1st-BEL, $90K, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 1:00p.m.
Trainer Shug McGaughey unveils West Point, Siena Farm, Bobby Flay and Woodford Racing's FIRST CAPTAIN (Curlin), a $1.5 million purchase at the Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Select sale last summer. The colt is the first foal out of GSW & GISP America (A.P. Indy), a homebred for the Iron Chef. The 3-year-old sports a bullet four-furlong work in :48 1/5 at Payson Apr. 10, and most recently, registered a :48 4/5 (28/63) for the same distance at Belmont Apr. 17. Also suiting up for the first time is Shadwell's MAHAAMEL (Into Mischief). A $700,000 KEESEP buy, the Todd Pletcher trainee is out of Grade III winner Hot Stones (Bustin Stones), a half to Hot Mist (Tonalist), who won on debut last season. TJCIS PPs
7th-SA, $61K, Msw, 3yo/up, 6f, 7:12p.m.
Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine and West Point's FLIGHTLINE (Tapit) takes off for John Sadler Saturday. Bred by Summer Wind, the colt realized a $1-million final bid at last summer's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. Out of Grade III winner Feathered (Indian Charlie), who also hit the board in the GI Frizette S., GI Starlet S. and GI American Oaks, the bay posted a sharp five-furlong work Apr. 18, stopping the watch in 1:00 2/5. Feathered, a $300,000 OBSMAR buy, was purchased by Summer Wind–in foal to War Front–for $2.35 million at KEENOV in 2016. MONEY MIKE (Into Mischief), a KEESEP graduate, makes his first start for the partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Racing and Stonestreet Stables. The $600,000 yearling purchase is the first foal out of MGSW Ahh Chocolate (Candy Ride {Arg}) and comes into this off several speedy works, including the latest a five-furlong move in 1:00 1/5 at Santa Anita Apr. 17. Simon Callaghan sends out SECRET WEAPON (Candy Ride {Arg}), a $650,000 KEESEP purchase. Campaigned by Qatar Racing and his breeder Peter Blum, the chestnut gets the services of Umberto Rispoli for this unveiling. TJCIS PPs
The post Saturday’s Insights: $1.5M Curlin Colt Debuts at Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.