For Immediate Release
Wathnan Racing’s Flood Zone (Frosted-Curls for Girls, by Curlin) launched himself into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture when he upset the field in the Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack March 1, becoming one of three Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company graduates to earn graded stakes victories over the weekend.
(NYRA/Walter Wlodarczyk photo)
Flood Zone earned 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby as he defeated eight sophomores in the field. Consigned by Paul Sharp, he was purchased for $45,000 by VEB Racing Stable at the 2024 OBS June Sale after breezing in :21.3.
“Going two turns, he’ll be even better in my opinion. He has very good tactical speed and he has gears to go the distance,” jockey Reylu Gutierrez told the NYRA publicity team.
At Gulfstream Park March 1, D. J. Stable LLC and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Vixen (Vekoma – Top Mission, by Noble Mission (GB)) notched her first graded victory when she captured the $215,000 Herecomesthebride (G3). The Mark Casse trainee was purchased by D. J. Stable for $200,000 out of the SGV Thoroughbreds at the 2024 OBS Spring Sale after breezing in :10.1.
On March 2 at Santa Anita Park, Michael Lund Petersen’s Maysam (Game Winner-Sefani, by American Pharoah) gamely outdueled favorite Supa Speed to win the Grade 3, $100,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes and earn 25 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Maysam was purchased by Petersen for $500,000 out of the Wavertree Stables consignment at the 2024 OBS March sale after breezing in :10 flat.
Other OBS graduates to earn stakes wins the past week include:
Feb 24
Oaklawn Park
$145,000 Commodore Overnight Stakes – Booth (Mitole – Sophia’s Song, by Bellamy Road). Owner: William and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm, Whispering Oaks Farm; Sale: 2023 OBS March; Buyer: Bill & Corinne Heiligbrodt and Jackpot Farm; Consignor: Wavertree Stables; Price: $225,000; Breeze: 10.0 (Under Tack Video)
$150,000 Dixie Belle Stakes – G W’s Girl (Munnings – Essence of Audre, by Exchange Rate); Owner: Mag Racing LLC; Sale: 2024 OBS March; Buyer: Mag Racing Stables; Consignor: Triple J Equine Sales; Price: $130,000; Breeze: 10.0.
March 1
Aqueduct
$150,000 Stymie Stakes – Bank Frenzy (Central Banker- Storm Now, by Tiznow). Owner: LSU Stables; Sale: 2022 OBS April. Buyer: Philip Harding; Consignor: Sequel Bloodstock; Price: $110,000; Breeze: 10.2 (Under Tack Video)
Fair Grounds
$100,000 Flashy Prize Stakes – Blue Fire (Aurelius Maximus – Mystic Blue, by Maimonides); Owner: Stonestreet Stables and Peter Leidel; Sale: 2023 OBS Winter Mixed Sale; Buyer: Fast Horses; Consignor: Kaizen Sales; Price: $32,000.
Turfway
$125,000 Wintergreen Stakes – Ms Quality Control (Quality Road – A Bit Special (GB), by Mukhadram (GB); Owner: James Schurman; Sale: 2023 OBS March; Buyer: David Cannizzo, agent; Consignor: Wavertree Stables; Price: $255,000; Breeze: 10.2 (Under Tack Video)
March 2
Oaklawn Park
$150,000 Nodouble Breeders’ Stakes – Navy Seal (Midshipman – Copperelle, by Elusive Quality); Owner: KEM Stables; Sale: 2020 OBS March; Buyer: KEM Stable; Consignor: Hoby and Lana Kight; Price: $80,000; Breeze: 21.1 (Under Tack Video)
Aqueduct
$125,000 Correction Stakes – Sunday Girl (Central Banker-Lady Daphne, by Harlan’s Holiday). Owner: Mitre Box Stable, Clear Stars Stable and Eighth Note Stable; Sale: 2022 OBS October; Buyer: Kathryn Martin; Consignor: McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds; Price: $43,000.