Graduate News

KatieRich Stables’ May Day Ready (Tapit-Nemoralia, by More Than Ready) got back into the win column Aug. 23 when she led every point of call in the Grade 2, $400,000 Lake Placid at Saratoga Race Course, leading the slate of stakes-winning OBS grads for the week.

Trained by Joe Lee, the daughter of Tapit posted a half-length score over fellow OBS grad Play With Fire to earn her first win since taking the Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland last fall.

“I knew she’d be fresh. I knew if she got a clean break, with the horses that were in there, should someone not decide to go, she may just be on the lead,” Lee told the NYRA publicity team.

Bred in Kentucky by White Birch Farm, May Day Ready was purchased by her owners for $325,000 out of the de Meric Sales consignment at the 2024 OBS April Sale after breezing in :10 flat.

At Woodbine Aug. 23, Gary Barber and Team Valor International LLC’s Elysian Field (Hard Spun -Elysian, by Smart Strike) returned to winning form with a gritty score in the $150,000 Seaway Stakes (G3). Trained by Mark Casse, Elysian Field arrived at the wire a one-length winner. She was supplemented to the Seaway and was making her second start off an eight-month layoff.

Elysian Field was a $70,000 purchase at the 2022 OBS June Sale​ by Bruce Brown, Agent, out of the Ocala Stud consignment after breezing in :21 3/5.

At Charles Town on Aug. 22, the 2024 Florida-bred Horse of the Year Mystic Lake (Mo Town – Salty Soul, by Itsmyluckyday) earned her third straight stakes win when she took the $250,000 Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon Stakes under the lights. The victory marked ninth stakes win for the filly trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. for C Two Racing Stables, Stefania Farms, and BAG Racing.

An earner of $1,360,042, Mystic Lake is a two-time OBS graduate, sold by Summerfield (Francis & Barbara Vanlangendonck), Agent, at the 2022 October Yearling Sale and then purchased for $130,000 out of the Tom McCrocklin consignment at the 2023 March Sale after breezing in :20 4/5.

At Saratoga on Aug. 22, Edward Childs and R. A. Hill Stable’s Iron Orchard (Authentic- Onebrethatatime, by Brethren) made every pole a winning one en route to prevailing in the  $150,000 Seeking the Ante for New York-bred 2-year-old fillies.

Trained by Danny Gargan, the daughter of Authentic won at first asking in a restricted 5 1/2-furlong maiden test and replicated that effort in her stakes debut, scoring by 6 3/4-lengths. Gargan indicated Iron Orchard is likely to stretch out next in the Grade 1, $400,000 Frizette Oct. 4 at Aqueduct.

Iron Orchard was purchased by Bill Childs and Mark Stanton for $500,000 from the Grassroots Training and Sales consignment at the 2025 OBS April Sale where she worked in :9 4/5.

At Century Mile Aug. 23, last year’s Century Oaks winner Avana (Vino Rosso- Revealing Moment, by After Market) took the $75,000 Northlands Distaff Handicap. Owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Barbara Heads, the daughter of Vino Rosso was purchased by Mike Ryan, agent for $150,000 out of the consignment of Cary Frommer at the 2023 OBS March Sale after breezing in :10 2/5.

On Aug. 20 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, West Point Thoroughbreds and James Nichols’s Run Away Rojo (Run Away and Hide – Aunt Sherri, by Stephen Got Even) turned in a fast-closing effort to win the $100,000 Bucchero Handicap after the race – named for OBS grad, multiple graded stakes winner, and sire Bucchero – was taken off the turf.

Run Away Rojo, who was making his second start for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, was purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds for $120,000 at the 2022 OBS April Sale from the Mayberry Farm consignment after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Parx on Aug. 19, Happy Tenth Stables’ Buccherino (Bucchero – Bellimbusto, by First Dude) pulled away at the top of the stretch to win the $75,000 State Representative’s Sprint. Trained by Alfredo Velazquez, Buccherino earned his third stakes victory. He was purchased for $75,000 from the Blue River Bloodstock, Inc. consignment at the 2023 OBS April Sale after breezing in :10 flat.

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Velocity (Nyquist-Blast, by Harlan’s Holiday) stormed through the stretch at Del Mar Aug. 16 to upset the field in Grade 1, $300,000 Del Mar Oaks, earning her first graded stakes victory and leading the slate of stakes-winning OBS grads.

The lightly raced daughter of Nyquist proved a half length best at the wire in what was only her fifth lifetime start, striking the front inside the sixteenth pole and having enough in the tank to hold off the fast-closing Lush Lips and favored Thought Process.

“She’s had a wonderful couple of weeks down here,” trainer Michael McCarthy told Del Mar publicity. “She was on her toes in a great way walking around the paddock, coming out through the tunnel. I liked everything I saw today.”

Velocity was purchased by her owners for $75,000 from the Two Oaks Equine consignment at the 2024 OBS March Sale after breezing in :10 1/5.

Earlier in the day, Al and Bill Ulwelling’s Mansetti (Collected-Gidget Girl, by Sky Mesa) delivered an upset of his own in the 166th running of The King’s Plate, the $1 million Canadian classic at Woodbine. Bred by Jungle Racing, LLC, Mansetti crossed the wire 2 ½ lengths in front under heady handling from rising star Pietro Moran and for champion trainer Kevin Attard.

“He showed a lot of talent from a young age, and I really thought he was going to be a good horse, but he just got so kind of keen and eager as a baby that you didn’t think he’d stretch out. Luckily for us, he matured nicely over the wintertime,” Attard told Woodbine publicity.

Mansetti was a $40,000 purchase by his owners from the 2024 OBS April Sale from the Eddie Woods consignment after breezing in :20 4/5.  

At Monmouth Park on Aug. 17, Respect the Valleys’s Dazzling Dame (Girvin – Awesome Dama, by Corinthian) earned her second victory in as many starts when she captured the $100,000 Sorority Stakes by two lengths. Trained by Brittany Russell, the daughter of Girvin was purchased by her owners for $45,000 at the 2025 OBS March Sale from the Richardson Bloodstock consignment after breezing in :21 flat. She was previously sold to
Tahoe Bloodstock from the Hare Hill Farm consignment for $65,000 at the 2024 OBS Winter Mixed Sale.

At Gulfstream Park Aug. 16, Blue Boy Racing and Matty Dan Racing’s Vincey Girl (Race Day-Gracious, by Elusive Quality) used a patient stalk-and-pounce trip to capture the $75,000 Sheer Drama Handicap. The 4-year-old daughter of Race Day earned her first stakes win. She was purchased by Pro Racing Stable for $40,000 from the On the Run Sales consignment at the 2023 OBS June Sale after breezing in : 21.

At Prairie Meadows Aug. 15, Sandeep Patel’s Ritzaphena (Lexitonian – Ritz And Glitz, by Desert Party) remained unbeaten in two starts and became the first stakes winner for her sire when she rallied for a 1 1/4-length win the $100,000 Prairie Meadows Debutante. Trained by Jayde Gelner, Ritzaphena was purchased by Scott Gelner for $75,000 at the 2025 OBS April sale from the consignment of SGV Thoroughbreds after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Thistledown Aug. 14, Crown the Buckeye (Yaupon – Feisty Tomboy, by Unbridled’s Song) powered to a 12 ¼-length victory in the $100,000 Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes. Owned by Paradise Farms Corp., David Staudacher, and Hooties Racing LLC and trained by Mike Maker, the son of Yaupon was purchased by Sean S. Perl Bloodstock for $250,000 from the Grassroots Training & Sales consignment at the 2025 OBS April Sale after breezing in :10 flat.

Baoma Corp’s Himika (Curlin-Motivated Seller, by Into Mischief), the 1-5 favorite in a field of six fillies, made a successful step up in class when she captured the six-furlong, $150,500 Sorrento Stakes (G3) by 4 1/4 lengths Aug. 10, becoming one of two OBS grads to earn graded victories over the weekend.

The bay daughter of Curlin won her second race in as many starts, covering the distance in 1:10.61 for trainer Bob Baffert, who won the race for the ninth time.

“She took care of business in the stretch,” jockey Juan Hernandez told Del Mar publicity.

She was purchased by her owners for $900,000 at this year’s OBS April Sale from the de Meric Sales consignment after breezing in :9 4/5.

A day earlier at Del Mar, Pegram, Watson and Weitman’s Desert Gate (Omaha Beach-Theogony, by Curlin) cruised to an 8 ¾ length victory in $150,000 Best Pal Stakes (G3) over a field of five on Aug. 9.

Like Himika, the colt was handled by the meet’s leading rider, Juan Hernandez, and gave trainer Bob Baffert his 12th victory in the race. Desert Gate had scored by 2 ¼ lengths in his racing debut in June at Santa Anita.

“It’s nice to see these horses develop like this,” Baffert told Del Mar publicity.

Desert Gate was purchased by his owners for $260,000 at the 2025 OBS March Sale from the Navas Equine consignment after breezing in :9 4/5.

Other OBS grads who earned stakes wins during the week included Green With MV Stable’s Diciassette (Mitole-Im a Dixie Diva, by Henny Hughes), who accelerated through the lane to go on to a one-length victory in Saturday’s $75,000 Proud Man at Gulfstream Park Aug. 9.

Trained by Patrick Biancone, Diciassette was making his second career start. Fellow OBS grad Khon Han, who broke last and trailed the field in the early stages, made a dramatic late run to be second, two lengths ahead of another OBS grad in Wine Candy.

A son of Mitole, Diciassette was purchased for $34,000 by Superfine from the Abbie Road Farm at the 2024 OBS October Yearling Sale.

At Colonial Downs Aug. 9, JR Ranch and MyRacehorse’s Reputation (Bolt d’Oro-Final Reward, by Arch) captured the $100,000 Tyson Gilpin Stakes by 6 ¾ lengths.

Trained by Gustavo Delgado, Reputation bested a field that saw fellow OBS grad G W’s Girl finish third. Reputation was purchased by de Meric Sales for $135,000 from the Kaizen Sales consignment at the 2023 OBS October Yearling Sale.

At Canterbury Park on Aug. 9, Valene Farms LLC’s Carson Bay (Midshipman – Karakorum Fugitive, by Ten Most Wanted) captured the $75,000 Minnesota Oaks, setting all the fractions before drawing away to win by 5 1/2 lengths. Trained by Gary Scherer, Carson Bay was purchased for $70,000 by Murray Valene at the 2024 OBS March Sale from the consignment of Niall Brennan Stables after galloping during the under-tack show.

At Assiniboia on Aug. 4, Attack (Munnings – Ammannati (Ire), by Galileo (Ire)) earned the win in $125,750 Manitoba Derby after heavy favorite Take Charge Tom, who crossed the finish line first, was disqualified for interference shortly after leaving the gate, as a result of four different claims of foul, two by jockeys and two by trainers. 

The son of Munnings is trained Craig Robert Smith and owned by a partnership that includes Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Dialed In Racing Stable, Bruce Appleyard, Jamie Graham, Lucky Diamonds Racing, Smokin Guns Stable, James and Robert Bauder, and John and Leslie O’Neill. Attack was purchased for $300,000 at the 2024 OBS March Sale by D. J. Stable from the Ocala Stud consignment after breezing in :21 2/5.

At Hastings Aug. 4, Peter Redekop’s Avana (Vino Rosso-Revealing Moment by After Market) drew clear late for the victory in the $50,000 BC Cup Distaff Handicap for trainer Barbara Heads. She was purchased by Mike Ryan, agent for $150,000 at the 2023 OBS March Sale from consignor Cary Frommer after breezing in :10 2/5.

D.J. Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and Kenneth Freirich’s Ewing (Knicks Go- Sassy Ali Joy, by Indian Charlie) earned his first stakes score when he captured the Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 2, becoming one of three OBS grads to earn graded stakes victories over the weekend.

Trained by dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse, the son of Knicks Go previously notched a 12-length victory on debut on July 5 in a 5 1/2-fuirlong maiden race. Ewing and fellow OBS grad Obliteration were wide exiting the turn, but Ewing fended off his rival to win by one length.

Casse added he would likely target the Grade 3 Iroquois in September at Churchill Downs with Ewing, who was purchased by D.J. Stable & West Point Thoroughbreds for $585,000 from the Hidden Brook consignment at the 2025 OBS April Sale after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Woodbine Aug. 2, Swift Delivery (Not This Time- Raegen Harper, by Rockport Harbor) named after music superstar Taylor Swift and co-owned by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, earned his first graded win when he took the $150,000 Seagram Cup (G3).

It was the second straight score for Swift Delivery, who entered the Seagram Cup off a two-length triumph on June 22. Swift Delivery was offered at the 2023 OBS June Sale by the White Lilac consignment where he breezed in :10 2/5.

At Ellis Park on Aug. 3, Steve Landers Racing’s Destino d’Oro (Bolt d’Oro- Heart of Destiny, by Lion Heart) sat a perfect trip and drew off with authority to win the $399,400 Pucker Up Stakes (G3). Trained by Brad Cox, Destino d’Oro earned her first graded stakes victory.

Destino d’Oro was purchased by her owner for $185,000 at the 2024 OBS April Sale from the consignment of CM Thoroughbreds after breezing in :10 flat.

Two other OBS grads also earned stakes wins on the Aug. 3 card at Ellis Park.

Susan and Jim Hill’s Highway Robber (Hard Spun – Yabba, by Lemon Drop Kid) found racing room in the nick of time and stormed down the lane to defend his title in Sunday’s $300,000 KY Downs Preview Turf Cup.

Trained by Brian Lynch, Highway Robber earned his sixth from 15 career starts and increased his career earnings to $1,315,573. Consigned by Vickers Racing to the 2022 OBS April Sale, he was purchased by his owners for $30,000 after breezing in :10 2/5.

Charles Marquis’ Bear River (Flameaway – Sixtyfivenorth, by Midshipman) battled on the front end and got his head down in time to score a 17-1 upset in Sunday’s $250,000 KY Downs Preview Turf Sprint.

Trained by Keith Desormeaux, Bear River earned his sixth win from 20 starts and increased his career earnings to $543,923. At the 2023 OBS June Sale, he was purchased by his owner for $50,000 out of the Randy Miles consignment after breezing in :10 2/5.

During the previous day’s card at Ellis Park, Ironhorse Racing Stable and T-N-T Equine Holding’s Tomasello (Authentic- Dakota Queen, by War Front) tracked just off the pace before drawing clear by 1 ½ lengths to win Saturday’s $250,000 KY Downs Preview Nashville Derby. Trained by Mark Casse, Tomasello earned an automatic berth to the Nashville Derby (G3) held on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Kentucky Downs.

Tomasello was purchased by Thomas and Mitchell Bloodstock for $125,000 at the 2024 OBS April Sale from the consignment of Golden Rock Thoroughbreds after breezing in :21 1/5.

At Colonial Downs Aug. 2, Midway Racing’s Trendsetter (Modernist – Suyapa, by Astrology) went from last of six to first in the $100,000 Hickory Tree. Trained by Ben Colebrook, Trendsetter earned his first stakes score. He was purchased by Davant Latham, agent for $130,000 at the 2025 OBS April Sale from the Grassroots Training and Sales consignment after breezing in :10 flat.

At Saratoga on July 31, Tristar Farm’s Doc Sullivan (Solomini- Queen Frostine, by Giant’s Causeway) returned to form when nailing fellow OBS grad The Wine Steward to win the $150,000 John Morrissey Stakes.

Doc Sullivan was making his first start for trainer John Ortiz after 14 outings for conditioner Michael Miceli and earned his first win since capturing the state-bred Mike Lee last June. He was a $59,000 purchase by Glen Lostritto from the consignment of Omar Ramirez Bloodstock at the 2023 OBS June Sale after breezing in :21 1/5.

Baoma Corp’s Nysos (Nyquist – Netta Z, by Bernardini) lived up to his overwhelming favoritism against five rivals when he drew clear through the lane to finish 2 3/4 lengths in front in the $300,500 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar on July 26, leading the slate of stakes-winning OBS grads for the week.

The 4-year-old son of Nyquist earned his fourth career graded stakes win and now has earnings of $598,500 from five victories in six starts.

“I’m glad to win the San Diego. I haven’t had the best of luck in this race. I’ve had some great horses get beat here. But a lot of pressure,” Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert told the Del Mar publicity team. “It’s just a relief that this horse won and hopefully the Pacific Classic is next for him.”

Nysos was purchased for $550,000 out of the Best A Luck Farm consignment by Donato Lanni, Agent for Baoma Corp at the 2023 OBS April Sale after breezing in :9 4/5.

At Saratoga on July 24, Flanagan Racing’s dual Grade 1-winner Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie- Bernadreamy, by Bernardini) earned his first win around two turns the Listed $135,000 Curlin Stakes.

Chancer McPatrick was 3-for-3 around one-turn last year, including Grade 1 wins in the Hopeful and the Champagne Stakes. Bred in Kentucky by Rigney Racing, Chancer McPatrick was a $725,000 purchase by Kimmel & Sallusto, Agent, at the 2024 OBS April Sale in from the Caliente Thoroughbreds consignment where he breezed in :21 flat.

Patriot Spirit (Constitution- Mistical Plan, by Game Plan), winner of the 2024 Illinois Derby, proved much the best over seven rivals in taking the $100,000 Reigh Count Stakes at Colonial Downs July 26, winning by four lengths over fellow OBS grad Inveigled. Owned by Mellon Patch, Patriot Spirit is trained by Mike Campbell and covered seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:21.01.

Bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm, the 4-year-old colt by Constitution now has a career record of 14-5-2-1 with $421,210 lifetime earnings. He was purchased by George Mellon for $235,000 out of the Clary Bloodstock consignment at the 2023 OBS March Sale after breezing in :10 flat. 

At Hawthorne on July 27, Patricia’s Hope LLC and Richard Ravin’s Rich City Girl (City of Light – Hassler (IRE), by War Front) earned her second stakes win when she captured the $100,000 Lady Carey Turf Sprint Stakes. Trained by Larry Rivelli, the filly was purchased by Patricia’s Hope for $435,000 out of the Top Line Sales consignment at the 2024 OBS March sale after breezing in :9 4/5.

Trainer Jorge Abreu watched his stable star Scottish Lassie (McKinzie-Bodebabe, by Bodemeister) put forth a sublime effort to earn her second Grade 1 victory when she romped in the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga Race Course July 19, headlining the slate of stakes-winning OBS graduates.

The daughter of McKinzie prevailed by 15 1/2 lengths over reigning juvenile filly champion Immersive in the field of four. Owned by Sportsmen Stable, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Photos Finish, Corms Racing Stable and Abreu, Scottish Lassie adds to previous Grade 1 success as she provided Abreu with his first graded victory when she took the Frizette last October.

Consigned to the 2024 OBS March Sale by Gene Recio, Agent, Scottish Lassie was sold for $85,000 to Parkland Thoroughbreds after breezing in :21 flat. 

At Saratoga on July 20, Rigney Racing’s Halina’s Forte (Mitole – Lunarlady, by Yes It’s True) closed up the rail to launch a 24-1 upset in the Grade 2, $200,000 Honorable Miss. Trained by Phil Bauer, the 4-year-old daughter of Mitole earned her third career stakes score, having also captured the Ruthless last February at Aqueduct Racetrack.  She was sold to Woodford Thoroughbreds for $130,000 by Summerfield (Francis & Barbara Vanlangendonck) at the 2022 OBS Winter Mixed Sale.

At Monmouth Park on July 20, Happy Tenth Stable’s Factorbella (The Factor – Mariglianella, by Stephanotis) gave trainer Tony Wilson his first stakes win in 14 years when she rolled to a 3¼-length victory in the $100,000 Regret Stakes. The daughter of The Factor was purchased by her owners for $60,000 out of the Mayberry Farm consignment at the 2023 OBS April Sale after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Saratoga on July 16, Team Hanley and Thirty Year Racing’s Mommy’s Turn (Mendelssohn- Hard to Stay Notgo, by More than Ready) utilized a strong kick to win Wednesday’s $150,000 Suzie O’Cain, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for New York-bred sophomore fillies, earning her first stakes triumph.

Trained by five-time Eclipse Award-winner Chad Brown, Mommy’s Turn was purchased for $115,000 by Team Hanley/30 Year Farm from the Sequel Bloodstock consignment at the 2024 OBS April Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Delaware Park on July 17, C2 Racing Stable, BAG Racing Stables and Stefania Farms’ Mystic Lake (Mo Town – Salty Soul, by Itsmyluckyday) scored an easy victory in the $125,000 Dashing Beauty Stakes.

With the victory, the Florida-bred conditioned by Saffie Joseph Jr. raised her career record to nine wins, eight of which are stakes victories, from 18 starts with earnings of $1,197,542. Named the 2024 Florida-bred Horse of the Year by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, Mystic Lake is a two-time OBS graduate, sold by Summerfield (Francis & Barbara Vanlangendonck), Agent, at the 2022 October Yearling Sale and then purchased for $130,000 out of the Tom McCrocklin consignment at the 2023 March Sale after breezing in :20.4/5.

At Monmouth Park July 18, Neoequos (Neolithic – Bold Birdie, by Birdstone) scored a 3 ¾ length victory in the $100,000 Jersey Shore Stakes for 3-year-olds going six furlongs. Campaigned by C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables, Stefania Farms, Ken Reimer, Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch, he was purchased by trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. for $22,000 at the 2023 OBS October Yearling Sale from the consignment of Abbie Road Farm.

At Del Mar on July 18, Jethorse’s Game Warrior (Game Winner – Le Mi Geaux, by First Samurai earned his first stakes win when he took the $102,500 Oceanside Stakes. Trained by Peter Miller, Game Warrior was purchased by his owners for $200,000 at the 2024 OBS March Sale from the consignment of Eddie Woods after breezing in :10 flat.

At Belterra Park June 18, Carl R. Moore Management LLC’s Generous Lover (Bolt d’Oro – Hula Skirt, by Dixie Union) scored a repeat win in the $75,000 Vivacious Stakes for trainer Joe Sharp. It was the fourth stakes win for the daughter of Bolt d’Oro, who was purchased for $175,000 out of the SBM Training and Sales consignment at the 2022 OBS Spring Sale after breezing in :10 flat.

On Monday July 21 at Ellis Park, Randy Patterson, Sam M. Vogel, and Randy L. Morse’s Asternia (Astern (AUS) – La Chepis)  stalked-and-pounced her way to victory in the $150,000 Twin Bridges Stakes. The win marked the second career stakes triumph for Asternia, who previously prevailed in the 2024 Purple Martin Stakes at Oaklawn Park for trainer Morse. Consigned by Grassroots Training and Sales to the 2023 OBS Spring Sale, she was purchased by her owners for $90,000 after breezing in :10 1/5.

Bregman Family Racing LLC and Swinbank Stables, LLC’s Governor Sam (Improbable – I’m Betty G, by Into Mischief) romped in the Grade 3, $175,000 Quick Call at Saratoga Race Course July 13 to become one of two OBS grads to win graded stakes on the weekend.

Trained by George Weaver, the son of Improbable annexed three turf sprint stakes as a juvenile and finished third in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar. Weaver added that Governor Sam could next contest the Grade 3, $175,000 Mahony on Aug. 10.

Governor Sam was purchased by Bregman Family Racing and Ivan Cabrera for $275,000 from Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent at the 2024 OBS Spring Sale after breezing in :9 4/5.

At Saratoga on July 11, Hit The Bid Racing Stable, Morplay Racing and Randall Hartley’s Italian Soiree (Uncle Mo- Social Call, by Smart Strike) earned her first graded win and second career victory when she captured the Grade 3, $175,000 Coronation Cup.

Trained by John Terranova, the daughter of Uncle Mo prevailed by one length over Laurice, who edged Abientot by a neck for place honors with Cloe completing the superfecta. Bred in Kentucky by Repole Stable, Italian Soiree, a full-sister to stakes-winner Be Better, was a $600,000 purchase by Hit The Bid Stables from the Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds consignment at the 2024 OBS March Sale after breezing in :10 flat. 

At Gulfstream Park on June 12, Miguel Vasquez proved to be a perfect fit for C2 Racing Stable LLC, Kuehne Racing and Mark Corrado’s Andrea (Thousand Words- Photoplay, by Tiznow) in their first pairing together as they scored a half-length victory in the $75,000 Azalea Stakes.

The Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained Andrea notched her second stakes victory in eight career starts and her first since winning the Hallandale Beach at Gulfstream last September. At the 2024 OBS April Sale, she worked in :9 4/5 and was purchased by Joseph for $105,000 out of the Eddie Woods consignment. 

At Colonial Downs on July 12, Dream Big Racing’s Winfinity (Not This Time-Winter, by Awesome Again) captured the $125,000 Miss Disco Stakes for 3-year-old fillies open to both Virginia-bred/sired & Maryland-bred/sired sophomores.

Trained by John Alexander Ortiz, the daughter of Not This Time had done well at Colonial previously, winning the Keswick Stakes for Virginia-Restricted horses last August. She was purchased for $300,000 by John Wade from the de Meric Sales consignment at the 2024 OBS April Sale after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Century Mile, Peter Redekop B. C., Ltd.’s Apprehend (Arrogate – Hero’s Amor, by Street Hero) was victorious in the $75,000 Century Mile Handicap (Listed) by 3 ¾ lengths to earn his third straight stakes victory and fifth straight win overall. Trained by Barbara Heads, he set a track record when he covered the distance in 1:39.83. The son of Arrogate was purchased by Alistair Roden Bloodstock for $185,000 out of the Top Line Sales consignment at 2021 OBS June Sale after breezing in :20 4/5.

Leland Ackerley Racing’s Obliteration (Violence- I’mclassyandsassy, by Master Command) improved to 2-for-2 in his burgeoning career when he scored a dominating 10 1/2 length victory in the Grade 3, $175,000 Sanford, a six-furlong sprint for juveniles, at Saratoga Race Course on July 5 to lead the slate of stakes-winning OBS grads.

Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, the son of Violence broke his maiden by 7 1/2 lengths on June 12 at Churchill Downs prior to his Spa effort and hit the wire Saturday in a final time of 1:10.65. Obliteration was a $200,000 purchase by his owner at the 2025 OBS March Sale from the consignment of breeder Ocala Stud after breezing in :21 3/5.

Other stakes winners included Kingsolver (Omaha Beach – Famous Writer, by Speightstown) who graduated in Friday’s Listed $150,000 Schuylerville, a six-furlong sprint for juvenile fillies during the July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course. Trained by Rodolphe Brisset, Kingsolver is owned by Storyteller Racing, who purchased her and own her in partnership with Michael Schroeck, Open Gate Horse Ventures, Brian Cahoe, Scott Catlett, Dave Russel, Matthew Ransdell, Michael Motley and Joel Braun.

She was purchased for $95,000 at the 2025 OBS March Sale from the JVC Training and Sales consignment after breezing in :10 flat.

At Presque Isle Downs July 4, D. J. Stable’s Horsepower (Good Samaritan – Bear’s Lightning, by Maria’s Mon) rallied past by Breeders’ Cup winner Nobals for an upset win in the $100,000 Karl Boyes Stakes. Horsepower, trained by Joe Orseno, won for the third time in five starts and earned his first stakes score. He was purchased by D.J. Stable for $60,000 from the Whitman Sales consignment at the 2023 OBS March Sale after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Prairie Meadows, Patricia’s Hope and Carolyn Wilson’s Sassy C W (Yaupon-Sassy Miss Sue, by Tiznow) went gate to wire to take the $100,000 Prairie Gold Lassie and remain unbeaten in three career starts. Trained by Larry Rivelli, the filly previously captured the $150,000 Astoria Stakes on June 5 at Saratoga. Consigned by Top Line Sales, Sassy C W was a $375,000 purchase at the 2025 OBS March Sale by Carolyn Wilson after breezing in :9 4/5.

At Horseshoe Indianapolis, Resolute Racing’s Dana’s Beauty (Not This Time – City Siren, by City Zip) got up at the wire to win the $100,000 Indiana General Assembly Distaff and become a millionaire. Trained by Mike Maker, Dana’s Beauty improved her record to 13 wins from 47 starts with a career bankroll of $1,034,495. The daughter of Not This Time is a two-time OBS graduate, sold first by Bobby Jones Equine for $47,000 at the 2019 October Yearling Sale then sold for $70,000 by Blue River Bloodstock, Agent to Sarah Russell Stables & TNT Equine Holdings at the 2020 Spring Sale after working in :21 3/5.

Also at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Paradise Farms Corp.’s Willy D’s (Lookin At Lucky – Boston Mine, Mineshaft) went wire-to-wire to take Saturday’s $100,000 Michael G. Schaefer Memorial by 4 1/2 lengths, setting a track record of 1:37.98 for a mile and 70 yards. The son of Lookin At Lucky was purchased by Danny W. Brown for $60,000 at the 2023 OBS April Sale from the Woodside Ranch consignment after breezing in :22 1/5.

At Gulfstream Park, jockey Edgard Zayas guided BC Racing’s Prevent (Neolithic – Bossy Gal, By Pioneerof the Nile) to a front-running victory in the $75,000 Soldier’s Dancer Handicap. Trained by Carlos David, Prevent was purchased for $15,000 by Brian Cohen at the 2022 OBS Winter Mixed Sale from the Las Palmas Farm consignment.

On June 30, Golden Afternoon (Goldencents – Afternoon, by Street Cry (IRE)) prompted the pace and drew off by 2 1/2 lengths to capture the $100,000 Tom Ridge Stakes at Presque Isle Downs to give Nick Vaccarezza his first win as a licensed trainer. The gelding is owned by a partnership headed by Carlo Vaccarezza, Nick’s father, and includes Eddie and Pat Greco, Scott Jaffe, and Michael Cloonan. Golden Afternoon was purchased by Carlo Vaccarezza at the 2024 OBS April Sale for $70,000 from the Ocala Stud consignment after breezing in :21 2/5.

Rancho Temescal LLC, White Fence LLC and Richard Hale Jr.’s Roll On Big Joe (Prospective – Nina’s Gift, by Victory Gallop) collared speedster Booth at the top of the stretch en route to a three-quarters of a length victory in the $220,000 Kelly’s Landing (G3) at Churchill Downs June 28, becoming one of three OBS grads to earn graded wins over the past week.

Trained by Bob Hess Jr., the gelded son of Prospective earned his second graded stakes win having previously annexed the $100,000 Palos Verdes (G3) at Santa Anita in February. He was purchased by Rancho Temescal for $90,000 at the 2022 OBS June sale from the Gayle Woods consignment after breezing in :10 flat.

At Woodbine on Saturday, Al and Bill Ulwelling’s Mansetti (Collected-Gidget Girl, by Sky Mesa) rebounded from a troubled fifth-place finish in his previous start, the Queenston Stakes, to post a stellar showing in the $150,000 Marine Stakes (G3). The Kevin Attard trained colt previously notched stakes scores in this year’s Woodstock and the 2024 edition of the Clarendon. Consigned to the 2024 OBS Spring Sale by Eddie Woods, Agent, Mansetti was sold for $40,000 to his owners after breezing in :20 4/5.  

On June 27, D J Stable’s Dream On (Not This Time – Mamma Kimbo, by Discreet Cat) earned his first graded stakes victory when he captured the Grade 3, $400,000 Penn Mile Stakes at Penn National Race Course. The Mark Casse-trained colt, third in the Grade 1 Summer Stakes last September, was purchased by D.J. Stable for $380,000 out of the 2024 OBS Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training from the de Meric Sales consignment after breezing in :10 1/5.

Other stakes winners included Steve Asmussen’s Neom Beach (Omaha Beach – Giant’s Causey, by Giant’s Causeway) taking the $125,000 Wasted Tears on June 28 at Lone Star Park for her second straight stakes win. Neom Beach was purchased by Nwadr Stables for $210,000 out of the 2023 OBS April Sale from the consignment of Julie Davies after breezing in :10 flat.

At Aqueduct June 29, Mitre Box Stable, Clear Stars Stable and Eighth Note Stable’s Sunday Girl (Central Banker-Lady Daphne, by Harlan’s Holiday) extended her win streak to four with a pacesetting victory in the $125,000 John Hettinger. Trained by David Duggan, the daughter of Central Banker was purchased for $43,000 at the 2022 OBS October Sale by Kathryn Martin from the consignment of McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds.

Also on June 29, Resolute Racing’s Verifire (Authentic – Ruby Trust, by Smart Strike) rolled down the Churchill Downs stretch to dominate the $239,685 Maxfield Stakes by 2 ¾ lengths and remain unbeaten in three starts. Trained by Brad Cox, Verifire was purchased for $1 million by Resolute Bloodstock out of the Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds consignment at the 2024 OBS March 2-year-olds in training sale after breezing in :9 4/5. All four of the top prices from that sale have gone on to become stakes performers.