In the nearly 40-year history of the Breeders' Cup, only two sets of full-siblings have won Breeders' Cup races. It's difficult enough for a mare to produce one Breeders' Cup winner, but two individual Breeders' Cup winners? That's such a rarity only six mares have ever done it. And only two of those six have had lightning strike twice as they've produced two Breeders' Cup winners by the same sire. The first set, Juddmonte homebreds Banks Hill (GB) and Intercontinental (GB), won the GI Filly & Mare Turf in 2001 and 2004, respectively. By Danehill and out of the wonder mare Hasili (Ire), each wrapped up their broodmare careers in Great Britain.

Closer to home are full-sisters Sweet Catomine and Life Is Sweet. Both by Storm Cat out of the Kris S. mare Sweet Life, the Sweet sisters won the 2004 GI Juvenile Fillies and the 2009 GI Ladies Classic, respectively. Both raced as homebreds for Pam and Marty Wygod and both were uber-talented with a number of other top-class graded events on their CVs to go along with their Breeders' Cup wins.

The moment was cemented alongside Trevor Denman's call in 2009 at Santa Anita. Life Is Sweet, despite capturing the GI Santa Margarita and two other graded stakes earlier that year, had the distinct misfortune of running against the mighty Zenyatta three times in 2009. She was always a bit in Zenyatta's shadow, magnified because the two shared a conditioner in John Shirreffs. Zenyatta, the defending Ladies Classic winner, would skip the race in 2009 and face the boys in the Classic instead, which of course she would win in one of the most thrilling Breeders' Cup races to date. Without her stablemate, Life Is Sweet finally had her moment to shine and shine she did.

Life Is Sweet takes the 2009 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic | Sarah Andrew

Life Is Sweet trailed about 20 lengths behind the leader leaving the backstretch, was still last coming off the turn, and borrowed a Zenyatta-like move. Denman captured the excitement:

“Life Is Sweet exploding in the center and Life Is Sweet looking like she just joined in at the quarter pole! And it's Life Is Sweet and Garrett Gomez annihilating them in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic. Life Is Sweet could not have been more impressive!”

Denman didn't mention the significance at the time of just the second set of full-sisters to win the Breeders' Cup, but owner Marty Wygod did in the winner's circle. And make no mistake, for a broodmare to accomplish that is a very, very big deal. Sweet Life would be named Broodmare of the Year in 2009.

The sisters Sweet were both foaled and raised at Mill Ridge Farm near Lexington. Ric Waldman of Storm Cat fame worked with the Wygods on the matings, according to Mill Ridge's Price Bell, Jr. Donnie Snellings, now with Denali Stud and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club's 2018 Farm Manager of the Year, was instrumental in raising both as fillies at Mill Ridge. Even today, so many years after they'd left his care, his affection for them still rings through.

“It was an immense gratification [to see them win the Breeders' Cup],” said Snellings. “That's what we do this for. We obviously work long hours and to see something you've raised turn out that way is immensely gratifying.

Sweet Catomine with Ruben Trujillo | Sarah Andrew

“Sweet Catomine was my special one. I really liked her. We raised her there on the farm and she was just a special filly. Sometimes when you're around good horses, they just give you a feel. She was super easy to deal with, had a great attitude, would do anything you asked her to do, very willing.”

Bell confirmed that Snellings knew early something exceptional was brewing with Sweet Catomine.

“Sometimes when you work with them, you just know there is something different,” said Bell. “I still remember him gloating about Sweet Catomine. He said she breathed different air. He had a soft spot for her. He talked about her with passion.”

Snellings was pleased to confirm it.

“You get a sense that the animal is special and she was very special. We had her up until she was a yearling, both of them until they went off for breaking,” said Snellings. “To see horses like that move on and go on to win the Breeders' Cup means we raised them the right way. It's very gratifying.

Life Is Sweet | Sarah Andrew

“Life Is Sweet I don't remember as well as Sweet Catomine, but that's just a fantastic family. How often does this happen? Two full-sisters winning the Breeders' Cup. How fortunate it is that both those fillies were raised at the farm. Mill Ridge has had some very special mares and some very special owners.”

Sweet Catomine broke her maiden in the GI Del Mar Debutante as the first in a five-race win streak–all in graded races–which included the Juvenile Fillies. She was a part of the late Julio Canani's barn. Her Breeders' Cup win, five years before her younger sister's, happened during the championship's stop at Lone Star Park. Tom Durkin had that call and it was just as exciting as Life Is Sweet's. Let's pick it up leaving the backstretch, with the patented Durkin energy that made every Breeders' Cup call indelible.

“Oh! Sweet Catomine had to check and it cost her dearly. She checked in traffic… Sweet Catomine now has running room. And here comes the big filly on the outside… Sweet Catomine has overpowered them and strides away impressively and unquestionably the 2-year-old filly champion. She wins by five.”

Sweet Catomine with Ruben Trujillo and Life Is Sweet with Pedro Valdivia at Lane's End | Sarah Andrew

Sweet Life was carrying Life Is Sweet in utero when Sweet Catomine won her Breeders' Cup. The mare had three more foals by Storm Cat: the MSW & MSP colt named Calimonco and two unraced fillies. Another daughter, by Bernardini, would produce MGSW Modernist, a son of Uncle Mo whose first foals were born this year. He stands at Darby Dan Farm.

“It's a phenomenal family that we worked with and raised for the Wygods,” said Bell. “Those [Breeders' Cup] races were incredible.”

Both Breeders' Cup winners raced briefly after championship day. Sweet Catomine would be named the Eclipse champion 2-year-old filly and the next spring parlayed a GI Santa Anita Oaks victory into a try against the boys in the GI Santa Anita Derby. To the disappointment of many in the sport, she wasn't herself that day and finished fifth as the odds-on favorite, one spot behind eventual GI Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo. A controversy ensued, resulting in the Wygods removing her from Canani's barn to the Shirreffs shedrow, where she only spent a brief amount of time. She was eventually retired without racing again.

Life Is Sweet finished second in her one start the spring following her Breeders' Cup win, but she had a history of tying up and it was decided to retire her. It was in the days before TikTok and Instagram, but Shirreffs surely would have been a sensation if they'd been around. At the time, he uploaded a number of videos of Life Is Sweet around the barn to YouTube and they were extremely popular. Bell remembers them, too.

“In those early days when John would have a camera in the barn, he spent a lot of time with Life Is Sweet. He would feed her each morning as she was laying down. I just remember John loving on her, feeding her in the stall on the ground. It was beautiful, individual attention he would give to her and I'm sure all of his horses. He really showcases them as individuals.”

For an example of one of the videos, click here. Spoiler alert: it will warm even the hardest of hearts.

When contacted recently, Shirreffs shared the video and commented, “This is Life is Sweet, everything on her time.”

Ruben Trujillo and Sweet Catomine with Pedro Valdivia and Life Is Sweet | Sarah Andrew

Both Sweet Catomine and Life Is Sweet were retained by the Wygods and each produced several winners. They are now living the life of Riley together at Lane's End Farm near Versailles.

“Both are pensioned,” said Alys Emson, who works in client management at Lane's End. “Sweet Catomine had her last foal in 2018. Life Is Sweet had her last foal in 2021. This is the 2-year-old filly called Life's for Living [by Uncle Mo]. She was sold as a yearling [to Mathiesen Racing at Keeneland September for $170,000]. Mr. and Mrs. Wygod still board their mares with us and have retained various offshoots of the family.

“They are different physically,” continued Emson. “Sweet Catomine is a big, wide-chested mare that is very powerfully made. Life Is Sweet is a little smaller and more refined in type.

“We have a group of retired mares that live in two to three separate fields depending on the time of year. These two are in the same field. They are outside all the time unless they need special care. They are fed and checked twice a day and just allowed to enjoy life and do as they please.”

Broodmare of the Year Sweet Life passed away earlier this year at the age of 27 and was buried at Lane's End. As Juddmonte's Hasili was based primarily in Newmarket, Sweet Life remains the only U.S.-based mare to produce two Breeders' Cup-winning full-siblings. To borrow words from Bell and Snellings, surely “she breathed different air.”

The post The Sweet Sisters, One of Only Two Sets of Full-Siblings to Win the Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Originally known as the Firenze H. and then the John A. Morris H., the Personal Ensign dates to 1948. While members of the Phipps family have won six editions of the race which now holds one of the greatest names associated with the stable, Personal Ensign never actually ran in the contest.

In 1987, when the great mare was three, she had not yet returned to the races from a broken pastern bone in her left rear leg sustained as a juvenile. That year's race was run on Aug. 30; Personal Ensign would not come back until a week later in a Belmont allowance, her first start in nearly 11 months. The race would also miss the champion's dance card in 1988, but for a very different reason. She was fresh off a win over males in the GI Whitney S. just three weeks prior.

The transcendent mare's champion granddaughter, Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat), did win the Personal Ensign S. in 2004. Like her legendary granddam, she was a Phipps homebred raised at Claiborne Farm and trained by Shug McGaughey.

Not only was Personal Ensign an unblemished champion on the racetrack, she also was named Broodmare of the Year in 1996. She produced one champion, three Grade I winners, and a dynasty through her daughters that is still churning out major winners today, including 2023's GISW Arabian Lion (Justify), who is set to run in Saturday's GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S., and GSW Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro).

Following are highlights of some of the most important Personal Ensign winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Cavorting (2012, Bernardini–Promenade Girl, by Carson City), bred by Swettenham Stud: A mare this young with two stakes winners to her name wouldn't normally make a list of matriarchs, but one of her foals is Clairiere (Curlin), a four-time GISW and 5-2 morning-line second choice in this year's Personal Ensign.

Heavenly Prize (1991, Seeking the Gold–Oh What a Dance, by Nijinsky II), bred by Ogden Phipps: This Phipps homebred and Hall of Famer produced MGISW Good Reward (Storm Cat), as well as GSW and good sire Pure Prize (Storm Cat). Her descendants include GISW Persistently (Smoke Glacken), a 2010 Personal Ensign winner for Phipps Stable, as well as more recent GISWs Instilled Regard (Arch) and Queen Goddess (Empire Maker).

Number (1979, Nijinsky II–Special, by Forli {Arg}), bred by Claiborne Farm: Japanese champion and MG1SW Gold Dream (Jpn) (Gold Allure {Jpn}), Breeders' Cup and GI Met Mile winner Corinthian (Pulpit), French G1 winner and Japanese sire Jade Robbery (Mr. Prospector), and a 'number' of other graded performers trace to this incredibly well-bred mare from one of the most 'special' families in the stud book.

Relaxing (1976, Buckpasser–Marking Time, by To Market), bred by Ogden Phipps: How fitting that this mare's greatest son would be bred to Personal Ensign, resulting in that mare's greatest daughter, My Flag. This 1989 Broodmare of the Year produced champion and Classic winner Easy Goer (Alydar), as well as GI winners Cadillacing (Alydar) and Easy Now (Danzig). Her descendants include GISW Strolling Along (Danzig), MGSW Cat Cay (Pleasant Colony), and MGSW & MGISP Abaco (Giant's Causeway).

1980 winner Relaxing's son Easy Goer was the sire of Breeders' Cup winner My Flag (outside), a filly out of Personal Ensign who would produce 2004 Personal Ensign winner Storm Flag Flying | Horsephotos

Sugar Plum Time (1972, Bold Ruler–Plum Cake, by Ponder), bred by Calumet Farm: A number of big winners trace to this mare, who was the first Phipps mare to win the then-Firenze, although she wasn't a homebred. Among her descendants are GISWs Grand Slam (Gone West), Christmas Kid (Lemon Drop Kid), and Kudos (Kris S.); MGSW Christmas Gift (Green Desert); and MSW & MGISP Bright Candles (El Gran Senor).

Kittiwake (1968, Sea Bird {Fr}–Ole Liz, by Double Jay), bred by Martin Andersen: This bay Florida-bred produced French G1SW Kitwood (Nureyev), six-time GISW Miss Oceana (Alydar), and MGSW & GISP Larida (Northern Dancer). Among the top horses tracing to her are European champion and MG1SW Dawn Approach (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), GISW Aruna (Mr. Greeley), and English G1SW Magic of Life (Seattle Slew).

Obeah (1965, Cyane–Book of Verse, by One Count), bred by Bertram N. Linder: There may not be a big placeholder for this mare in the breeding annals as her two best foals to make it to the breeding shed–MGSW/MGISP Dance Spell (Northern Dancer) and GSW/GISP Discorama (Northern Dancer)–weren't able to leave a significant mark. Regardless, this mare will forever command a special place in racing due to her beloved champion daughter Go for Wand (Deputy Minister), who was lost too soon.

Straight Deal (1962, Hail to Reason–No Fiddling, by King Cole), bred by Bieber-Jacobs Stable: Desiree (Raise a Native) was the sole Grade I winner produced by this champion, whose multi-year racing campaigns meant she didn't have her first foal until age 10. However, her daughters certainly gave her an assist, with descendants including MGISW Adored (Seattle Slew); Breeders' Cup winner Dangerous Midge (Lion Heart); GISWs Qualify (Danzig), Scorpion (Seattle Slew), and Alwajeeha (Dixieland Band); MGSW and good sire Belong to Me (Danzig); and popular MGSW and GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles (Unbridled's Song).

Blue Banner (1952, War Admiral–Risque Blue, by Blue Larkspur), bred by Mrs. John D. Hertz: This lovely bay produced a Broodmare of the Year in Key Bridge (Princequillo {GB}), who in turn produced Horse of the Year Fort Marcy (Amerigo {GB}), champion and influential sire Key to the Mint (Graustark), additional GISW Key to Content (Forli {Arg}), and GSW Key to the Kingdom (Bold Ruler). Others tracing to the then-Firenze winner include European champion and MG1SW Silver Patriarch (Ire) (Saddlers' Hall {Ire}), English highweight and G1SW Papineau (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), and Brazilian champion Mensageiro Alado (Brz) (Ghadeer {Fr}).

Rare Treat (1952, Stymie–Rare Perfume, by Eight Thirty), bred by Erdenheim Farms Co: Among her descendants are European champion and G1 Epsom Derby winner Golden Fleece (Nijinsky II); U.S. champion What a Treat (Tudor Minstrel {Ire}); French G1SWs Mandaean (GB) (Manduro {Ger}) and Wavering (Ire) (Refuse To Bend {Ire}); U.S. GISWs Victory Speech (Deputy Minister) and Ida Delta (Graustark); and European MGSW Be My Guest (Northern Dancer), England's leading sire in 1982.

Parlo (1951, Heliopolis {GB}–Fairy Palace, by Pilate), bred by William duPont, Jr.: Horse of the Year Arts and Letters (Ribot {GB}), champion Silverbulletday (Silver Deputy), MGISW Waquoit (Relaunch), and Chilean champion All Glory (Honour and Glory) are among the top horses that trace to this diminutive chestnut, who also produced Broodmare of the Year All Beautiful (Battlefield).

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Originally known as the Rare Perfume and then the Garden City, the Belmont Oaks under its current name has only been in existence since 2014, although the race itself dates to 1979. The history may not be long and some of the winners were better racemares than producers, but a trio of particularly illustrious future broodmares stands out.

Following are highlights of some of the most important Belmont Oaks winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Sky Beauty (1990, Blushing Groom {Fr}–Maplejinsky, by Nijinsky II), bred by Sugar Maple Farm: Early in her broodmare career, she sold for $2.85 million at Keeneland and would produce just a handful of more foals, with the best on the track being England's GSW Hurricane Cat (Storm Cat). However, her great-grandson Violence is keeping her name relevant today. He's currently among the top 10 leading sires in the U.S. for 2023 by earnings.

November Snow (1989, Storm Cat–Princess Alydar, by Alydar), bred by D. J. Stable and Overbrook Farm: Although she didn't produce a stakes winner herself, November Snow's daughters have done her proud. Among her descendants are Irish champion and G1 Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}); New Zealand champion Bounding (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}); GISWs Morning Line (Tiznow) and Express Train (Union Rags); and a number of other graded performers.

Personal Ensign (1984, Private Account–Grecian Banner, by Hoist the Flag), bred by Ogden Phipps: This grand mare has to be among the sport's best examples of what a top racemare remodeling into a top broodmare can look like. Considered one of the best fillies or mares of the 20th century as an undefeated champion and Breeders' Cup winner, Personal Ensign's foals included GISWs My Flag (Easy Goer), Miner's Mark (Mr. Prospector), and Traditionally (Mr. Prospector), as well as MGISP Our Emblem (Mr. Prospector). Her descendants through her daughters include champion Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat); Breeders' Cup winner Seeking the Soul (Perfect Soul {Ire}); GISWs Mr Speaker (Pulpit) and Arabian Lion (Justify); and a plethora of other graded winners, including recent MGSW Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro). Four 'TDN Rising Stars', including Arabian Lion and GSW & GISP Ocho Ocho Ocho (Street Sense), have her as a granddam or great-granddam. Personal Ensign was honored as Broodmare of the Year in 1996.

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Long a coveted prize, the Acorn has been designated a Grade I from the very beginning when the grading system became official in 1973. A disproportionate amount of its winners are in the Hall of Fame, ranging from Top Flight to Twilight Tear to Cicada to Ruffian, and so many more. The quality of the Acorn winners set the tone for their broodmare careers as well. Not surprisingly, the Acorn boasts a ridiculous number of high-class future broodmares among its winners, including a glorious five-year streak in the 1950s that saw five consecutive winners eventually cultivate champions among their descendants.

Following are highlights of some of the most important Acorn winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Finder's Fee (1997, Storm Cat–Fantastic Find, by Mr. Prospector), bred by Phipps Stable: Granddam of 2022 Horse of the Year and current first-season sire Flightline (Tapit), whose fee of $200,000 at Lane's End is one of the highest introductory fees in history.

Prospectors Delite (1989, Mr. Prospector–Up the Flagpole, by Hoist the Flag), bred by W. S. Farish: The 2003 Broodmare of the Year produced Horse of the Year Mineshaft (A.P. Indy), MGISW Tomisue's Delight (A.P. Indy), and three other graded performers. She is also the granddam of GISW Mr. Sidney (Storm Cat).

Meadow Star (1988, Meadowlake–Inreality Star, by In Reality), bred by Jaime S. Carrion: This memorable ginger was granddam to the dams of champion and gone-too-soon sire Arrogate (Unbridled's Song) and MGISW Belle Gallantey (After Market).

Stella Madrid (1987, Alydar–My Juliet, by Gallant Romeo), bred by Calumet Farm: Japanese champions Lucky Lilac (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), Mikki Isle (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), and Diamond Biko (Jpn) (Sunday Silence), as well as additional Japanese G1SW Aerolithe (Jpn) (Kurofune) and U.S. GISW Lilacs and Lace (Flower Alley) all trace to this classy bay.

Chris Evert (1971, by Swoon's Son–Miss Carmie, by T. V. Lark), bred by Echo Valley Horse Farm: From five daughters, U.S. champion Chief's Crown (Danzig); French champion Special Duty (GB) (Hennessy); GISWs Classic Crown (Mr. Prospector), Sightseek (Distant View), Tates Creek (Rahy), Etoile Montante (Miswaki), Obligatory (Curlin), and Dominican (El Corredor); and many more very useful graded winners hail from this lovely chestnut.

Marking Time (1963, To Market–Allemande, by Counterpoint), bred by Ogden Phipps and Wheatley Stable: Her champion daughter Relaxing (Buckpasser) turned into a Broodmare of the Year responsible for champion Easy Goer (Alydar), as well as additional GISWs Easy Now (Danzig) and Cadillacing (Alydar). Others tracing to her include GISW Strolling Along (Danzig) and several other high-class winners.

Gun Runner is one of several top horses descending from 1945 Acorn winner Gallorette | Sarah Andrew

Quill (1956, Princequillo {GB}–Quick Touch, by Count Fleet), bred by R. N. Webster: Champions Run the Gantlet (Tom Rolfe) and Awesome Feather (Awesome of Course), Japanese champion Maruzensky (Jpn) (Nijinsky II), and GISWs Dance of Life (Nijinsky II), Sumptious (Summing), Caucasus (Nijinsky II), and Vettori (Ire) (Machiavellian) are among those who trace to this grand gal.

Bayou (1954, Hill Prince–Bourtai, by Stimulus), bred by Claiborne Farm: A number of high-class horses descend from this mare, including champions Slew o' Gold (Seattle Slew) and War Pass (Cherokee Run); GI Belmont S. winner Coastal (Majestic Prince); and GISWs Aptitude (A.P. Indy), Sleep Easy (Seattle Slew), Oath (Known Fact), Slew's Exceller (Exceller), River Flyer (Riverman), and Victory Ride (Seeking the Gold).

Princess Turia (1953, Heliopolis {GB}–Blue Delight, by Blue Larkspur), bred by Calumet Farm: Her son Forward Pass (On-and-On) was just 1 1/4 lengths shy of winning the Triple Crown, but took the 1968 sophomore colt championship.

High Voltage (1952, Ambiorix {Fr}–Bynamo, by Menow), bred by Wheatley Stable: This elegant gray's sons and grandsons included U.S. champion Impressive (Court Martial {GB}), MGISW Majestic Light (Majestic Prince), and SW Bold Commander (Bold Ruler), the last two both sires of note.

Happy Mood (1951, Mahmoud {Fr}–La Reigh, by Count Gallahad), bred by Mrs. John D. Hertz: Canadian Horses of the Year With Approval (Caro {Ire}) and Izvestia (Icecapade), Canadian champion Serenading (A.P. Indy), GI Belmont S. winner Touch Gold (Deputy Minister), GI Kentucky Oaks winner Buryyourbelief (Believe It), and other GISWs Haynesfield (Speightstown), Healthy Addiction (Boston Harbor), and Pretty Discreet (Private Account) all descend from this splendid chestnut.

Secret Meeting (1950, Alibhai {GB}–Burgoo Maid, by Burgoo King), bred by James C. Brady: Broodmare of the Year Anne Campbell (Never Bend); champions Sensational (Hoist the Flag) and Rushing Fall (More Than Ready); Epsom Oaks winner Long Look (Ribot {GB}); and GISWs Trumpet's Blare (Vice Regent), Dancealot (Round Table), Albert the Great (Go for Gin), Desert Wine (Damascus), and Menifee (Harlan) all trace to her.

Nothirdchance (1948, Blue Swords–Galla Colors, by Sir Galahad III {Fr}), bred by Bieber-Jacobs Stables: Dam of champion Hail to Reason (Turn-to {Ire}), who later turned leading sire, and ancestress of GISW and sire Meadowlake (Hold Your Peace).

Gallorette (1942, Challenger II {GB}–Gallette, by Sir Gallahad III {Fr}), bred by Preston M. Burch: Not only does stellar young sire and 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}) trace to her, but so do 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam (Saint Ballado), Irish champion Minstrella (The Minstrel), Canadian champion Charlie Barley (Affirmed), and GISWs Success Express (Hold Your Peace), Greenwood Lake (Meadowlake), Air Express (Ire) (Salse), Buster's Ready (More Than Ready), Rolling Fog (Posse), Whitmore's Conn (Kris S.), and Funtastic (More Than Ready).

Nellie L. (1940, Blenheim II {GB}–Nellie Flag, by American Flag), bred by Calumet Farm: Granddam of champion and Kentucky Derby/Belmont S. winner Bold Forbes (Irish Castle), this captivating bay has a number of other classy descendants, including GISWs Life At the Top (Seattle Slew), Lakeway (Seattle Slew), Saratoga Six (Alydar), and Jilbab (A.P. Indy), as well as English G1 winner Dunbeath (Grey Dawn II {Fr}).

Proud One (1938, Blenheim II {GB}–Some Pomp, by Pompey), unknown breeder: Her descendants have included 1965 Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair (Vertex), as well as GISWs Lady Love (Dr. Fager) and Tantalizing (Tom Rolfe).

Baba Kenny (1928, Black Servant–Betty Beall, by North Star III {GB}), bred by Idle Hour Stock Farm: This very first winner of the Acorn set the tone with her descendants including daughter Bee Mac (War Admiral), who beat the boys in the Hopeful S.; 1988 Horse of the Year and nine-time GISW Alysheba (Alydar), the second of four consecutive GI Breeders' Cup Classic winners to bring a GI Kentucky Derby win to the year-end championship race; G1SW and good sire Lear Fan (Roberto); multiple back-type winner and good sire Better Self (Bimelech); and another Acorn winner in Riverina (Princequillo {GB}).

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Although the great Hall of Famer Gamely split her time between coasts, it was California that got to name what has become a major race after her. The daughter of Bold Ruler won some of the sport's biggest contests for fillies and mares, was a success on both surfaces, carried weight, and wasn't afraid to tackle the boys (including Dr. Fager!). Despite dying at just 11 and leaving only two foals, Gamely produced an English Group 1 winner, so perhaps it's fitting that this race, with just over 50 individual winners, has provided some exceptional broodmares.

Following are highlights of some of the most important Gamely winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Tranquility Lake (1995, Rahy–Winters' Love, by Danzig), bred by North Central Bloodstock: This lovely mare's first four foals–all by Storm Cat–resulted in MGISW After Market, GISW Courageous Cat, and $9.7-million Keeneland September yearling (and later U.A.E. GSW) Jalil. One reportedly went to Turkey and another to China, but Courageous Cat still stands in New York.

Hollywood Wildcat (1990, Kris S.–Miss Wildcatter, by Mr. Prospector), bred by Irving and Marjorie Cowan: Her crown jewel was undoubtedly son and GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner War Chant (Danzig), but she also produced English GSW and three-country G1/GI-placed Ivan Denisovich (Ire) (Danehill). Her grandsons include Japanese G1SW Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) and Canadian Classic winner Danish Dynaformer (Dynaformer).

Toussaud (1989, El Gran Senor–Image of Reality, by In Reality), bred by Juddmonte Farms, Inc.: Named Broodmare of the Year in 2002, this Juddmonte great produced GI Belmont S. winner Empire Maker (Unbridled), as well as additional GISWs Honest Lady (Seattle Slew), Chester House (Mr. Prospector), and Chiselling (Woodman). She also produced GSW & GISP Decarchy (Distant View) and is granddam to GISW First Defence (Unbridled's Song), as well as to MGSW & MGISP Honorable Duty (Distorted Humor).

Wishing Well (1975, Understanding–Mountain Flower, by Montparnasse II {Arg}), bred by George A. Pope, Jr.: She is the dam of Horse of the Year and GI Kentucky Derby winner Sunday Silence (Halo), whose rich revolutionizing of the breed in Japan is quickly spilling over into the rest of the world. His runaway success as a sire and the legacy he has left borders on the obscene.

Foggy Note (1965, The Axe II–Silver Song, by Royal Note), bred by Frank D. Turner and James D. Drymon: Four of her first five foals were stakes winners and a goodly number of black-type winners, including the likes of MGISW Life At Ten (Malibu Moon), trace to her. However, it's the trio of sires–champion and MGISW Rubiano (Fappiano), MGSW & MGISP Relaunch (In Reality), and perennial leading sire and GISW Tapit (Pulpit)–tracing directly to her that have more than secured her place in history.

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Thanks to the efforts of her two Curlin daughters Malathaat and Julia Shining, Dreaming of Julia has already put together a produce record for the books, yet Banke and her team at Stonestreet are hopeful that their star mare is just getting started.

“I think Dreaming of Julia is our top mare,” Banke said. “Every year we look forward to seeing her baby and she does not disappoint. Every year, there is something really special from that mare.”

With three of Dreaming of Julia's fillies still awaiting their moment in the spotlight, Banke has the opportunity to dream big with a mare that very well could have wound up in a different breeding program had it not been for Banke's steady confidence from day one.

Foaled at Stonestreet in early March, Dreaming of Julia was the first foal out of Grade I victress Dream Rush (Wild Rush), who Stonestreet was the underbidder on at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton November Sale but then purchased privately two years later when she was carrying Dreaming of Julia.

“Dreaming of Julia was beautiful from the first minute we saw her and she stayed beautiful,” Banke recalled. “She was elegant and really aristocratic-looking.”

As the A.P. Indy filly progressed as a yearling, Banke could not be swayed by the commercial attention that this youngster would attract in the sales ring. She decided that the filly would be a birthday gift to herself and would remain in the Stonestreet program.

Flash forward several years and Dreaming of Julia was concluding a successful racing campaign for Stonestreet and Todd Pletcher. A 'TDN Rising Star' on debut, Dreaming of Julia's career was highlighted by three straight victories as a juvenile, which she won by a combined 27 lengths and culminated with a Grade I score in the Frizette S., as well as a stunning 21 3/4-length romp in the GII Gulfstream Oaks as a sophomore.

“She was brilliantly fast and had a tremendous stride,” Banke said of the racehorse she named after her daughter. “She just ate up the ground. And she has a great mind, the nicest horse in the world. All of those things combined to make her a great racehorse.”

Many of the characteristics that defined Dreaming of Julia's career could also be used to describe her daughters Malathaat and Julia Shining–the first a champion for Todd Pletcher and the second a Grade II winner now in training as a sophomore for the same Hall of Fame trainer.

Pletcher reflected on the shared qualities of his former stable star Dreaming of Julia and her daughters.

“First and foremost, they all have natural talent,” he explained. “They all have very good minds and are very willing, straightforward-training horses.”

Pletcher has now worked with four fillies out of Dreaming of Julia, starting with her first extremely promising daughter Golden Julia (Medaglia d'Oro) who died tragically in a stall accident before she made it to the starting gate.

The next foal sold to Shadwell Estate Co. for $1.05 million as a yearling in 2019. Malathaat's tremendous campaign was marked by Eclipse Award honors at three and four and led Banke to decide that, “We're not going to sell any more fillies out of Dreaming of Julia.”

“Malathaat was special from the first time we breezed her,” Pletcher said of the six-time Grade I winner and Kentucky Oaks victress. “She was just different. She was gifted and she continued to get better. A really intelligent filly to be around and a sweetheart in the barn, she was a pleasure.”

Malathaat noses ahead in a thrilling 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff | Coady

Going out a champion in the 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, Malathaat retired to Shadwell's broodmare band and visited Spendthrift's leading sire Into Mischief. She is the first of Dreaming of Julia's daughters to launch a breeding career.

While Malathaat is the most decorated of her dam's offspring for now, it is her younger sister Julia Shining–who is also by Stonestreet's two-time Horse of the Year Curlin–that Pletcher said reminds him most of Dreaming of Julia.

Like her elder sister and dam, Julia Shining was named a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut last fall at Keeneland. She went on to win the GII Demoiselle S. to conclude her juvenile season, but settled for third in both starts this year and did not earn enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Oaks.

Stonestreet Training Center's Ian Brennan, who worked with Dreaming of Julia herself when she was learning the ropes as a racehorse just over a decade ago, spoke highly of Julia Shining but said that the filly was always likely to get better with time.

“Julia Shining was big and pretty, a beautiful mover with a lot of class,” he recalled.  “You could tell that she was long and narrow, so with time she was just going to get better and better. Even back to her first work on the farm, you could tell that there was a lot of ability there but that she would just get better with time. When you look at Julia Shining now, she has filled out a bit more and I do think her best is in front of her.”

Pletcher is also a firm believer that the best is yet to come for his trainee. Asked if Julia Shining has already realized her true potential, Pletcher responded emphatically.

“Not at all,” he said. “She's still putting it all together. I think the blinkers helped last time. She's the type that will get better with time and I don't think we've seen her peak yet. Hopefully she can stay in training as a 4-year-old and she'll be even better then.”

Dreaming of Julia's 2-year-old filly by Medaglia d'Oro | Stonestreet

Pletcher added that Julia Shining is enjoying a brief freshening and will return to the starting gate later this summer.

Dreaming of Julia has three more daughter in the pipeline who could potentially add to their dam's legacy in the coming years.

The next filly set to begin her racing career is an unnamed 2-year-old by Medaglia d'Oro who just arrived in Pletcher's barn at Saratoga a few weeks ago.

“She's doing great,” Pletcher reported. “So far everything is straightforward. She's very professional, like this whole family has been.”

According to Pletcher, while his team is still getting acquainted with the juvenile, if all goes smoothly he could anticipate a debut in Saratoga later this summer.

Brennan said that he believes this juvenile might come out swinging a bit earlier than her older sisters.

“The 2-year-old is a little more precocious than the others,” he shared. “She's maybe not quite as big as Julia Shining, with more of Medaglia d'Oro in her. She's very, very smooth. They're all very smooth.”

Continuing to draw comparisons between Dreaming of Julia and her daughters, Brennan added, “Just a ton of class with the whole family. They cover a lot of ground with a lot of power behind. They're all very easy to handle. If anything, they just need a bit of time to fill out and mature. Even though they're precocious enough at two, they all just get better with time.”

Dreaming of Julia's yearling of this year is a full-sister to Malathaat and Julia Shining.

“She is spectacular but once again, she is not in the sale,” Banke prefaced. “She will be going to Ocala for training sometime soon. This will now be the third Curlin filly out of Dreaming of Julia and hopefully there will be others in the future. The brains and the speed of Curlin and Dreaming of Julia are a really good match.”

This spring, another auspicious individual arrived at Stonestreet when Dreaming of Julia produced her first foal by Into Mischief. The filly arrived on April 25.

Dreaming of Julia's filly by Into Mischief, foaled April 25 this year | Katie Petrunyak

Just this year, Into Mischief has produced two Grade I winners from similar matings with Kentucky Oaks victress Pretty Mischievous, who is out of GISW Pretty City Dancer (Tapit), and Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. winner Atone, who is out of a daughter of A.P. Indy.

Dreaming of Julia was bred back to Curlin.

“One of these days, we might even get a colt,” Banke said with a laugh.

In Banke's eyes, Dreaming of Julia has been deserving of every accolade she has received, but the leading owner said that celebrating the mare's Broodmare of the Year distinction was a rewarding chapter in Dreaming of Julia's story.

“We always thought that she should be considered as a Broodmare of the Year just on the basis of Malathaat,” she explained. “But with Julia Shining and her wins to follow, she's definitely Broodmare of the Year.”

Banke is already scouting out which of her productive broodmares might be deserving of the same award some day. She said Glinda the Good (Hard Spun) is a top candidate. The Stonestreet homebred is the dam of champion and now leading second-crop sire Good Magic and her produce record also includes a 2-year-old full-sister to Good Magic that Banke just named Penny Royal, as well as a Quality Road yearling filly and an Into Mischief colt foaled Mar. 16 this year.

With a breeding program like Stonestreet's, the stars might just align for the operation to land another award-winning producer in the future. Pletcher emphasized just that point.

“I think any time you have a Broodmare of the Year, that's an accomplishment,” he said. “It's really a tribute to Barbara and her entire team to have a mare like that. I think it exemplifies Stonestreet's entire mating plan of buying a filly like Dream Rush with loads of speed and then putting Dreaming of Julia to a stallion like Curlin with loads of ability and stamina. It's a tremendous achievement on their part and it tells you how special of a breeding program they have developed.”

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The Derby isn't alone as the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the U.S. The Oaks is right there with it, having been held every year, without interruption for wars or pandemics, since racing first began at Churchill in 1875 when the Louisville oval was known as the Louisville Jockey Club. Although the 'Lilies for the Fillies' is somewhat of a prelude to the big event in the public consciousness, it's also a special Classic all on its own. Whether it was Silverbulletday's popular win as the shortest-priced favorite in Oaks history or Rachel Alexandra's 20 1/4-length tour de force or D. Wayne Lukas's record-tying fifth Oaks score last year with Secret Oath, the race has provided so many wonderful moments.

With 149 Kentucky Oaks winners (including two victresses from a 1959 split division), following are highlights of some of the most important by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Lemons Forever (2003, Lemon Drop Kid–Critikola {Arg}, by Tough Critic), bred by Farfellow Farms Ltd.: The only Kentucky Oaks winner to be officially honored as Broodmare of the Year, she produced champion Forever Unbridled (Unbridled's Song) and additional GISW Unbridled Forever (Unbridled's Song). Her daughters are young and she still has a few more in the pipeline herself, so more could be in her future.

2006 winner Lemons Forever is the only Oaks winner
to be named a Broodmare of the Year | Horsephotos

Seaside Attraction (1987, Seattle Slew–Kamar, by Key to the Mint), bred by Hermitage Farm, Inc., A. G. Clay, and Robert N. Clay: She only had five foals, but four of them were graded winners, including champion Golden Attraction (Mr. Prospector) and GISW Cape Town (Seeking the Gold). Both of her daughters are dams of two or more stakes winners apiece, with French champion Desert Lord (GB) (Green Desert) among their offspring.

Blush With Pride (1979, Blushing Groom {Fr}–Best in Show, by Traffic Judge), bred by Mr. & Mrs. Darrell Brown: Broodmare of the Year Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister), dam of GI Belmont S. winners Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) (also a champion and Kentucky Oaks winner) and Jazil (Seeking the Gold), is one of her daughters. Other top runners tracing to her to date are European champion Peeping Fawn (Danehill) and GISWs Thewayyouare (Kingmambo), Streaming (Smart Strike), and Paris Lights (Curlin).

Hidden Talent (1956, Dark Star–Dangerous Dame {GB}, by Nasrullah {GB}), bred by Harry F. Guggenheim: Dam of Broodmare of the Year Too Bald (Bald Eagle), her descendants include U.S. champion Capote (Seattle Slew), Canadian champion Lake Country (Caucasus), plus MGISWs Exceller (Vaguely Noble {Ire}) and Broad Brush (Ack Ack).

Lalun (1952, Djeddah {Fr}–Be Faithful, by Bimelech), bred by H. F. Guggenheim: Her two top sons were champion Never Bend (Nasrullah {GB}) and Travers winner Bold Reason (Hail to Reason). Both hit the board in the Kentucky Derby and both had significant influence on the breed.

Real Delight (1949, Bull Lea–Blue Delight, by Blue Larkspur), bred by Calumet Farm: This mare produced three black-type winners, but it's the next generations through her daughters that will keep her in pedigrees. Among the legions of top-class horses descending from her are Hall of Famer and leading sire Alydar (Raise a Native), Broodmare of the Year Sweet Tooth (On-and-On), champions Our Mims (Herbager {Fr}) and Christmas Past (Grey Dawn II {Fr}), and GISWs Sugar and Spice (Key to the Mint), Codex (Arts and Letters), and Grand Slam (Gone West).

How (1948, Princequillo {GB}–The Squaw II {Fr}, by Sickle {GB}), bred by D. Djordjadze: She is the dam of Broodmare of the Year Pocahontas (Roman), whose five stakes winners included champion and excellent sire Tom Rolfe (Ribot {GB}), as well as good sire Chieftain (Bold Ruler) and the dam of outstanding European sire Alzao (Lyphard).

Nellie L. (1940, Blenheim II {GB}–Nellie Flag, by American Flag), bred by Calumet Farm: Among the Grade I winners of the last 50 years tracing to this 1943 Oaks winner are champion and Kentucky Derby winner Bold Forbes (Irish Castle), who was her grandson, and Life At the Top (Seattle Slew), Saratoga Six (Alydar), Lakeway (Seattle Slew), Jilbab (A.P. Indy), and England's Dunbeath (Grey Dawn II {Fr}).

Miss Dogwood (1939, Bull Dog {Fr}–Myrtlewood, by Blue Larkspur), bred by Brownell Combs: Breed-shaping sire Mr. Prospector (Raise a Native) is a grandson of her daughter Sequence (Count Fleet), who is also the ancestress of GISWs Sewickley (Star de Naskra), Shared Interest (Pleasant Colony), Forestry (Storm Cat), and Cash Run (Seeking the Gold), as well as Canadian Broodmare of the Year Amelia Bearhart (Bold Hour) and her dual Canadian Horse of the Year son Chief Bearhart (Chief's Crown), who was also a U.S. champion.

Breed-shaping sire Mr. Prospector traced to 1942 Oaks winner
Miss Dogwood | Dell Hancock

Two Bob (1933, The Porter–Blessings, by Chicle {Fr}), bred by C. V. Whitney: What a mare. Her Hall of Fame daughter Two Lea (Bull Lea) produced Hall of Famer and 1958 Kentucky Derby winner Tim Tam (Tom Fool), as well as seven-time black-type winner and sire On-and-On. Another daughter founded the Chris Evert (Swoon's Son) line, the latter being a Hall of Famer whose descendants include champion Chief's Crown (Danzig), MGISWs Sightseek (Distant View) and Tates Creek (Rahy), and so many more top horses. Derby winning filly Winning Colors (Caro {Ire}) also is a direct descendant of Two Bob, as is solid sire Best Turn (Turn-to {Ire}), and a slew of other high-caliber horses.

Fiji (1931, Bostonian–O Girl, by Ormondale), bred by Jack S. Young and Tom B. Young: A daughter produced 1953 Kentucky Derby winner Dark Star, the only horse to defeat Native Dancer, and a granddaughter produced 1964 Kentucky Oaks winner Blue Norther.

Alcibiades (1927, Supremus–Regal Roman {GB}, by Roi Herode {Fr}), bred by Hal Price Headley: Four of her eight foals were black-type winners, including champion and influential sire Menow (Pharamond II {GB}). European champion and another influential sire in Sir Ivor (Sir Gaylord) descended from an Alabama-winning daughter, while a slew of other high-class stakes winners trace to her.

Black Maria (1923, Black Toney–Bird Loose {Fr}, by Sardanapale {Fr}), bred by Himyar Stud or Colonel E. R. Bradley (conflicting accounts): She had only one foal, but one was all she needed. Her descendants include Preakness winner and excellent sire Polynesian, of course responsible for Native Dancer.

Audience (1901, Sir Dixon–Sallie McClelland, by Hindoo), bred by Mrs. Byron McClelland): Among her foals were Whisk Broom II (Broomstick), an eventual Hall of Famer who won major races in both the U.S. and England before becoming a top sire, and Matinee, a blue hen for the Whitneys whose descendants include Hall of Famer Top Flight (Dis Donc {Fr}).

Modesty (1881, War Dance–Ballet, by Planet), bred by George H. Clay: A number of stakes winners trace to this grand chestnut, most notably Regret (Broomstick), the first female winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1915. The GIII Modesty S., to be run on the Oaks undercard after moving to Churchill from Arlington, is named after her.

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The 2009 Broodmare of the Year Sweet Life (Kris S– Symbolically, by Flying Paster), the dam of champion Sweet Catomine (Storm Cat) and MGISW Life Is Sweet, has passed away at age 27. Sweet Catomine was crowned champion 2-year-old filly in 2004 after capturing the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, GI Del Mar Debutante S. and GI Oak Leaf S. At age three, she was victorious in the GI Santa Anita Oaks and GIII Santa Ysabel S. Three years after foaling Sweet Catomine, Sweet Life foaled a full-sister to Sweet Catomine, Life Is Sweet. She won over $1.8 million on the racetrack, including victories in the GI Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic and GI Santa Margarita Invitational H. Sweet Life also produced Calimonco, a stakes-winning full brother to the Grade I-winning fillies.

Bred and owned by Pam and Martin Wygod, Sweet Life resided at Lane's End Farm since 2008 and was retired from the broodmare band in 2018. She will be buried in the cemetery at Lane's End Farm. Her daughters, Sweet Catomine and Life Is Sweet are now retired from the broodmare band and reside at Lane's End.

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These days, the Diana is restricted to fillies and mares ages four and up. That wasn't always the case, as a number of 3-year-old fillies have won in the past. That's not the only thing that's changed: the Diana is such a fixture on the grass that it may come as a surprise to learn it was originally run on the dirt, not moving to the turf until 1974. The 84th edition will be run Saturday, but with two divisions run a few times and several mares who won the race twice–including most recently Sistercharlie (Ire) (2018-19)–there have been 78 individual winners of the Diana.

Following are the most compelling Diana winners in reverse chronological order. They haven't been reviewed by their own pedigrees or race records, but simply by what impact they have delivered through their sons and daughters.

Wonder Again (1999, Silver Hawk–Ameriflora, by Danzig): This mare produced more foals that didn't race than ones that did, but her two winners include Japanese MSW & MGSP Red Raven. An unraced daughter produced 2021-22 GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. winner Colonel Liam, who also captured the 2021 GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic S.

Starine (Fr) (1997, Mendocino–Grisonnante {Fr}, by Kaldoun {Fr}): She only had two foals: a gelded son and an unraced daughter. However, that daughter is making the most of her opportunities: she produced Irish champion Order of Australia (Ire), winner of the 2020 GI Breeders' Cup Mile; Iridessa (Ire), multiple Group I winner in Ireland and England and winner of 2019 GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf; and Santa Barbara (Ire), winner of the 2021 GI Belmont Oaks Invitational S. and GI Beverly D. S.

Memories of Silver (1993, Silver Hawk–All My Memories, by Little Current): A Phillips family mare, like Wonder Again above, she produced four stakes winners (two graded), including Winter Memories, also a winner of the Diana and a stakes producer. Five of her six daughters have thus far produced black-type winners.

MGISW Elate has deep family ties to the Diana | Coady

Wild Applause (1981, Northern Dancer–Glowing Tribute, by Graustark): She is the dam of GISW Eastern Echo, MGSWs Roar and Yell, and additional GSW Blare of Trumpets. Her descendants include MGISW Elate, MGSW & MGISP Ironicus, MGSW On Leave and Tax, two full-brothers better known as top sires in GSW & MGISP Congrats and GSP Flatter, and several other GSWs.

Hush Dear (1978, Silent Screen–You All, by Nashua): C.V. Whitney sold this mare and his widow, Marylou, bought her daughter Dear Birdie while trying to revitalize his breeding program. The latter became a foundation mare for Marylou Whitney and was named Broodmare of the Year in 2004. Her descendants include champion and Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town, Belmont/Travers/Champagne winner Birdstone, and MGSW Bird Song.

Javamine (1973, Nijinsky II–Dusky Evening, by Tim Tam): This mare deserves a mention even though she won't live on in pedigrees. She lived only long enough to produce four foals, only two of which lived past age three. However, those two foals were MGISW Java Gold and English GSW Spicy Story. Both were sires, with the best of their combined progeny being the wonderful Eclipse champion Kona Gold, who was a gelding.

Glowing Tribute (1973, Graustark–Admiring, by Hail to Reason): In addition to producing two daughters who also won the Diana–the phenomenal Wild Applause detailed above and two-time Diana winner Glowing Honor–she also produced MGISW Hero's Honor, Kentucky Derby/Travers/Champange winner Sea Hero, GSW & GISP Mackie, and GSW Coronation Cup (who almost made it a third daughter to win the Diana). In addition to Wild Applause's wildly accomplished offspring, descendants of Glowing Tribute also include European champion Mozart (Ire) and Chilean champion Il Campione (Chi). She was named Broodmare of the Year in 1993.

MGISW Colonel Liam is out of an unraced daughter of Wonder Again | Horsephotos

Tempted (1955, Half Crown–Enchanted Eve, by Lovely Night): This two-time winner of the Diana, for whom Aqueduct's Tempted S. is named, produced only one stakes winner. However, when taking into account her daughters and granddaughters, more than 50 black-type winners trace to her. And the line is continuing; for example, she is the fifth dam of GISW Rutherienne, who won or placed in 17 graded stakes.

Searching (1952, War Admiral–Big Hurry, by Black Toney): A granddaughter of the immortal La Troienne, Searching won the Diana twice and produced multiple champion Affectionately, MSW Priceless Gem, and SW Admiring. She is granddam of the abovementioned Broodmare of the Year Glowing Tribute, as well as Horse of the Year Personality, French Horse of the Year Allez France, and the prolific top-level producer Lady Winborne. Additional Grade I winners who trace to her include the popular Lite Light and La Gueriere.

Misty Morn (1952, Princequillo–Grey Flight, by Mahmoud): Named Broodmare of the Year in 1963, her five stakes-winning foals included champion and Met Mile winner Bold Lad, champion Successor, and Test winner Bold Consort. Among her top descendants were MGISWs Dispute and Adjudicating.

Vulcania (1948, Some Chance–Vagrancy, by Sir Gallahad III {Fr}): She produced two minor black-type winners, but her daughters and granddaughters included a Broodmare of the Year and produced the likes of Horse of the Year Ferdinand and MGISW Tallahto. The latter produced two MGISW and is the granddam of Breeders' Cup winner Artie Schiller.

Busanda (1947, War Admiral–Businesslike, by Blue Larkspur): Another granddaughter of La Troienne, this mare produced Horse of the Year and four-time leading broodmare sire Buckpasser, as well as two other stakes winners. Her female-line descendants include champion Outstandingly, MGISW Polish Navy, and the wonderful La Affirmed line, responsible for (among others) recent MGISW star Maxfield.

Ouija (1947, Heliopolis–Psychist, by Psychic Bid): Epsom Derby winner Henbit and MGISW Queens Court Queen both trace to this mare.

Miss Grillo (Arg) (1942, Rolando {Arg}–Cedulilla {Arg}, by Picacero {Arg}): At first glance, this Argentinean import didn't produce much of note, but her daughters more than took up the slack. Among her descendants are European champion Meadow Court and MGISW Marquetry.

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