Nellie L. | Horse Racing Free Tips

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Belmont Park's GI Acorn S., the first leg in New York's prestigious summer trio of Grade I events for 3-year-old fillies.

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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In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is the GI Kentucky Oaks, second only in stature at Churchill Downs to the GI Kentucky Derby.

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.

The post Background Check: Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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