When Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum passed away early in 2021 after decades of prominence in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, it was unclear in the sport what would happen to his vast bloodstock and farm holdings. Racing needn't have worried. His daughter, Sheikha Hissa, catapulted into the public eye as the head of Shadwell right at the same time the racing stable was seeing a resurgence. The bedrock laid over decades of success by Sheikh Hamdan was the perfect foundation for stunning new success under the guidance of his daughter.

Sheikha Hissa is not yet 30, yet she seems to be instilling confidence throughout the sport–on American shores and beyond–by reinvigorating the Shadwell brand. She's doing it in Europe with Shadwell homebreds like English highweight Baaeed (GB), whose granddam was a Breeders' Cup winner for Shadwell, and she's doing it in the U.S. with sales purchases such as 2021 and 2022 champion Malathaat, who closed out her career with victory in last year's Breeders' Cup Distaff.

“Shadwell Farm in America is rebranding as Shadwell Racing,” said Jonathan Smyth, general manager of the American arm. “Under the leadership of Sheikha Hissa, there is a strong passion for the business, much like her late father. It's truly exciting for all of us to be part of the next chapter of Shadwell.”

Few things in this sport inspire passion and hope more than a Breeders' Cup winner. Malathaat provided just that. The elegant bay closed out her stellar career last November with a scintillating final-stride win in the Distaff after finishing third in the same race as a sophomore in 2021. Winner of the Kentucky Oaks, Alabama, and Ashland at three, her Distaff alongside Spinster and Personal Ensign wins at four was icing on the cake.

“What a day to remember! Malathaat's Breeders' Cup win was truly spectacular,” said Smyth. “She's an extraordinary mare, and her victory was a testament to her remarkable talent and incredible determination. I remember the atmosphere at the Breeders' Cup, where the best of the best came together to put on a show.

Malathaat at Shadwell last month | Sarah Andrew

“Malathaat's victory was the result of her not only being physically gifted but also having a beautiful, composed mind. [Trainer] Todd [Pletcher] and his team did an exceptional job preparing her for that race, and Johnny [Velazquez] gave her a thrilling ride.”

With back-to-back Eclipse Awards secure, Malathaat was retired after the Breeders' Cup and bred to leading sire Into Mischief this spring. Smyth reported she caught on the first attempt and has been determined to be carrying a filly. Despite her competitiveness and athleticism on the racetrack, Malathaat was known for her kindness off the track, making her a fan favorite.

“Malathaat's famously sweet disposition at the track has continued on the farm,” said Smyth. “She's like a big teddy bear, as kind and gentle as ever. Her friendly and amiable nature has made the transition from the track to farm life a smooth and delightful experience. She still requires peppermints, though!

“Malathaat has settled into life on the farm remarkably well,” continued Smyth. “She has a great temperament and a sweet disposition, making her a joy to be around. She has formed a close bond with [Shadwell homebred and 2021 GII Mother Goose winner] Zaajel, which is heartwarming to witness.”

GSW Zaajel and Malathaat with Brittany Carter (broodmare manager), Larry Howard, PJ Dilger, and Maddie Danna | Sarah Andrew

Malathaat's presence in the Shadwell racing stable was a bit of a departure from the usual for Shadwell, as she was a $1.05-million buy at the Keeneland September sale from Stonestreet, who bred and consigned her, during Sheikh Hamdan's tenure. Shadwell has had a mountain of success with homebreds in the past, but hasn't shied away from sales purchases either.

“Shadwell has historically been known for its breeding-to-race approach,” said Smyth, “and that continues to be our primary focus in the American division. However, we do participate in sales as well. Sheikh Hamdan had a particular fondness for the Keeneland September sales, and it's been a wonderful tradition to carry on.

“We can't emphasize enough how fortunate we feel to have her as part of our stable. Malathaat is a beautifully balanced filly, and her walk is simply amazing. It's been an incredible journey since that acquisition, filled with victories and a deep sense of pride for Shadwell for owning a horse of such exceptional quality.”

Malathaat's dam, Dreaming of Julia, was named 2022's Broodmare of the Year for Stonestreet, based in no small part on Malathaat's contributions to her accomplishments. Like Malathaat, both her dam and granddam were Grade I winners, which never hurts when one considers the potential of her future foals.

Malathaat with Maddie Danna (left) and Brittany Carter (right) | Sarah Andrew

“We have big hopes for Malathaat's future as a broodmare,” said Smyth. “We have a lot of options when it comes to selecting stallions for her, and our primary focus is on breeding to race. The plan is to race the offspring she produces and continue the tradition of excellence that Shadwell is known for in the world of horse racing.”

While it will be a minimum of nearly three years before Malathaat's first foal can have an opportunity at the races, Malathaat herself has represented new hope for the Shadwell team and an excitement for what the future holds.

“Having a successful American horse like Malathaat early on in the midst of all the changes at Shadwell, with Sheikha Hissa at the helm, is truly significant,” said Smyth. “Sheikha Hissa has achieved phenomenal success globally in the last two years and Malathaat's accomplishments are a testament to that. We hope to build on this success and uphold our commitment to continue the amazing operation her father built. It's a promising start to the next chapter of Shadwell under her leadership.”

While Malathaat may be part of the new look and new future of Shadwell Racing, the old also remains prominent. Nowhere is this more evident than with another Breeders' Cup winner, 2007 Filly & Mare Turf victress Lahudood (GB). Following a French campaign, the Shadwell homebred was supplemented to the Breeders' Cup for $180,000 after a win in the GI Flower Bowl. Eventually named champion grass mare in the U.S., Lahudood was part of the lone Breeders' Cup edition at Monmouth Park. That renewal tends to be remembered as much for the soggy conditions as for the winners.

Lahudood in the 2007 Breeders' Cup | Sarah Andrew/Equi-Photo

“On the day Lahudood triumphed at the Breeders' Cup,” remembered Smyth, “the ground was exceptionally soft due to the rain at Monmouth Park. Undeterred by the conditions, she displayed exceptional skill and resilience. She broke from the gate very well and encountered some tight spots in the pack. However, a remarkably tough-minded filly, [she] held her own and found herself in second place at the halfway mark. As they reached the final turn, she surged forward with unwavering determination and astonishing speed, never slowing down. Her victory was a testament to her remarkable spirit.

“The translation of Lahudood's name, meaning 'no frontiers', couldn't be more fitting. It perfectly encapsulates her fearless and boundless determination on the track.”

Yet, remarkably, Lahudood's Breeders' Cup win would not be her biggest contribution to the Shadwell program. Herself a third-generation Shadwell homebred tracing directly to the wonderful Height of Fashion (Fr), Lahudood has done much to boost that line since Sheikh Hamdan's death. Height of Fashion, of course, was famously acquired from Queen Elizabeth II and produced the magnificent Shadwell homebred champion and G1 Epsom Derby winner Nashwan, as well as additional highweights Nayef and Unfuwain and three more stakes winners. While a number of top-class winners trace to her through her daughters and their descendants, it's a safe bet Lahudood might be responsible for her greatest current legacy.

Lahudood last month at Shadwell | Sarah Andrew

Lahudood's French black-type winning daughter, the Kingmambo mare Aghareed, is the dam of not only Baaeed–a spectacular 10 for 11 in 2021 and 2022 at the most elite level–but also of Hukum (Ire), another multiple Group 1 winner in 2022 and 2023.

“The satisfaction of having a homebred like Lahudood win the Breeders' Cup,” said Smyth, “and then continue to provide excitement through her progeny is immense. Sheikh Hamdan's deep love for homebred fillies makes this accomplishment even more significant. It's a true testament to the success and legacy of their breeding program.”

Baaeed, a son of Sea The Stars (Ire), retired to Shadwell's Nunnery Stud in the UK at the end of 2022 and covered his first mares this year. Hukum, his full-brother, remains in the ownership of Shadwell but will stand his first season at Darley Japan in 2024.

“Without a doubt, the influence of a mare like Lahudood being the second dam of Baaeed and Hukum is nothing short of remarkable,” said Smyth. “She holds a special place within Shadwell's breeding program, and her impact is profound. Owning a mare of such caliber is a testament to the depth and quality of Shadwell's breeding families. It showcases a dedication to preserving and elevating the standards of Thoroughbred racing and breeding. The influence of this exceptional mare continues to shape Shadwell's breeding program, and her legacy is a source of pride for the Shadwell family and all who appreciate the beauty and power of these magnificent animals.”

Lahudood, now 20, had her final foal in 2021. By Kitten's Joy, the colt has been named Sumood and has not yet raced. Smyth said two of Lahudood's daughters remain part of Shadwell's broodmare band in Kentucky.

“We have great hopes that the mares will take after their older sister and produce high-end athletes,” said Smyth.

As for Lahudood, she's been pensioned “and is living her best life in our sheds with the other retired mares.”

Lahudood with Jose Valenzuela | Sarah Andrew

Shadwell has had other Breeders' Cup successes over the years, most notably with 2006 Classic winner Invasor (Arg), Horse of the Year in both the U.S. and Uruguay, and 2016 Dirt Mile winner Tamarkuz. Still owned by Shadwell, Invasor spent most of his stud career in Uruguay, where he was recently pensioned. Tamarkuz stands at Ballycroy Bloodstock in Canada. Shadwell's American arm is not currently standing any stallions.

“The American division of Shadwell–Shadwell Farm–was established in 1984,” said Smyth. “It has been a significant part of Shadwell's global success in the horse racing industry.

“As for the future of Shadwell, we're all looking forward to continuing the remarkable legacy of Shadwell and the exciting developments that lie ahead. It's a joy to see the Shadwell legacy continued with such dedication and enthusiasm.”

In addition to all those top-class homebreds gracing the fields, four yearling fillies purchased at the recent Keeneland September sale will be added to the racing stable and eventually the broodmare ranks. Sheikha Hissa attended the sale and personally picked them out, said Smyth. Among the purchases were a $2.3-million Into Mischief filly and a $1.1-million Medaglia d'Oro filly.

“It's an exciting blend of the old and new, combining our traditional breeding approach with strategic sales acquisitions to continue Shadwell's success in the racing world,” said Smyth.

From a freshly retired Breeders' Cup winner carrying her first foal to a pensioned Breeders' Cup winner who has contributed so significantly to the tremendous success synonymous with the Shadwell brand, the new Shadwell Racing is poised to honor the past as it melds into the future.

Later this week, Shadwell Racing has homebred Mostahdaf (Ire) pointing to the 40th renewal of the Breeders' Cup Turf. A win by the dual Group 1 winner would add yet another page to the sequel now being written at Shadwell. Win or lose, yet another Breeders' Cup contender seems a fitting way to honor Sheikh Hamdan's legacy and usher in the future with Sheikha Hissa at the helm.

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Tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his debut win at Saratoga in 2020, Mutasaabeq was third in the GI Runhappy Hopeful S. in his second career outing before winning the GII Bourbon S. over the turf at Keeneland for Shadwell Stable and trainer Todd Pletcher. He added a win in the Mucho Macho Man S. in his lone start at three.

“Mutassabeq is a perfect fit for Florida and for Florida breeders. Not only does he have an impressive pedigree on his sire and dam lines, he was also a talented racehorse with a tremendous turn of foot,” said Pleasant Acres director of stallion services Christine Jones. “We are proud to have the only first year Into Mischief sire in Florida for 2023.”

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“Hailing from a sire line with a lot of upside, Mutasaabeq is a fast and precocious son of Into Mischief,” said Ryan Norton, Darby Dan Farm's stallion director. “He is an outstanding individual with all the ingredients to be a top sire, and we're excited about the opportunity to offer him to breeders in the upcoming breeding season.”

A $425,000 weanling purchase by Shadwell Stable at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale, Mutasaabeq followed a 'TDN Rising Star' performance on debut at Saratoga with a third-place finish in the GI Runhappy Hopeful S. Switched to grass, he posted a visually impressive come-from-behind victory in Keeneland's GII Bourbon S. Mutasaabeq's resume also includes a win in Gulfstream's Mucho Macho Man S. at three. All told, Mutasaabeq hit the board in four of six lifetime starts and earned $259,670.

By record-setting sire Into Mischief and bred in Kentucky by BlackRidge Stables LLC, Mutasaabeq is produced from the winning Scat Daddy mare Downside Scenario. This is also the family of this year's GI Florida Derby winner White Abarrio (Race Day) and graded stakes winner Cool Cowboy (Kodiak Kowboy).

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Having bested Search Results by a neck in last year's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, Malathaat–a $1,050,000 KEESEP yearling–was narrowly upset in her next start, the track-and-trip GI Coaching Club American Oaks that July. She atoned a month later when defeating Clairiere in the GI Alabama S., and was a close third (a head better than Clairiere) in November's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar, which featured a meltdown pace that did in champion older mare Letruska.

Crowned champion 3-year-old filly at the Eclipse Awards, Malathaat resurfaced to take Keeneland's GIII Doubledogdare S. Apr. 22 before her back-to-back rematches with fellow Stonestreet-bred Clairiere.

Let go as the 16-5 fourth choice in this field of five, Malathaat had only Clairiere beat early as Letruska showed the way with Search Results prompting through sensible splits. Malathaat snuck up the fence under Hall of Famer John Velazquez to take over third from Crazy Beautiful (Liam's Map) down the backside, but seemed out-footed slightly by the top two as they entered the stretch. Velazquez steered Malathaat out into the clear as Search Results headed Letruska, and the hulking Malathaat built up a full head of steam by midstretch to reel in Search Results like she had in last year's Oaks.

“It was very, very nice to see her come back to prove how good a horse she really is,” said Velazquez, who on Thursday became the first rider to reach 1,000 Saratoga wins. “We know she's a good horse. It's hard to tell why she was so dull last time. But today, I just made sure that she was in the game and she showed it. When I pulled her out at the three-sixteenths pole and asked her, she was in the game… Riding good horses is what keeps you coming back. I'm blessed to have this opportunity and to still be doing this.”

Pletcher, who was celebrating his third Personal Ensign victory, said, “It's all about seeing her perform to her capabilities and with all due respect to the rest of the field, we always feel like when she shows up and runs her A-race, that she's the top 4-year-old filly in the country and I think she showed that today.

“I was glad that Search Results was at least keeping some pace but one of my concerns going in was the potential to not be a good pace set up and we've added the blinkers (before the Shuvee) more to keep her more focused than to add more speed and just let her run her race. I thought Johnny rode a super race.”

As for Clairiere's head-scratching performance, jockey Joel Rosario said, “She broke well and then they were kind of getting away from me. She took a long time today to find her stride. She was still coming in the end. She was acting with a little energy [in the gate] and sometimes those things happen. She jumped up a couple times but she was OK. It was not her day, I guess.”

Saturday, Saratoga
PERSONAL ENSIGN S.-GI, $558,000, Saratoga, 8-27, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8m, 1:48.30, ft.
1–MALATHAAT, 124, f, 4, by Curlin
                1st Dam: Dreaming of Julia (GISW, $874,500), by A.P. Indy
                2nd Dam: Dream Rush, by Wild Rush
                3rd Dam: Turbo Dream, by Unbridled
($1,050,000 Ylg '19 KEESEP). O-Shadwell Stable; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-John R. Velazquez. $320,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. 3-year-old filly,12-8-3-1, $2,378,825. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Search Results, 122, f, 4, by Flatter
                1st Dam: Co Cola (GSP), by Candy Ride (Arg)
                2nd Dam: Yong Musician, by Yonaguska
                3rd Dam: Alljazz, by Stop the Music
($310,000 Ylg '19 KEESEP). O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Machmer Hall (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $112,000.
3–Letruska, 124, m, 6, by Super Saver
                1st Dam: Magic Appeal (GSP), by Successful Appeal
                2nd Dam: Call Her Magic, by Caller I. D.
                3rd Dam: Malibu Magic, by Encino
O/B-St. George Stables, LLC (KY); T-Fausto Gutierrez. $60,000.
Margins: HF, 2, 6. Odds: 3.20, 3.10, 2.40.
Also Ran: Crazy Beautiful, Clairiere.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPshttp://www.equineline.com/tdn/pedigree.cfm?tk=SAR&cy=USA&rd=09/07/2015&rn=9&de=D  &ref=9104432. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

Pedigree Notes:

Malathaat is one of 90 stakes winner and 48 graded winners for her sire, who was represented earlier on the card by new Grade I winner Cody's Wish in the Forego S. She is bred identically to stablemate Nest (Curlin), who looks a lock to provide her sire and trainer with a second consecutive champion 3-year-old filly trophy.

Malathaat was the most expensive yearling filly by Curlin in 2019 (co-fifth among both sexes), and the market certainly hasn't cooled off on the Hill 'n' Dale resident since then. A $600,000 Curlin colt topped the Fasig-Tipton July sale, and he had three fetch seven figures earlier this month across the street, including a $2-million filly bred on the same cross. Curlin's next two highest sellers at that Fasig auction were out of daughters by A.P. Indy sons.

Malathaat's dam annexed the 2012 GI Frizette S. and earned a gaudy 114 Beyer when airing by 21 3/4 lengths in the 2013 GII Gulfstream Park Oaks. The daughter of MGISW Dream Rush has a 2-year-old full-sister named Julia Shining who last breezed up in Saratoga last Friday. Next in the pipeline is a Medaglia d'Oro filly, followed by another Curlin filly foaled Apr. 4. Dreaming of Julia was bred to Into Mischief for 2023.

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Shadwell Stable went to $1.6 million to acquire SAHLABIYA (Medaglia d'Oro) at Keeneland September and she debuts in this spot for trainer Chad Brown. The bay is a half-sister to GSW Sergei Prokofiev (Scat Daddy), himself a $1.1-million KEESEP buy. Brown also unveils Bobby Flay homebred Contemporary Art (Dubawi {Ire}). She is out of GSW Cover Song (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who is a daughter of MG1SW Misty For Me (Ire) (Falileo {Ire}). That Coolmore blue hen is also the dam of European Highweight and MG1SW U S Navy Flag (War Front) and MG1SW Roly Poly (War Front). Misty For Me is a full-sister to Group 1 winner Ballydoyle (Ire) and SW & MGSP Twirl (Ire). TJCIS PPs

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It is here on Thursday morning that Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum arrives with Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold and advisor Richard Hills to watch her homebred Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) have his penultimate exercise under Jim Crowley before his start in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic on Saturday. It is a poignant moment, as a year ago to the day the racing world was saddened by the death of Sheikha Hissa's father, Sheikh Hamdan, a man revered and admired across the industry as one of loyalty and modesty. The latter is borne out by the fact that his many runners over his 40-year involvement with horseracing ran in the name of Hamdan Al Maktoum – his regal title dropped for his involvement in the sport he loved the most. And a glance back over the many tributes paid to Sheikh Hamdan this time last year is a reminder of how frequently the word loyal occurred when those closely associated with him, particularly his trainers, recalled their relationship.

It is not difficult to imagine that Sheikh Hamdan appreciated and rewarded loyalty in others. Over the years when visiting Sir Michael Stoute's Freemason Lodge in Newmarket he would have had many opportunities to witness Stoute's longtime assistant trainer Owen Burrows at work, and when the time came for Burrows to start training under his own name, it was Sheikh Hamdan who installed him as a private trainer, in 2016, at Kingwood House Stables in Lambourn. 

It is no secret that, with the horses now running under the banner of Shadwell Stable, the operation is significantly smaller than in Sheikh Hamdan's time, and it is a reduction that will be felt by a number of stables. It has precipitated a slight change of scenery for Burrows, his wife Lynn and their two children to Farncombe Down Stables, still in Lambourn, and a smart 40-box yard previously used by Shadwell as a spelling and rehabilitation facility. Though Burrows is now a public trainer, support from the Maktoum family remains, through Sheikh Ahmed, and also his niece Sheikha Hissa, the owner of the regally-bred stable star Hukum.

“I have a huge amount to be thankful to Sheikh Hamdan for, he was such a good man, you only had to hear the way people talked about him,” says Burrows a couple of hours after overseeing Hukum's morning exercise alongside his ownership team.

“Like him, Sheikha Hissa is really keen on racing,” he adds. “Before Super Saturday she came and watched Hukum a few times and the other morning she came out to the yard and was feeding him Polos. She's very passionate about it, which is brilliant. 

“We all understood the operation had to trim right back but it is wonderful to hear that she wants to come to England and go racing. Richard Hills said after the first conversation he had with her that it was just like speaking to a female version of her father and, to me, that is almost the biggest compliment you could give her.”

Sheikha Hissa doubtless has much to look forward to this season back in Europe. The five-time Group winner Hukum and his even starrier full-brother Baaeed (GB)–the pair descending from Height Of Fashion (Fr), the bedrock of Sheikh Hamdan's breeding operation–will be at the forefront of her equine team. Hukum has stolen a march on the unbeaten Baaeed so far in 2022 as he has run once and won once, securing his place in the Sheema Classic line-up with his victory in the G2 Dubai City of Gold. He will be one of six runners for the Shadwell Stable on Dubai World Cup night.

Hukum is an important flag-bearer for Burrows. He was his first Royal Ascot winner when landing the King George V S. on only the third start of his life, helping to make Sheikh Hamdan the leading owner at the Royal meeting of 2020. His victory earlier this month at Meydan means that Burrows now boasts a perfect record in Dubai from his sole runner there. 

“He's been so consistent, he's always run well,” says the trainer, “The Sheema Classic is a very strong race but I think he deserves his chance back in Group 1 company. We've only tried him in it once – in the St Leger as a 3-year-old – and he didn't quite get home. He won over a bit further last year but I never really felt he was going to be a Cup horse; he's got a bit more speed than people give him credit for.”

Reflecting on his Super Saturday victory, Burrows adds, “That was obviously massive for me, and also for the whole operation. That was the first horse we brought out here since Sheikh Hamdan passed and for him to go and do that was perfect. It was a prep run, and obviously on ratings he was the best horse, but he was drawn 14 of 14 and that made it a but more difficult. I'm glad we decided to come out for that race. I felt it would have been asking a lot to bring him here just a week before the Sheema Classic.”

Now five, Hukum is exactly the type of horse with which Sir Michael Stoute would have excelled. Having made just two starts at two, he went straight to Royal Ascot for his first run at three. The 12 years spent with Stoute provided a valuable lesson for Burrows, and hopefully through his progressive campaigner he will reap the rewards of that as this season gets properly underway.

“Covid interrupted Hukum's 3-year-old season a little bit,” Burrows says. “He was rated 91 so he was thrown in for the George V but he got quite badly struck into at Royal Ascot so had to have a bit of time off.

“We're under no illusion, we know he has to find seven pounds, but having had a prep run here and some sunshine for three weeks it has brought him forward. I was talking to Richard and Angus yesterday, and we agreed that if we are competitive on Saturday I think it lets us know where we sit back home in England, because these are the best in the world. It will help us to know whether we are looking later in the year – at the King George, or possibly the Arc at the end of the season. It's exciting.”

On the other side of the world on Saturday, another former Burrows star, the 2000 Guineas runner-up Massaat (Ire), will be represented by his first two runners in the Brocklesby S., the opening 2-year-old race of the British turf season. In the trainer's yard currently, there are 17 juveniles, constituting roughly half the team. There is no son or daughter of Massaat there yet, but the breeze-up sales are just around the corner.

“This has to be a building year,” he says. “We will be trying to get the numbers back up. There's room to put some more boxes in and I'd love to get up to around 60 horses.”

Burrows admits that he is not the most tech-savvy pop trainers, and he is currently learning to embrace the joys, and otherwise, of social media.

“Being Sir Michael's assistant for all those years, obviously we didn't do that kind of thing,” he says with a smile.

But even without that association, it is hard to imagine the modest Burrows enjoying the often brash, look-at-me era of Twitter and Instagram. As one who grew up in a National Hunt stable when his father was Head Lad to David 'The Duke' Nicholson, and who then rode as a conditional for such luminaries of the jumping world as Martin Pipe and Josh Gifford, Burrows seems more at home in the school of traditional horsemanship, where the horses do the talking for you.

Hukum has already done just this, and it would be no surprise to see him trumpeting his likeable trainer's abilities a little louder through this year.

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Owned by CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm, the son of leading sire Into Mischief recorded his four-furlong move in :48.46 over a fast main track – the 17th fastest of 132 recorded works at the distance. This was a second work back for Life Is Good following a game runner-up effort in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, where he engaged in a dramatic stretch duel with Jackie's Warrior, coming up a neck shy of victory.

“I thought he worked super,” Pletcher said. “I was really pleased with the way he went and it looked like he was moving along there really well.”

Unbeaten in his previous three efforts, which include victories in the Grade 3 Sham and Grade 2 San Felipe at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., this winter, Life Is Good will see an increase in ground from the seven-furlong H. Allen Jerkens.

“I think it's a good progression for him coming off the layoff and the one seven-eighths race.”

Pletcher also worked three-time Grade 1-winner Malathaat Saturday, who went an easy half-mile in :49.49 over the Belmont training track in her first breeze since winning the Grade 1 Alabama on August 19 at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Pletcher said the Shadwell Stable-owned daughter of Curlin will train up to the $3 million Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff on November 6 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif.

“It was her first work back and she did it well,” Pletcher said. “Her energy level is really good at the moment. We plan on training up to the Breeders' Cup.”

Also returning to the work tab for Pletcher was Repole Stable, St. Elias Stable, and Gainesway Stable's Wit, who was second after stumbling at the start of the Grade 1 Hopeful on September 6 at Saratoga.

The son of freshman stallion Practical Joke went a half-mile in :49.93 over the Belmont training track and will target the $500,000 Grade 1 Champagne on October 2 – a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the $2 million Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile on November 5 at Del Mar.

“He worked well,” Pletcher said. “Hopefully, we get a little cleaner break this time. It certainly hurt his chances, he fell on his head leaving there, but I thought he ran on courageously after that.”

Pletcher said Bass Stables homebred Annapolis, who broke his maiden on debut going two turns over Saratoga's inner turf by 4 ½ lengths, will target the $200,000 Grade 2 Pilgrim on October 3 at Belmont Park.

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Prior to winning Saturday's Saranac by one length, Public Sector scored by the same margin in the one-mile Grade 2 Hall of Fame on August 6 at the Spa.

“He came out of it in good shape. He continues to develop,” Brown said. “To win two stakes at the meet for a 3-year-old is impressive. I'm very pleased with how far this horse has come along this year.”

Brown also saddled Technical Analysis, a fellow Klaravich Stables color-bearer, to dual graded stakes victories this meet in capturing the Grade 3 Lake George on July 23 and the Grade 2 Lake Placid on August 21.

“Winning two stakes at Saratoga is hard to do. They both have developed as well as they could,” Brown said.

With the Saranac in the rearview mirror, Brown said he will now likely point Public Sector toward the nine-furlong $400,000 Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on November 27 at Del Mar.

“I've had a lot of horses that at four have stretched out effectively,” Brown said. “These horses look like horses that will. How far and when I'm not sure, but we'll slowly get them out a little further over time.”

Both Public Sector and Technical Analysis are by 2014 Cartier Horse of the Year Kingman, whose three stakes winners this meet were all conditioned by Brown.

“Luckily, we were in on the first crop, we believed in the horse. We thought he had tremendous potential. Of course, not knowing what a first crop will do, but he's really developed into one of the top sires in the world,” Brown said. “We've been buying along each crop and supporting the horse. We believe in him and hopefully, we'll be able to still get our hands on some. They are really straightforward and honest horses to train, they should a great turn of foot in the mornings. They're sound horses.”

Brown also has the Hollywood Derby in mind for Peter Brant's Sifting Sands, who won the Better Talk Now on August 29 at one mile over the inner turf.

“I think it's a race that will fit him later in the year,” Brown said. “I plan on running him [and Public Sector] one time beforehand. He's a well-bred and well-meant horse and if he can target that, it's an important race that could make him a stallion at some point.”

Brown visited the winner's circle on Friday with Shadwell Stable's Emaraaty, who picked up a fourth lifetime win, besting an allowance optional claiming field on September 3 going one mile over the inner turf. The son of Dubawi arose from a five-month respite to produce a 95 Beyer. He ran the same figure in his first start for Brown in July 2019, which came off a year-long layoff.

“He's been a little frustrating to keep in a normal training routine of racing and he's a difficult horse to train, but I was really proud of how he ran the other day,” Brown said. “He's back in form now. He's got some age on him now, but he showed he can still do it. I'm hoping to get in a stake next time, but I'm not sure where.”

On Saturday, Brown saddled Pipeline to a maiden special weight triumph at fourth asking. Owned by John D. Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock, the sophomore son of Speightstown cut back to seven furlongs on the main track after finishing a close second going nine furlongs on July 28, coming up a head shy of victory to next-out winner Vindictive.

Brown said adding blinkers to Pipeline has made all the difference.

“He's been one of my real pleasant surprises of the summer. We liked him, he trained really well but ran not too good in his first two starts. I was sort of lost with him,” Brown said. “Thankfully, we put some blinkers on him and he did a turnaround. With a little bit of racing experience in blinkers, he way exceeded my expectations from his first two races and what I was starting to think about him. He's an example of turning a second into a win later. He obviously got beat by a really good horse [Vindictive] who came back and won. I'm happy to have a nice late-blooming 3-year-old dirt horse going into the fall when some of these other horses might be tired now.”

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“Right now, we're focused on the Distaff, so we'll zero in on that and take things from there. That's the most likely scenario,” Pletcher said. “Nothing's etched in stone, but that's sort of the plan that we discussed with Rick Nichols [of Shadwell] a while ago.”

Malathaat won the GI Ashland S. and GI Kentucky Oaks before suffering her first career defeat when second in the July 24 GI Coaching Club American Oaks. She rebounded to take the Alabama Saturday despite stumbling at the break.

“It was good to get back and get a reasonably good trip despite stumbling at the start,” Pletcher said. “It was a very, very strong performance. She looks good this morning.”

In addition to his Alabama victory, Pletcher also saddled a pair of impressive first-out juvenile winners on the Saratoga card Saturday. My Prankster (Into Mischief) was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his 10-length debut victory in the seventh race and Major General (Constitution) graduated by a neck in the day's first race.

“He was very impressive, I thought he kicked on well down the lane and had something left in the tank, so it was very encouraging,” Pletcher said of My Prankster.

Of Major General, Pletcher added, “Major General was a little bit green yesterday. When that horse came to him, he looked him in the eye and found some horse, so we're happy to see that.”

Pletcher is taking a wait-and-see approach for next starts for both 2-year-olds.

“We'll let the dust settle and see how it goes,” he said.

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Off to that studder-step beginning from gate six in the field of seven, Malathaat was allowed to find her footing by John Velazquez and raced with only 'Rising Star' Crazy Beautiful (Liam's Map) behind her as the Alabama field raced under the line for the first time.

On the business end, longshot Played Hard (Into Mischief) cut out the early fractions in advance of Army Wife, as Velazquez settled the odds-on choice on the flank of her GI CCA Oaks conqueror Maracuja (Honor Code), having improved a spot turning down the backstretch.

Played Hard remained in control after six furlongs in 1:13.27, a demanding-enough split over a strip downgraded to good following mid-afternoon rains, and Malathaat was asked to take closer order around the turn. Forced to cover a stack of ground, the Shadwell colorbearer nevertheless loomed a threat outside of the rallying Army Wife in upper stretch, fought her way past that foe with an eighth of a mile to race and proved a shade too classy in the finish. Clairiere followed the eventual winner's move into the lane and attacked the line for second. Malathaat traveled 41 feet (about 4 1/4 lengths) farther than Clairiere and 20 feet more (just over two lengths) more than Army Wife.

Named a 'Rising Star' off a fast-finishing maiden win over seven furlongs at Belmont Oct. 9, Malathaat wired the field in the Nov. 6 Tempted S. by nearly eight lengths and employed off-pace tactics to take the GII Demoiselle S. by 3/4 of a length Dec. 5. A $1.05-million Keeneland September purchase by the late Sheikh Hamdan's operation, Malathaat was on a trajectory to make her seasonal return in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks Mar. 27–a race won by Crazy Beautiful–but the passing of Sheikh Hamdan a few days prior led to a start in the GI Central Bank Ashland S. at Keeneland the following weekend instead. Overcoming a similarly wide passage to just best Pass the Champagne (Flatter), she battled for every yard to just hold off next-out GI Acorn S. winner Search Results (Flatter) in the GI Kentucky Oaks Apr. 30 and just failed to last in the CCA Oaks after being pestered on the front end for the entirety of that nine-furlong trip.

“It was key [having a target],” admitted trainer Todd Pletcher, winning the Alabama for the third time. “Last time, it was difficult to figure out the right tactics and we kind of got tag teamed, as you'd expect to be in a prohibitive-favorite situation. Today, we drew a better post and we were able to let her find her rhythm and she showed why she's the best 3-year-old filly in the country.”

Pedigree Notes:

Malathaat is the second foal from her dam, the 2012 GI Frizette S. winner who romped by 21 3/4 lengths in the Gulfstream Oaks, but could do no better than fourth to upset-minded stablemate Princess of Sylmar (Majestic Warrior) in the Kentucky Oaks.

Second dam Dream Rush won the GI Darley Test S. in 2007 and was subsequently sold to Halsey Minor for $3.3 million at that year's Fasig-Tipton November Sale. She remained in training into early 2009, but was retired and covered by A.P. Indy for her first cover. Dreaming of Julia was foaled Mar. 3, 2010, and Dream Rush would go on to produce SW 'TDN Rising Star' Atreides (Medaglia d'Oro) and MGSW 'Rising Star' Dream Pauline (Tapit), whose first produce is a Curlin colt foaled Feb. 4 of this year.

Malathaat is one of any number of top-class runners bred on the Curlin–A.P. Indy cross, which includes Grade I winners Stellar Wind, Global Campaign, Paris Lights and Idol. Additionally, Classic winner Exaggerator was bred from a mare by Seattle Slew's son Vindication, while Mother Goose S. heroine Off the Tracks is a maternal granddaughter of Slew's son Capote.

Dreaming of Julia is the dam of a yearling full-sister to Malathaat and a Medaglia d'Oro filly foaled Mar. 30. She was most recently bred back to Curlin.

Saturday, Saratoga
ALABAMA S.-GI, $600,000, Saratoga, 8-21, 3yo, f, 1 1/4m, 2:02.59, gd.
1–MALATHAAT, 121, f, 3, by Curlin
1st Dam: Dreaming of Julia (GISW, $874,500), by A.P. Indy
2nd Dam: Dream Rush, by Wild Rush
3rd Dam: Turbo Dream, by Unbridled
'TDN Rising Star' ($1,050,000 Ylg '19 KEESEP). O-Shadwell
Stable; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Todd
Pletcher; J-John R. Velazquez. $330,000. Lifetime Record:
7-6-1-0, $1,555,150. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*
   Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Clairiere, 121, f, 3, by Curlin
1st Dam: Cavorting (MGISW, $2,063,000), by Bernardini
2nd Dam: Promenade Girl, by Carson City
3rd Dam: Promenade Colony, by Pleasant Colony
O-Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred
Holdings LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $120,000.
3–Army Wife, 121, f, 3, by Declaration of War
1st Dam: Tread, by Arch
2nd Dam: Scoot Yer Boots, by Seeking the Gold
3rd Dam: Whirl Series, by Roberto
($50,000 Ylg '19 FTKFEB; $190,000 2yo '20 OBSAPR). O-Three
Diamonds Farm; B-J D Stuart & AR Enterprises, Inc. (KY);
T-Michael J. Maker. $72,000.
Margins: 1HF, HF, 6 1/4. Odds: 0.55, 8.70, 8.50.
Also Ran: Will's Secret, Played Hard, Crazy Beautiful, Maracuja.
Click for the Equibase.com chart, the TJCIS.com PPs or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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