in this 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on the turf. As a daughter of Grade 2 winner Unlimited Budget, who earned $759,000, this filly brings strong bloodlines to the table. In her debut Dec. 22 at Gulfstream Park, she finished fifth, beaten 4 1/4 lengths, earning an 82 HRN speed figure. Bred by Shadai Farm in Japan and owned by Repole Stable, Unlimited Spending is trained by Todd Pletcher and will be ridden by John Velazquez. This well-bred filly should move forward in her second career start.
Stay tuned to Horse Racing Nation for coverage of these promising youngsters and follow their racing careers as they unfold.
| Date | Track | Type | Horse | Div | Sire | Dam | Trainer | Top sibling (Highest GS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-time starters | ||||||||
| 3/19 | FG 5 | MSW | Advanced Spirit | 4M | Not This Time | Goodness Unbridled, 21YO, $0K | Michael Stidham | |
| 3/19 | FG 6 | MSW | Episist | 3F | Outwork | Silent Candy (G3 Placed), 18YO, $182K | Steve Asmussen | Epicenter (G1), 6YO, $2.94M, by Not This Time |
| 3/19 | GP 2 | MCL | Affirmed Blessing | 3F | Street Sense | Stormy Pursuer (ARG), 19YO, $0K | Michael R. Matz | Hat Puntano (ARG) (G1), 12YO, $35K, by Hat Trick (JPN) |
| 3/19 | TAM 5 | MSW | Midway Memories | 3F | Cairo Prince | Memories Prevail, 11YO, $0K | Chad Brown | Zandon (G1), 6YO, $2.20M, by Upstart |
| 3/19 | TP 8 | MSW | Sumood | 4M | Kitten's Joy | Lahudood (GB) (G1), 22YO, $1.70M | Brendan Walsh | |
| 3/22 | FG 1 | MSW | Shrewd Operator | 3F | Justify | Leading Astray (G3), 16YO, $288K | Chris M. Block | |
| 3/22 | FG 2 | MSW | Clearly Majestic | 3M | Clearly Now | Moment of Majesty (G2 Placed), 18YO, $630K | Shane Wilson | Fools Gold (G3), 10YO, $317K, by Medaglia d'Oro |
| 3/22 | FG 3 | MSW | Silver Pearls | 3F | Constitution | Pure Silver (G2), 10YO, $290K | Rob Atras | |
| 3/22 | GP 11 | MSW | Weaponized | 3M | Gun Runner | Lady Tapit (G3 Placed), 13YO, $94K | Brad Cox | Kingsbarns (G1), 5YO, $1.56M, by Uncle Mo |
| 3/22 | HOU 5 | MSW | Nikonoe's Magic | 3F | Good Magic | Designer Legs (G2), 14YO, $211K | Steve Asmussen | |
| 3/22 | TP 1 | MSW | Starship Athena | 3F | Street Sense | Callmethesqueeze, 17YO, $324K | Kelsey Danner | Power Squeeze (G1), 4YO, $987K, by Union Rags |
| 3/22 | TP 1 | MSW | True Class | 3F | American Freedom | Pura Classe (BRZ) (G1), 18YO, $118K | John Ortiz | Zuzu Bem (BRZ) (G2), 11YO, $14K, by First American |
| 3/23 | FG 5 | MSW | Silver Pearls | 3F | Constitution | Pure Silver (G2), 10YO, $290K | Rob Atras | |
| Second-time starters | ||||||||
| 3/18 | FG 8 | MSW | Tempus Volat | 3M | Not This Time | Bella Carina, 9YO, $0K | Steve Asmussen | Delahaye (G3), 5YO, $491K, by Medaglia d'Oro |
| 3/19 | FG 6 | MSW | Bundle | 3F | Volatile | Love and Pride (G1), 17YO, $986K | Steve Asmussen | |
| 3/19 | GP 7 | MSW | Sansone | 3M | Uncle Mo | Diva Delite (G3), 18YO, $300K | Shug McGaughey | Midnight Bisou (G1), 10YO, $13.97M, by Midnight Lute |
| 3/19 | TP 1 | MCL | Gin's Cowboy Lake | 3M | Gift Box | Cianchetta, 11YO, $0K | Manuel Chavez | Angel Nadeshiko (G3), 6YO, $275K, by Carpe Diem |
| 3/21 | FG 5 | MSW | Swaging | 4M | City of Light | Tejana (G3 Placed), 12YO, $144K | Joseph R. Felks | |
| 3/21 | FG 8 | AOC | Hey Bertie | 3F | Kantharos | Believe in Bertie (G2 Placed), 12YO, $413K | Cherie DeVaux | Brilliant Berti (G3), 4YO, $1.60M, by Noble Mission (GB) |
| 3/22 | AQU 4 | MSW | Summit Ridge | 3M | Constitution | Summer Love (ARG) (G1), 10YO, $100K | Chad Brown | |
| 3/22 | AQU 4 | MSW | Turn and Count | 3M | Curlin | Tizahit (G2), 18YO, $195K | Carlos Martin | Come Dancing (G1), 11YO, $1.22M, by Malibu Moon |
| 3/22 | AQU 10 | MCL | Rum Cay | 3M | Mitole | French Satin (G3), 26YO, $166K | Linda Rice | Long Haul Bay (G3), 11YO, $304K, by Quality Road |
| 3/22 | FG 3 | MSW | Contorted | 3F | Distorted Humor | Princess Ash, 16YO, $79K | Tom Amoss | Quip (G2), 10YO, $1.08M, by Distorted Humor |
| 3/22 | FG 3 | MSW | Social Belle | 3F | Laoban | A Jealous Woman (G2 Placed), 19YO, $470K | Bret Calhoun | By My Standards (G2), 9YO, $2.29M, by Goldencents |
| 3/22 | FG 11 | STK | Ahavah | 3F | City of Light | Holiday Soiree (G1 Placed), 16YO, $406K | Cherie DeVaux | Vahva (G1), 5YO, $1.80M, by Gun Runner |
| 3/22 | GP 11 | MSW | McCorvey | 3M | Curlin | Songbird (G1), 12YO, $4.69M | Bill Mott | |
| 3/22 | HOU 3 | MCL | C'Mon Chaos | 3M | Authentic | Shane's Girlfriend (G3), 11YO, $419K | Terry Eoff | |
| 3/22 | TP 2 | MSW | Bee Cat | 3F | English Channel | Evil Kitten (G3 Placed), 16YO, $234K | Rusty Arnold | English Bee (G3), 9YO, $753K, by English Channel |
| 3/22 | TP 2 | MSW | Painted Desert | 3F | Medaglia d'Oro | Sky Painter (G3 Placed), 14YO, $170K | Brad Cox | Wet Paint (G1), 5YO, $1.30M, by Blame |
| 3/22 | TP 2 | MSW | Peqot | 3F | Maclean's Music | She'll Be Right, 19YO, $25K | D. Beckman | Varda (G1), 7YO, $363K, by Distorted Humor |
| 3/23 | FG 5 | MSW | Pointsetmatch | 3F | Nyquist | Ms Locust Point (G2), 11YO, $676K | Tom Amoss | |
| 3/23 | GP 2 | MSW | The Gael | 3F | Gun Runner | Pantsonfire (IRE) (G3), 11YO, $239K | Brendan Walsh | |
| 3/23 | GP 2 | MSW | Uncommon | 3F | Quality Road | Yellow Boat, 16YO, $97K | Christophe Clement | Fast Boat (G2), 10YO, $706K, by City Zip |
| 3/23 | GP 2 | MSW | Unlimited Spending (JPN) | 3F | Orfevre (JPN) | Unlimited Budget (G2), 15YO, $759K | Todd Pletcher | |
| Third-time starters | ||||||||
| 3/19 | FG 6 | MSW | Sierra November | 3F | Global Campaign | Swampoodle, 21YO, $84K | Joe Sharp | Dolkong (G2), 11YO, $1.41M, by Afleet Alex |
| 3/19 | GP 7 | MSW | Fort Sam | 4M | Vino Rosso | Hookah Lady, 14YO, $33K | David Fawkes | Get Smokin (G2), 8YO, $2.19M, by Get Stormy |
| 3/19 | TP 8 | MSW | Run Quiet Run Fast | 3M | Gun Runner | Quiet Business (G3), 12YO, $198K | Gerardo Rodriguez | |
| 3/20 | FG 5 | MOC | McKinzie Magic | 3F | McKinzie | Jet Black Magic (G3), 12YO, $399K | George Leonard III | |
| 3/21 | FG 8 | AOC | Gata Brazil | 3F | Into Mischief | American Story (G2 Placed), 18YO, $189K | Brittany Russell | American Gal (G1), 11YO, $912K, by Concord Point |
| 3/22 | FG 1 | MSW | Love Song | 3F | Ghostzapper | Music Note (G1), 20YO, $1.62M | Michael Stidham | Mystic Guide (G1), 8YO, $7.59M, by Ghostzapper |
| 3/22 | FG 1 | MSW | Miss Birkin (IRE) | 3F | Profitable (IRE) | Fashion Line (IRE), 15YO, $16K | Thomas Morley | Bellabel (IRE) (G2), 6YO, $373K, by Belardo (IRE) |
| 3/22 | FG 12 | STK - Louisiana Derby (G2) | Hypnus | 3M | Into Mischief | Dream Tree (G1), 10YO, $530K | Kenny McPeek | |
| 3/22 | FG 12 | STK - Louisiana Derby (G2) | John Hancock | 3M | Constitution | Scribbling Sarah, 15YO, $69K | Brad Cox | Speech (G1), 8YO, $497K, by Mr Speaker |
| 3/22 | GP 11 | MSW | Dawn Dragon | 3M | Curlin | Simply Sunny, 12YO, $0K | Bill Mott | Fore Left (G3), 8YO, $507K, by Twirling Candy |
| 3/22 | HOU 2 | MSW | Cheating Heart | 3M | Yoshida (JPN) | You Cheated, 12YO, $160K | Dick Cappellucci | Society Man (G3), 4YO, $511K, by Good Magic |
| 3/22 | LRL 8 | STK - Private Terms Stakes | Superpower | 3M | Frosted | Super Espresso (G3), 18YO, $276K | Christophe Clement | |
| 3/22 | OP 4 | MSW | Avery's Mischief | 3F | Curlin | Mia Mischief (G1), 10YO, $1.27M | Steve Asmussen | |
| 3/23 | FG 5 | MSW | Conch Fried Rice | 3F | American Pharoah | Double Jackpot, 16YO, $0K | Michael Stidham | Stays in Vegas (G3), 12YO, $419K, by City Zip |
| 3/23 | GP 2 | MSW | Baby Lala | 3F | War of Will | East India, 13YO, $7K | Mark Casse | Ete Indien (G2), 8YO, $408K, by Summer Front |
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.