St John's River Enjoying Time at Saratoga

Breeder Dede McGehee has been enjoying the beautiful Saratoga mornings this week, not doing much of anything other than hanging around the stall of her pride and joy, St. John’s River, a candidate for the Grade 1, $500,000 TVG Alabama for 3-year-old fillies on August 20.

“I just want to soak it all in,” said McGehee, who bred St. John’s River, a daughter of Include out of her Private Account mare Adventurous Di, at her Heaven Trees Farm in Lexington, Ky., where 2009 horse of the year Rachel Alexandra was also foaled.

Racing for low-profile veteran trainer Andrew Leggio, St. John’s River has two wins, three seconds and a third from six starts, including a second at 16-1 to Plum Pretty in the Kentucky Oaks and an authoritative win in her most recent start, the Grade 2 Delaware Oaks on July 9.

With Plum Pretty, Coaching Club American Oaks winner It’s Tricky and Queen’s Plate winner Inglorious all pointed toward the Alabama , St. John’s River figures to not rank among the favorites, but she is a long-winded threat to upset.

McGehee, who grew up in Jacksonville, Fla., near the St. John’s River, bought Adventurous Di in foal carrying eventual multiple graded stakes-winning millionaire Panty Raid, who she sold.

After the success of Panty Raid, McGehee bred her mare back to Include, and when St. John’s River was born, McGehee was wishing hard for a filly, “and I wanted one that could run,” she said. “I said to my farm manager, Donnie, if that baby isn’t a filly, you kick that thing back in.’ He called and said, ‘Do you love me?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘It’s a girl.’”