October 8 Insights: Half to Always Dreaming, Hot Dixie Chick Debuts

2nd-KEE, $100k, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:31p.m. ET
Conditioner Brendan Walsh sends out a blue-blooded filly here in HUMBLING (Quality Road), who lays claim to a stellar female family which includes 'TDN Rising Star', GISW (and eventual producer of 'Rising Stars') Hot Dixie Chick (Dixie Union) and GI Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming (Bodemeister). The former has a pair of talented offspring to her credit when counting GISW Pauline's Pearl (Tapit) and GSP Union Jackson (Curlin). Humbling, a $1 million FTSAUG purchase by Jeff Drown and Michael Ryan in 2021, claims Positive Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) as a half-relation, who changed hands to Spendthrift Farm in 2020 for $1.5 million at FTKNOV. The dam Above Perfection (In Excess {Ire}) herself earned GISP black-type with a runner-up effort in the Prioress. Humbling will break from the far outside in a full field of 12 and is coming in off a co-bullet gate work Sept. 29, covering four furlongs beneath the Twin Spires in :47.20 (1/48). TJCIS PPs

11th-KEE, $100k, Msw, 3yo/up, 7f, 6:18p.m. ET
Repole and St Elias Stable partner once again to send out OLD POINT (Curlin), half-brother to GISW & GI Breeders' Cup Classic runner-up Collected (City Zip). Purchased as a yearling in 2020 for $475,000 at KEESEP, the chestnut is half to stakes-producer Helena's Triomphe (Arch) and hails from the family of GSP Koala Princess (More Than Ready). Bred by Three Chimneys, Runnymede, and Peter Callahan, Old Point took some time to get to the races but has made religious appearances on the work tab leading up to this debut. Todd Pletcher will send him out with Irad Ortiz Jr. getting the call for the seven panel sprint. TJCIS PPs

1st-BAQ, $95k, Msw, 2yo, f, 6fT, 12:35p.m. ET
Shipping in from Europe after being purchased for 420,000gns at TATOCT, EIN GEDI (IRE) (Oasis Dream {GB}) will carry not just the popular flag of MyRacehorse but those of Siena Farm, Peter Deutsch, Michael Kisber, and The Elkstone Group. Out of the stakes-winning Splashdown (GB) (Falbrav {Ire}), the filly is a half to Spanish Champion 2-year-old filly Reina Madre (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) and is a full-sibling to 11-time winner, GSW Aktabantay (GB). This is the female family of Italian Champion 3-year-old filly and blue hen Proskona (Mr. Prospector), who counted nine black-type earners as the dam or granddam, and herself was half to German Highweight horse Keos. The Chad Brown barn will send Ein Gedi  to post with Manny Franco in the irons. TJCIS PPs

4th-SA, $61k, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 5:34p.m. ET
RILEY G (Flatter) will carry not just the torch for Zedan Racing and Bob Baffert, but also another big tag after being secured for $625,000 at OBSOPN; zipping a furlong in :9 4/5 back in June. The grey is a half to three winners, but black-type makes an appearance underneath the second dam, who claims GI Darley Alcibiades victress Wickedly Perfect (Congrats). That mare later produced Japanese GSW Hartley (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in her adoptive country after selling for $800,000 KEEJAN to Katsumi Yoshida in 2011. Also in the pedigree is stakes-producer Wicked Mizz (Mizzen Mast) and GSP Ash Zee (Exchange Rate); the latter counts GSP The Reds (Tonalist) and Zee Drop (Lemon Drop Kid). Carrying the banner for Justify is $450,000 KEESEP stablemate California Rocket, a half-sister to MGSW Global View (Galileo {Ire}) and the dam of GSP Catch the Eye (Quality Road). TJCIS PPs

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Background Check: Schuylerville

Good or bad, stallion careers are almost always well documented with hard facts at the ready. It's no secret certain races–for instance, the GI Met Mile–have historically been known as stallion-making races, with that race in particular flaunting the lethal combination of both speed and stamina on a big stage. Fappiano (1981), Buckpasser (1967), and Native Dancer (1954) were among the Met Mile winners who later made incredible impacts at stud, whether through their sons or daughters or both. Quality Road (2010) is currently doing the same. This year's winner, Flightline (Tapit), will undoubtedly be one of the hottest stallions on the market when he retires.

But what about the mares? Are there any black-type events that stand out as key producer races? In this new series, we'll examine the past of upcoming filly/mare races and take a look at how the winners fared as broodmares.

We begin with Saratoga's traditional opening day feature, the GIII Schuylerville S. for 2-year-old fillies going six furlongs on the dirt. Like many races dating back a century (it was first run in 1918), it's been run at different distances and occasionally even at different tracks. There were years it was run in two divisions (1959, 1965, and 1974) and one year it didn't run at all (2005). Overall, there have been 106 winners of the Schuylerville.

The Schuylerville winners are an illustrious bunch. Every single victress from 2015 to 1918 is a producer of winners, with the exception of six who died before getting their broodmare careers started and another seven (from 1941 and earlier) for whom records are sketchy. That alone is a phenomenal statistic.

There were two consecutive glory decades, a remarkable 20-year streak from 1985-2004 where every winner (except one who passed away before visiting the breeding shed) became a stakes producer.

Four future Broodmares of the Year won the Schuylerville. There are the ancestresses of future significant sires, like Exclusive Native; forebearers of blue hens like Leslie's Lady; and direct female lines leading to recent Saratoga winners like 2021's GI Flower Bowl/GII Glens Falls winner War Like Goddess (English Channel).

Who knew an early-summer race for 2-year-old fillies often making just their second career start, currently worth $175,000 and ranked as a Grade III, would weld such influence on the breed? Such is the power of Saratoga.

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

Hot Dixie Chick (2007, Dixie Union–Above Perfection, by In Excess {Ire}): From five foals to race, this Stonestreet mare has produced 2022 GI La Troienne S. winner Pauline's Pearl (Tapit), MSW & GSP Union Jackson (Curlin), and 2022 'TDN Rising Star' Marsalis (Curlin).

Meadow Star (1988, Meadowlake–Inreality Star, by In Reality): At first glance, this eye-catching chestnut hadn't produced much of note among her five lifetime foals. However, the six stakes winners already produced by her daughters and granddaughters include brilliant champion Arrogate (Unbridled's Song) and MGISW Belle Gallantey (After Market).

Weekend Surprise (1980, Secretariat–Lassie Dear, by Buckpasser): The 1992 Broodmare of the Year produced Horse of the Year and leading sire A.P. Indy, MGISW Summer Squall, and GSW Welcome Surprise. Her descendants include MGISW Court Vision, GISW Happy Saver, and Canadian champion Moonlit Promise.

Mystical Mood (1979, Roberto–Mystery Mood, by Night Invader): She kicked off her broodmare career with U.S./Irish/English Grade/Group winner Fair Judgment, while her daughters and granddaughters went on to produce champions Stevie Wonderboy and Big Blue Kitten.

Talking Picture (1971, Speak John–Poster Girl, by Nasrullah): This mare produced five stakes winners, including Irish champions Easy to Copy and Trusted Partner, and is the ancestress of nearly 30 more, including Grade I/Group 1 winners Gallante (Ire), Dress To Thrill (Ire), Search For A Song (Ire), Free Eagle (Ire), Kyprios (Ire), Thunder Moon (Ire), and Vert de Grece (Ire).

Numbered Account (1969, Buckpasser–Intriguing, by Swaps): Her foals included MGISW and sire Private Account, as well as GISW Dance Number. Her female descendants have produced champion Rhythm, Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, and GISWs Imagining, Girolamo, Bluegrass Cat, and Frost Giant. The family remains active: Becca Taylor, winner of her second Grade II event on the 4th of July, is part of it.

Patelin (1968, Cornish Prince–Pontivy, by Battlefield): This mare is ancestor to 10 Grade I winners, including champion Pleasant Stage, plus A Phenomenon and Marsh Side. However, her pièce de ré·sis·tance has got to be 2016 Broodmare of the Year Leslie's Lady, dam of current breed shaper Into Mischief.

Pocahontas (1955, Roman–How, by Princequillo): The 1965 Broodmare of the Year left champion and important sire Tom Rolfe, as well as four more stakes winners (including sire Chieftain), and a long list of accomplished runners tracing to her.

Striking (1947, War Admiral–Baby League, by Bubbling Over): This Phipps family mare might be the most influential of all the Schuylerville winners. Named Broodmare of the Year in 1961, she produced five stakes winners, including Test S. winners Glamour. The sheer number of thriving families that trace to her boggles the mind. They include Numbered Account, whose own accomplishments are listed above, as well as the families of important sire Woodman, Horse of the Year Mineshaft, champion Smarty Jones, and so many more.

Red Shoes (1943, Easton {Fr}–Mistress Grier, by John P. Grier): This mare produced Ballerina (yes, the one who has the Grade I event at the Spa named after her) and champion Nasrina.

Ace Card (1942, Case Ace–Furlough, by Man o' War): Horse of the Year One Count was one of four stakes winners for this mare, who was named Broodmare of the Year in 1952. Among her best descendants were 1979-80 English champion Mrs. Penny.

Parade Girl (1933, Display–Panoply, by Peter Pan): A number of high-caliber runners trace to this mare, but she only needed one to cement her name in pedigrees: her great-grandson Exclusive Native. The dual stakes winner was the leading sire in the U.S. in 1978-79. Another two-time leading sire, Deputy Minister, also traces to this grand girl.

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Son of Hot Dixie Chick Earns Rising Stardom

Well-related Stonestreet Stables product Marsalis (Curlin–Hot Dixie Chick, by Dixie Union) stepped forward off a stellar debut outing to garner the 'TDN Rising Star' distinction Saturday at Fair Grounds. Beaten a head and 5 1/4 lengths clear of third in a salty GII Risen Star S. day heat won by Todd Pletcher-trained invader Momentous (Speightstown) Feb. 19, the Steve Asmussen pupil was off at 3-5 and soon showed why.

Off at 3-10 while breaking from the fence, the $340,000 Keeneland September RNA broke well but had to work a bit early to eventually make the front narrowly. He doled out an opening quarter of :21.76, and was challenged through a :44.80 half by longshot Lagoon (Runhappy) as that one launched a sweeping move. Marsalis re-broke at the head of the lane, put his stubborn foe away by midstretch, and was wrapped up late to don cap and gown by 2 1/2 lengths. Vinco (Quality Road), last year's $1.5-million Fasig-Tipton Midlantic topper, bounced back from a non-show last out to complete the exacta. Lagoon checked in fourth.

Marsalis is the sixth foal out of his connections' speedy 'Rising Star' Hot Dixie Chick, winner of the 2009 GI Spinaway S. and already the dam of Pauline's Pearl (Tapit), MGSW, $1,038,500; and 'Rising Star' Union Jackson (Curlin), MSW & GSP, $273,874. The former took the GIII Houston Ladies Classic S. Jan. 30 and was most recently a close second in the GII Azeri S. two weeks ago; while the latter, who stands at Sequel Stallions in New York, was represented by his first black-type winner earlier this month. Hot Dixie Chick is also a half to 2017 GI Kentucky Derby hero Always Dreaming (Bodemeister) and Grade II winner Positive Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile). She produced a Constitution colt last term before being bred back to both Tapit and Quality Road.

A 'Rising Star' himself, Curlin has now sired 20 horses to earn that moniker. For more on Marsalis as part of Steve Sherack's Second Chances series, click here.

7th-Fair Grounds, $65,000, Msw, 3-26, 3yo, 6f, 1:09.40, ft, 2 1/2 lengths.
MARSALIS, c, 3, Curlin
1st Dam: Hot Dixie Chick (GISW, $343,252), by Dixie Union
2nd Dam: Above Perfection, by In Excess (Ire)
3rd Dam: Something Perfect, by Somethingfabulous
Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $50,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG. Free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O-Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. *$340,000 RNA Ylg '20 KEESEP.

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Second Chances: Well-Bred Marsalis One to Watch for Stonestreet & Asmussen

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar.

In a race that didn't deserve a loser, Stonestreet homebred Marsalis (c, 3, Curlin–Hot Dixie Chick, by Dixie Union) came up a head short on debut after running hard the entire way on the GII Risen Star S. undercard Feb. 19 (video).

The well-bred chestnut's worktab was highlighted by a five-furlong bullet from the gate in :59 4/5 (1/47) at Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen's Fair Grounds base Jan. 30 and he was off as the 7-5 favorite.

Drawn wide in post nine with Joel Rosario in the irons, Marsalis flashed smart early speed and was immediately hounded to his outside by fellow firster Momentous (Speightstown) through an opening quarter in :22.29. Head and head with that Todd Pletcher-trained rival as they approached the quarter pole, Marsalis continued to fight on gamely from the inside with neither giving an inch down the stretch and crossed the wire a painful second in an absolute thriller. It was 5 1/4 lengths back to Major Contender (Distorted Humor) in third.

The final time for six furlongs was 1:09.58. Marsalis earned a solid 75 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort.

“Two really good horses–he ran super,” Stonestreet's bloodstock advisor John Moynihan said.

“He showed a lot of promise last year as a 2-year-old, but he bucked his shins, so we decided not to press on and try to run him at two. Ever since Steve's had him, he's really liked him. But he's one of those horses that from the time we've had him at the farm, he always trained super. [Stonestreet trainer] Ian [Brennan] really really liked him. He went on to Steve and he expected him to really run well.”

Marsalis's pedigree is Stonestreet and Asmussen top and bottom. Hailing by the duo's two-time Horse of the Year and leading sire Curlin, Marsalis is out of 2009 GI Spinaway S. heroine Hot Dixie Chick, a $435,000 Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2-Year-Old purchase by Barbara Banke's Grace Stables.

The half-sister to GI Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming (Bodemeister) has also produced young Sequel stallion Union Jackson (Curlin), MSW & GSP; and MGSW Pauline's Pearl (Tapit). The latter lines up in Saturday's GII Azeri S. at Oaklawn.

Hot Dixie Chick had a colt by Constitution in 2021 and was bred back to Quality Road.

“Hot Dixie Chick was a great 2-year-old–she was a really good filly,” Moynihan said. “We bought her out of a 2-year-old sale. It was actually the first horse that Barbara bought on her own while Mr. Jackson was still alive. Hot Dixie Chick has really come on–she had Pauline's Pearl, who ran in the Kentucky Oaks last year. Her first foal Union Jackson was quite talented as well.”

Marsalis has since returned to the worktab with a pair of four-furlong breezes for Asmussen in NOLA, including a :50 flat (19/27) move Mar. 7. Anything penciled in for his next start yet?

“We'll let Steve dictate that, but I'm sure it will be another maiden race,” Moynihan concluded.

Previous standouts featured in 'Second Chances' include: two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo), GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby winner and Lane's End stallion Honor A. P. (Honor Code), MGISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Paradise Woods (Union Rags), last weekend's GII WinStar Gulfstream Park Mile S. winner Speaker's Corner (Street Sense), GIII Las Virgenes S. heroine Moonlight d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro), GII Los Alamitos Futurity winner and MGISP Spielberg (Union Rags), GSW Backyard Heaven (Tizway), MSW and 'TDN Rising Star' Gidu (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and GI Frizette S. third-place finisher A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo).

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