Prospect Watch: Siblings to Justify, Post Time, Gunite
As we move deeper into spring, our Prospect Watch data has turned up several exceptionally well-bred horses making their debuts or early career starts this week.
From siblings to classic winners to offspring of graded stakes mares, these promising prospects could be racing's next standouts. Churchill Downs is the place to be to see many of these youngsters in action as 15 of the horses profiled this week are entered at the home of the Kentucky Derby. Here's your insider's guide to the horses worth watching in the coming days.
Wednesday
Suddenbreakingnews's full brother debuts at Belterra
At Belterra Park race 8, Hazard Boy makes his career debut for trainer Kelsey Danner. This 3-year-old Mineshaft colt is a full brother to Grade 3 winner Suddenbreakingnews, who earned $767,000 on the track. He'll be ridden by Jane Elliott and is listed at 8-1 on the morning line for this one-mile dirt maiden claiming race. He was bred by Newtownanner Stud Farm and races for J S Stables.
Grade 3 winner's daughter returns at Delaware
At Delaware Park race 7, Justifying Vegas makes her second career start for trainer Christophe Clement. This 4-year-old Justify filly is out of Grade 3 winner Stays in Vegas, who earned $419,000 during her racing career. In her debut last July at Colonial Downs, she finished seventh, beaten 4 1/4 lengths, earning a 91 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Jaime Rodriguez and is listed at 6-1 on the morning line for this maiden special weight going about 1 mile and 70 yards on turf. She was bred by her owner Manzanita Stables.
Fools Gold's daughter ships in for Brown
Also at Delaware Park race 7, Rescue Me makes her second career start for trainer Chad Brown. This 3-year-old More Than Ready filly is out of Grade 3 winner Fools Gold, who earned $317,000 during her racing career. In her debut last August at Saratoga, she finished ninth, beaten 8 1/4 lengths, earning a 77 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Samy Camacho and is listed as the 3-1 morning line favorite. She was bred by her owner Allen Wise.
Thursday
Entangle's daughter ready for turf debut
At Churchill Downs race 3, Lewinsky makes her career debut for trainer Brendan Walsh. This 2-year-old Tiz the Law filly is out of Grade 3 winner Entangle, who earned $636,000 during her racing career. She'll be ridden by Luis Saez and is listed at 6-1 on the morning line for this five-furlong maiden special weight on turf. She was bred by Newstead Corp and races for a partnership of Will Stroud and Jon Eilertsen.
Goldenas's half-sister makes awaited Churchill debut
Also at Churchill Downs race 3, Nanina makes her career debut for trainer Brad Cox. This 2-year-old No Nay Never filly is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Goldenas, who has earned $315,000. She'll be ridden by Florent Geroux and is listed at 7-2 on the morning line. She was bred in Germany by Stiftung Gestut Fahrhof and races for Stonestreet Stables.
Colonel Liam's full brother ready to shine
At Delaware Park race 7, It's Electric makes his career debut for trainer Jorge Duarte Jr. This 3-year-old Liam's Map colt is a full brother to Grade 1 winner Colonel Liam, who earned $1.81 million with four graded stakes wins. He'll be ridden by Jevian Toledo and is listed at 8-1 on the morning line for this maiden special weight going about 1 mile and 70 yards on turf. He was bred by Phillips Racing Partnership and races for Colts Neck Stables.
Dorsett's half-sister tries turf after tough debut
At Churchill Downs race 3, Red Beretta makes her second career start for trainer Michel Douaihy. This 2-year-old Catalina Cruiser filly is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Dorsett, who earned $468,000. In her debut on April 30 at Churchill Downs, she finished seventh, beaten 15 1/4 lengths on dirt, earning a 24 HRN speed figure. She's now switching to turf with Luan Machado aboard and is listed at 12-1 on the morning line. She was bred by Shane Doyle and Penny McCarthy and races for Mana Racing.
Island Sand's son off maiden victory
At Churchill Downs race 4, Sandini makes his third career start for trainer Robert Medina. This 3-year-old Bernardini colt is out of Grade 1 winner Island Sand, who earned $1.18 million including a victory in the Acorn Stakes. In his most recent start on April 24 at Oaklawn Park, he broke his maiden by 4 1/4 lengths, earning a 77 HRN speed figure. He'll be ridden by Cristian Torres and is listed at 15-1 on the morning line for this one-mile dirt claiming race. He was bred by John Ropes and races for Louis J. Ulman.
Mucho Gusto's half-sister tries the turf
At Indiana Grand race 5, McLaughlin makes her third career start for trainer Christopher Davis. This 3-year-old Uncle Mo filly is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Mucho Gusto, who earned $4.45 million with five graded stakes wins. In her most recent start on March 6 at Turfway Park, she finished seventh, beaten 10 1/2 lengths on synthetic, earning an 83 HRN speed figure. She's now switching to turf for this 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight with Marcelino Pedroza Jr. aboard and is listed at 30-1 on the morning line. She was bred by Teneri Farms and Uncle Mo Syndicate and races for Walmac Farm.
Friday
Causeforcommotion's daughter makes Churchill debut
At Churchill Downs race 2, Girl Named Knicki makes her career debut for trainer John Ennis. This 2-year-old Knicks Go filly is out of Grade 3 winner Causeforcommotion, who earned $266,000 during her racing career. She'll be ridden by Adam Beschizza and is listed at 8-1 on the morning line for this five-furlong maiden special weight. She was bred by HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud and races for Hayden Noriega.
Gunite's full brother ready for eagerly awaited debut
Also at Churchill Downs race 2, Spice Runner makes his career debut for trainer Steve Asmussen. This 2-year-old Gun Runner colt is a full brother to Grade 1 winner Gunite, who has earned $2.49 million with three graded-stakes wins. He'll be ridden by Jose Ortiz and is listed as the 5-2 morning line favorite. He was bred by his owner Winchell Thoroughbreds.
Vegas Magic's half-brother debuts on turf
At Churchill Downs race 4, Collecting makes his career debut for trainer Michael McCarthy. This 2-year-old Collected colt is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Vegas Magic, who earned $247,000. He'll be ridden by Jaime Torres and is listed at 8-1 on the morning line for this five-furlong maiden special weight on turf. He was bred by Machmer Hall and races for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.
First Peace's half-brother ready to run
Also at Churchill Downs race 4, Moderator makes his career debut for trainer Doug O'Neill. This 2-year-old Thousand Words colt is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner First Peace, who has earned $779,000. He'll be ridden by Rafael Bejarano and is listed at 6-1 on the morning line. He was bred by Mullikin Thoroughbreds and races for Mark D. Davis.
Bellavais daughter returns at Gulfstream
At Gulfstream Park race 4, Starship Bella makes her second career start for trainer Nick Zito. This 3-year-old Uncle Mo filly is out of Grade 3 winner Bellavais, who earned $435,000 during her racing career. In her debut on May 1 at Gulfstream Park, she finished sixth, beaten 20 1/4 lengths on synthetic, earning a 39 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Samuel Camacho Jr. and is now trying dirt for this 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight. She was bred by St. Elias Stables and races for Starship Stables.
One Timer's brother tries again
At Prairie Meadows race 1, Pasa Doble makes his second career start for trainer Oscar Flores. This 5-year-old Tapwrit horse is a three-quarter-brother to Grade 2 winner One Timer, who has earned $1.03 million. In his debut on May 3 at Oaklawn Park, he finished 12th, beaten 28 1/2 lengths, earning a 38 HRN speed figure. He'll be ridden by Tyler Bacon and is listed at 4-1 on the morning line for this 5 1/2-furlong dirt maiden claiming race. He was bred by Newbyth Stud and races for Danny R. Caldwell.
Unlimited Budget's daughter tries New York turf
At Belmont at Aqueduct race 2, Unlimited Spending makes her third career start for trainer Todd Pletcher. This 3-year-old Japan-bred filly by Orfevre is out of Grade 2 winner Unlimited Budget, who earned $759,000 during her racing career with three graded-stakes wins. In her most recent start on March 23 at Gulfstream Park, she finished eighth, beaten 9 3/4 lengths, earning a 98 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. for this 1 3/16-mile turf maiden special weight. She was bred by Shadai Farm in Japan and races for Repole Stable.
Saturday
Post Time's half-sister makes anticipated debut
At Churchill Downs race 1, Field Song makes her career debut for trainer Kenny McPeek. This 3-year-old McKinzie filly is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Post Time, who has earned $1.27 million with two graded stakes wins. She'll be ridden by Corey Lanerie in this one-mile dirt maiden special weight. She was bred by a partnership of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Bowman, Dr. Brooke Bowman and Milton P Higgins III and races for a partnership including Dream Walkin Farms, Baccari Racing Stable, and Hunter Miller.
Moonshine Memories' half-brother ready to run
At Churchill Downs race 10, Wartank makes his career debut for trainer Kenny McPeek. This 3-year-old Tapit colt is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Moonshine Memories, who earned $549,000 with two graded stakes wins. He'll be ridden by Julien Leparoux in this one-mile dirt maiden special weight. He was bred by Summer Wind Equine and races for FMQ Stables.
Selcourt's daughter back after promising debut
At Churchill Downs race 1, Cyawouldntwanabeya makes her second career start for trainer Brian Lynch. This 3-year-old Into Mischief filly is out of Grade 2 winner Selcourt, who earned $393,000 during her racing career with two graded stakes wins. In her debut on April 24 at Keeneland, she finished third, beaten 3 3/4 lengths, earning a 99 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Florent Geroux in this one-mile dirt maiden special weight. She was bred by Breeze Easy and races for Flying Dutchmen.
Moonlight d'Oro's half-sister hopes to fire fresh
At Churchill Downs race 1, Sweet Seraphine makes her second career start for trainer Cherie DeVaux. This 3-year-old Quality Road filly is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Moonlight d'Oro, who earned $223,000. In her debut last August at Ellis Park, she finished third, beaten 1 1/2 lengths, earning a 94 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Jose Ortiz in this one-mile dirt maiden special weight. She was bred by her owner Stonehaven Steadings.
Silver State's half-brother ready for improvement
At Churchill Downs race 10, Maxima makes his second career start for trainer Bill Mott. This 3-year-old Authentic colt is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Silver State, who earned $1.93 million with two graded stakes wins. In his debut on March 22 at Tampa Bay Downs, he finished fourth, beaten 9 1/4 lengths, earning an 89 HRN speed figure. He'll be ridden by James Graham in this one-mile dirt maiden special weight. He was bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings and races for a partnership of Grandview Equine, LNJ Foxwoods, and Stonestreet Stables.
Full Count Felicia's half-sister gets another chance
At Santa Anita Park race 1, French Moonlight makes her second career start for trainer Leonard Powell. This 3-year-old Liam's Map filly is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Full Count Felicia, who has earned $1.23 million with three graded-stakes wins. In her debut on April 26 at Santa Anita, she finished 10th, beaten 14 3/4 lengths, earning a 63 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Armando Ayuso in this one-mile turf maiden special weight. She was bred by PT Syndicate and races for a partnership of Brown, Klein and Lebherz.
Sunday
Triple Crown winner's sister tries turf
At Churchill Downs race 6, Play With Magic makes her second career start for trainer Cherie DeVaux. This 3-year-old Mendelssohn filly is a three-quarter-sister to the legendary Triple Crown winner Justify, who earned $3.80 million with five graded stakes wins. In her debut on April 11 at Keeneland, she finished eighth, beaten 18 3/4 lengths on dirt, earning a 91 HRN speed figure. She's now switching to turf with Jose Ortiz aboard. She was bred by her owner John D. Gunther, who also bred Justify.
Bodemeister's half-brother ready for Gulfstream bow
At Gulfstream Park race 1, Tall Story makes his career debut for trainer Jack Sisterson. This 3-year-old Uncle Mo colt is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Bodemeister, who earned $1.30 million and sired Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming. He'll be ridden by Edgar Perez in this 1 1/8-mile maiden special weight on synthetic. He was bred by the Coolmore partnership of Orpendale, Chelston and Wynatt and races for JWS Racing.
Cambodia's daughter gets another turf try
At Churchill Downs race 6, Theravada makes her third career start for trainer Rusty Arnold. This 3-year-old Tapit filly is out of Grade 2 winner Cambodia, who earned $859,000 with four graded-stakes wins. In her most recent start on April 12 at Keeneland, she finished seventh, beaten 9 1/4 lengths, earning an 82 HRN speed figure. She'll be ridden by Luis Saez in this 1 1/16-mile turf maiden special weight. She was bred by her owners Don Robinson and Allen Schubert of Winter Quarter Farm.
Prospect Watch highlights just a few of the noteworthy newcomers each week. You can see the full list below.
| Date | Track | Type | Horse | Div | Sire | Dam | Trainer | Top sibling (Highest GS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-time starters | ||||||||
| 5/19 | IND 8 | MSW | Tarshea (IRE) | 3F | Sottsass (FR) | Annabelle Ja (FR), 22YO, $2K | Brad Cox | Libranno (GB) (G2), 17YO, $621K, by Librettist |
| 5/21 | BTP 8 | MCL | Hazard Boy | 3M | Mineshaft | Uchitel, 18YO, $1K | Kelsey Danner | Suddenbreakingnews (G3), 12YO, $767K, by Mineshaft |
| 5/22 | CD 3 | MSW | Lewinsky | 2F | Tiz the Law | Entangle (GB) (G3), 19YO, $636K | Brendan Walsh | |
| 5/22 | CD 3 | MSW | Nanina (GER) | 2F | No Nay Never | Naseej (GB), 11YO, $0K | Brad Cox | Goldenas (IRE) (G2), 5YO, $315K, by Golden Horn (GB) |
| 5/22 | DEL 1 | MCL | Tale of Emmery | 5F | Tale of Ekati | Dance Away Capote (G3), 23YO, $587K | Kelly Lynn Deiter | |
| 5/22 | DEL 7 | MSW | It's Electric | 3M | Liam's Map | Amazement, 14YO, $0K | Jorge Duarte, Jr. | Colonel Liam (G1), 8YO, $1.81M, by Liam's Map |
| 5/23 | CD 2 | MSW | Girl Named Knicki | 2F | Knicks Go | Causeforcommotion (G3), 11YO, $266K | John Ennis | |
| 5/23 | CD 2 | MSW | Spice Runner | 2M | Gun Runner | Simple Surprise, 12YO, $185K | Steve Asmussen | Gunite (G1), 6YO, $2.49M, by Gun Runner |
| 5/23 | CD 4 | MSW | Collecting | 2M | Collected | Heidi Maria, 17YO, $221K | Michael McCarthy | Vegas Magic (G2), 5YO, $247K, by Good Magic |
| 5/23 | CD 4 | MSW | Moderator | 2M | Thousand Words | Peace Opportunity, 10YO, $12K | Doug O'Neill | First Peace (G2), 5YO, $779K, by Funtastic |
| 5/24 | CD 1 | MSW | Field Song | 3F | McKinzie | Vielsalm (G3 Placed), 15YO, $329K | Kenny McPeek | Post Time (G2), 5YO, $1.27M, by Frosted |
| 5/24 | CD 6 | MCL | Sunset Lines | 3F | Good Magic | Win McCool (G3), 22YO, $219K | Rusty Arnold | |
| 5/24 | CD 10 | MSW | Wartank | 3M | Tapit | Unenchantedevening, 21YO, $41K | Kenny McPeek | Moonshine Memories (G1), 10YO, $549K, by Malibu Moon |
| 5/24 | FP 1 | MCL | Chica Con Suerte | 3F | West Coast | Stately (SAF) (G3), 21YO, $17K | Jada C. Schlenk | |
| 5/24 | SA 2 | MSW | Liberation | 2F | Omaha Beach | Ponytail, 12YO, $206K | John Sadler | Rashmi (G3), 4YO, $204K, by Oscar Performance |
| 5/25 | CD 6 | MSW | Maple Syrup | 3F | The Factor | Snow Cone, 21YO, $353K | Riley Mott | Salute With Honor (G3), 11YO, $443K, by To Honor and Serve |
| 5/25 | GP 1 | MSW | Tall Story | 3M | Uncle Mo | Untouched Talent (G3), 21YO, $244K | Jack Sisterson | Bodemeister (G1), 16YO, $1.30M, by Empire Maker |
| Second-time starters | ||||||||
| 5/19 | IND 4 | MSW | Renoir | 3F | Authentic | Treasure, 13YO, $63K | Rodolphe Brisset | National Treasure (G1), 5YO, $5.58M, by Quality Road |
| 5/19 | IND 8 | MSW | Ann's Girl | 3F | Gun Runner | Allwewantforxmas, 16YO, $212K | Steve Asmussen | Spun Glass (G3), 8YO, $511K, by Hard Spun |
| 5/20 | IND 8 | MCL | Starship Aries | 5F | Ghostzapper | Little Swoon, 20YO, $20K | Kelsey Danner | Iliad (G2), 11YO, $247K, by Ghostzapper |
| 5/21 | DEL 7 | MSW | Justifying Vegas | 4F | Justify | Stays in Vegas (G3), 12YO, $419K | Christophe Clement | |
| 5/21 | DEL 7 | MSW | Rescue Me | 3F | More Than Ready | Fools Gold (G3), 10YO, $317K | Chad Brown | |
| 5/22 | CD 3 | MSW | Red Beretta | 2F | Catalina Cruiser | Dontgetinmyway, 22YO, $0K | Michel Douaihy | Dorsett (G1), 15YO, $468K, by Artie Schiller |
| 5/22 | DEL 3 | MCL | Affirmed Blessing | 3F | Street Sense | Stormy Pursuer (ARG), 19YO, $0K | James E. Nicholson, Jr. | Hat Puntano (ARG) (G1), 12YO, $35K, by Hat Trick (JPN) |
| 5/23 | GP 4 | MSW | Starship Bella | 3F | Uncle Mo | Bellavais (G3), 11YO, $435K | Nicholas P. Zito | |
| 5/23 | GP 4 | MSW | Starship Paradise | 3F | Maclean's Music | Secret Garden (PER) (G1), 12YO, $23K | Heather Smullen | |
| 5/23 | PRM 1 | MCL | Pasa Doble | 5M | Tapwrit | Spanish Star, 11YO, $0K | Oscar Flores | One Timer (G2), 6YO, $1.03M, by Trappe Shot |
| 5/24 | CD 1 | MSW | Cyawouldntwanabeya | 3F | Into Mischief | Selcourt (G2), 11YO, $393K | Brian Lynch | |
| 5/24 | CD 1 | MSW | Sweet Seraphine | 3F | Quality Road | Venetian Sonata, 16YO, $44K | Cherie DeVaux | Moonlight d'Oro (G3), 7YO, $223K, by Medaglia d'Oro |
| 5/24 | CD 10 | MSW | Fact | 3M | Instagrand | Bazinga Baby, 13YO, $0K | William Walden | Estilo Talentoso (G3), 8YO, $533K, by Maclean's Music |
| 5/24 | CD 10 | MSW | Il Cavallino | 3M | Into Mischief | Daisy (G3), 10YO, $163K | Mike Maker | |
| 5/24 | CD 10 | MSW | Maxima | 3M | Authentic | Supreme (G3 Placed), 18YO, $163K | Bill Mott | Silver State (G1), 8YO, $1.93M, by Hard Spun |
| 5/24 | CD 10 | MSW | Sports Hero | 3M | Munnings | Open House, 11YO, $0K | Brad Cox | Circle of Trust (G3), 4YO, $121K, by Union Rags |
| 5/24 | GP 6 | MSW | Holy Dancer | 3M | Munnings | Slow Sand, 20YO, $2K | Nicholas P. Zito | King Guillermo (G2), 8YO, $365K, by Uncle Mo |
| 5/24 | SA 1 | MSW | French Moonlight | 3F | Liam's Map | Claire de Lune (IRE), 12YO, $23K | Leonard Powell | Full Count Felicia (G1), 6YO, $1.23M, by War Front |
| 5/24 | SA 2 | MSW | Bella Chavela | 2F | Stay Thirsty | Bossy Belle, 14YO, $39K | Steven Miyadi | Phantom Boss (G3), 8YO, $172K, by Shackleford |
| 5/24 | SA 2 | MSW | Can You Dream | 2F | Acclamation | You Can Dream, 19YO, $244K | Rafael DeLeon | Chismosa (G3), 5YO, $580K, by Clubhouse Ride |
| 5/25 | CD 6 | MSW | Play With Magic | 3F | Mendelssohn | Stage Magic (G3 Placed), 18YO, $134K | Cherie DeVaux | Justify (G1), 10YO, $3.80M, by Scat Daddy |
| Third-time starters | ||||||||
| 5/19 | PID 3 | MSW | Moms Tribute | 5F | Collected | Halloween Fun, 25YO, $99K | Michelle C. Brafford | Tom's Tribute (G1), 15YO, $635K, by Lion Heart |
| 5/19 | PRX 5 | MCL | Foil | 3M | Street Sense | Elude, 11YO, $22K | Paul Conrad | First Mission (G2), 5YO, $2.06M, by Street Sense |
| 5/22 | CD 4 | CLM | Sandini | 3M | Bernardini | Island Sand (G1), 24YO, $1.18M | Robert Medina | |
| 5/22 | HAW 5 | ALW | Smoked | 3F | Adios Charlie | Rooney Doodle, 21YO, $0K | Larry Rivelli | Jean Elizabeth (G3), 10YO, $773K, by Adios Charlie |
| 5/22 | IND 5 | MSW | McLaughlin | 3F | Uncle Mo | Itsagiantcauseway, 18YO, $80K | Christopher Davis | Mucho Gusto (G1), 9YO, $4.45M, by Mucho Macho Man |
| 5/23 | BAQ 2 | MSW | Green Jobs | 3F | Medaglia d'Oro | Gentle Ruler (G3), 10YO, $862K | Chad Brown | |
| 5/23 | BAQ 2 | MSW | Unlimited Spending (JPN) | 3F | Orfevre (JPN) | Unlimited Budget (G2), 15YO, $759K | Todd Pletcher | |
| 5/23 | LRL 1 | MCL | Teddy's Lucky Girl | 3F | Madefromlucky | Chrusciki, 25YO, $323K | Timothy L. Keefe | Eastern Bay (G3), 11YO, $1.07M, by E Dubai |
| 5/24 | BAQ 6 | MCL | Barb | 3M | Candy Ride (ARG) | Classic Point (G2), 16YO, $686K | Robert Ribaudo | |
| 5/25 | CD 6 | MSW | Oak Alley | 3F | Kitten's Joy | Vamo a Galupiar (CHI) (G1), 18YO, $194K | Brendan Walsh | |
| 5/25 | CD 6 | MSW | Theravada | 3F | Tapit | Cambodia (G2), 13YO, $859K | Rusty Arnold | |
| 5/25 | LAD 6 | MSW | Fire in My Sul | 4M | Justify | Pool Land (G1), 23YO, $530K | Steve Asmussen | |
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.