Bee Jersey’s Beeline Stays Perfect in Hutcheson

 Beeline (Bee Jersey) thrashed a salty field of maidens by 3 3/4 lengths on course-and-distance debut Feb. 10 and had been flattered since, as three rivals won their next starts while improving their Beyers by 23, 11 and 34 points, respectively, the last of those on a drop into maiden claiming.

The odds-on favorite hit the ground running, but had pressure stacked up to his outside and looked to be in deep water as the slow-starting Valiant Force (Malibu Moon) threatened to make a race of it three deep at the top of the lane. Resurgent inside with Edgard Zayas laying his body down, Beeline was confronted by Improptude (Khozan) with time ticking away and was the recipient of a fortuitous bob.

A £600,000 buyback out of the 2014 Goffs London Sale, Secretariat Humor is out of a full-sister to this breeder's champion Perfect Soul (Ire), whose six winners from six to race also includes Grade III-placed Ready Soul (More Than Ready) and SP Miss Injustice (Court Vision). Secretariat Wonder has a 2-year-old full-sister to Beeline named Tremendous Bee, a yearling full-brother and was bred back to the former Fipke runner for her 2024 foal. Beeline is the sixth stakes winner for his sire. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

HUTCHESON S., $106,000, Gulfstream, 3-16, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.59, ft.
1–BEELINE, 118, c, 3, by Bee Jersey
1st Dam: Secretariat Humor, by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Secretariat's Soul (Ire), by Sadler's Wells
3rd Dam: Ball Chairman, by Secretariat
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. ($70,000 2yo '23 OBSOPN). O-Vintage Thoroughbreds LLC, Scott Estes & Brian Hanley; B-Charles Fipke (KY); T-Riley Mott; J-Edgard J Zayas. $60,760. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $102,760. *Full to Topsy, SW & GSP, $227,363.
2–Improptude, 118, c, 3, Khozan–Tizlot, by Tiznow. 1ST BLACK-TYPE. O-Fly With Me & Tami Bobo; B-Tami Bobo (FL); T-Antonio Sano. $25,600.
3–Patriot Spirit, 120, c, 3, Constitution–Mistical Plan, by Game Plan. ($95,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $235,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-Mellon Patch Inc; B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY); T-Michael B Campbell. $9,800.
Margins: NO, 1HF, 2 3/4. Odds: 0.80, 26.60, 6.00.
Also Ran: Valiant Force, Ship to Shore, Sir Flash, Starship Mocha.

 

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Reef Runner Bests Unlucky Valiant Force at Gulfstream

8th-Gulfstream, $86,940, Alw (NW1X), Opt. Clm ($75,000), 2-7, 3yo, 5fT, :54.64, fm, 3/4 length.
REEF RUNNER (c, 3, The Big Beast–Paradise Bay, by Blame) was making his first start on the turf as the 15.90-1 longest shot in a field of seven and outsprinted a luckless 3-5 Valiant Force (Malibu Moon) to upset that one's seasonal debut. Ridden along from fourth by Paco Lopez, with the hot favorite underneath him, the Lieblong homebred was sent along three wide on the turn and had dead aim on pacesetting Esperon (Chitu) as they hit the top of the lane. Racing on his incorrect lead, Reef Runner nevertheless hit the front with time ticking away and went on to score by thee-parts of a length. While the winner had a clear run throughout, the same cannot be said for Valiant Force. Winner of the G2 Norfolk S. at 150-1 and runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint when last seen in November, the AMO Racing runner was shuffled back nearing the turn and just when it looked possible that he might get off the inside, he was kept in by Mackville (Speightster) with 2 1/2 furlongs to race. Valiant Force finally found daylight five wide off the home corner and he kicked on nicely, but had too much to overcome and settled for second. Valiant Force covered his final eighth of a mile in a race-fastest :10.94 per DRF Formulator. The winner's dam, a half-sister to dual Grade I-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and SW Forest Chatter (Dixie Chatter), produced a Street Sense filly in 2023. Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-1, $103,180. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O/B-Alex & JoAnn Lieblong (FL); T-David Fawkes.

 

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Big Evs Proves Equal To The Task in the Juvenile Turf Sprint

RP Racing's Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) came into Friday's GI Breeders' Juvenile Turf Sprint carrying great expectation. The 2-year-old's trainer, Mick Appleby, was making his Breeders' Cup debut, as was jockey Tom Marquand. Far from newcomers in their respective bases in the UK, the duo had to travel a long way for this year's World Championships at Santa Anita, but the voyage proved worth their while as the Irish-bred proved best in a blistering renewal of the five-furlong turf test.

“I'm still gobsmacked,” said a visibly moved Appleby following his first North American graded victory. “I can't believe it. He's been an absolute superstar all year and to come here and put in a performance like that is unreal.”

Accustomed to getting his way early against his fellow European rivals in four of five prior starts, Big Evs was given a crash course  in 'American' speed as 6-1 shot Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) blasted to the front, streaking through an eye-popping quarter in :20.71. Unrelenting, the 3-1 chance was not going to let her get away from him, pressing her relentlessly through a half in :43.65. Ready to pounce on the game front-runner leaving the quarter pole, Big Evs collared the gallant filly in early stretch, scooted clear through the lane and had enough to hold off the fast-closing longshot–G2 Norfolk S. winner Valiant Force (Malibu Moon)–by a half length. Group 3 scorer Starlust (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), partnered by Frankie Dettori, rounded out the trifecta for European-based horses, finishing 3/4 of a length behind the runner up at odds of 24-1.

“Just amazing. Once he got out the gates and we got in an early position, I knew we wouldn't be far away,” said Marquand, who was realizing his first Breeders' Cup win in his first attempt. “Turning for home nothing was going to catch him. He put his head down and galloped all the way to the line.”

“To ride a Breeders' Cup winner is a dream come true. He's just an exceptional horse.”

Hardly a surprise here, Big Evs has proven remarkably consistent overseas, having finished better than second in four of five starts. Runner up in his career debut at Redcar in May, the son of Freshman sire Blue Point reeled off a pair of wins in the Windsor Castle S. at Royal Ascot before eking out a front-running neck win in the Aug. 2 G3 Molecomb S. at Glorious Goodwood. Well supported for the G1 Nunthorpe S. at York Aug. 25, the colt faded to 14th behind winner Live In the Dream (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire})–a contender in Saturday's GI Turf Sprint–behind  bounced back to take the G2 Flying Childers S. at Doncaster Sept. 15.

“Going into the race, I thought he had an outstanding chance, and when Tom rode him in a breeze earlier in the week he couldn't have been more bullish,” explained Appleby. “We'll enjoy it as it's a dream to be here never mind go and win. Hopefully he comes out the race in good order then we'll make a plan for next season. He really is a horse of a lifetime for us. I can't thank the team at home enough for all their hard work.”

Much to the dismay of trainer Jessica Harrington, Group 3 winner Givemethebeatboys (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) was a vet scratch Friday. Third in the G1 Phoenix S. at the Curragh in August, he finished fourth last time out in the Sept. 30 G1 Middle Park S.

Pedigree Notes:
Darley's Blue Point continued his scintillating season while earning his second top-level winner at Santa Anita Friday. The sire of Rosallion (Ire), winner of the Oct. 1 G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp, Blue Point is responsible for no less than 41 thus far. The leading First season sire with over $1.7 million in earnings, the son of Shamardal currently ranks second overall among European-based sire with their juvenile offspring.

The winner's dam, Hana Lina (GB), is a daughter of European champion 2-year-old Filly and English Highweight juvenile filly Queen's Logic (Ire) (Grand Lodge), a half-sister to European Horse of the Year and $6.6-million earner Dylan Thomas (Ire) (Danehill) and Classic winner and English Highweight 3-year-old filly Homecoming Queen (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). The latter is responsible for Highweight English and Irish juvenile filly Shale (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Queen's Logic also proved successful in the breeding shed, producing Lady Of The Desert (Rahy), herself a 3-year-old highweight at 5-7 furlongs.

Subsequent to her first black-type winner, Hana Lina foaled a Ribchester (Ire) filly last season and followed up with a colt by Earthlight (Ire) this term.

 

 

Friday, Santa Anita
BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE TURF SPRINT-GI, $920,000, Santa Anita, 11-3, 2yo, 5fT, :55.31, fm.
1–BIG EVS (IRE), 122, c, 2, by Blue Point (Ire)
         1st Dam: Hana Lina (GB), by Oasis Dream (GB)
         2nd Dam: Queen's Logic (Ire), by Grand Lodge
         3rd Dam: Lagrion, by Diesis (GB)
1ST GRADE I WIN. (50,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-RP Racing Ltd; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited (Ire); T-Michael Appleby; J-Tom Marquand. $520,000. Lifetime Record: MGSW-Eng, 6-4-1-0, $748,283. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Valiant Force, 122, c, 2, Malibu Moon–Vigui's Heart, by Quality Road. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($75,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $100,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Amo Racing USA; B-Ramon Horta Rangel & Spendthrift Farm (KY); T-Adrian Murray. $170,000.
3–Starlust (GB), 122, c, 2, Zoustar (Aus)–Beyond Desire (GB), by Invincible Spirit (Ire). 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. (55,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Mrs. Fitriani Hay; B-Branton Court Stud LLP (GB); T-Ralph Beckett. $90,000.
Margins: HF, 3/4, NK. Odds: 3.20, 23.10, 24.00.
Also Ran: No Nay Mets (Ire), Shards, Crimson Advocate, Committee of One, Cherry Blossom (Ire), Slider, Amidst Waves, Asean (Ire), Tiger Belle (Ire). Scratched: April Vintage, Givemethebeatboys (Ire), Hedwig.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

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Johnson Cross a Partnership That Works

Kelli Cross and Tanya Johnson found themselves in similar situations three years ago, juggling farms, sales and motherhood all at the same time, when they decided to join forces and create the Johnson Cross consignment which debuted at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale in 2021. The horsewomen have only gained strength since then and return with their third offering at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale next week in Lexington.

“Tanya and I had known each other for a few years,” Cross explained. “She operates Red Gables Stud, which is boarding and breeding, basically a Thoroughbred nursery, and I operate Sovereign Farm. And we are both moms. The last sale I did under Sovereign Farm, I was seven months pregnant. I looked at her a few months later and said, 'This would be way easier if we just did it together.' And she agreed.”

The two women quickly realized they made a great team.

“Tanya is always on a shank,” Cross said. “If there is a tough one–she's probably five foot even–if there is a big rank colt, she's always there. I will do cards. I do enjoy showing, too, but we complement each other. One of our strengths pick up where the other one leaves off. It was very easy to find our groove.”

Johnson added, “Kelli is really good at talking to the people and I'm not. I stand back and let her do that and I'm with the horses while she deals with the people, so it works out really well.”

Johnson continued, “If Kelli can't be here, I can and if I can't be here, Kelli can. It's so much easier having two of us in this position. As she said, we both have kids that are our number one priority. And the farms, I guess, would be the number two priority.”

Balancing a life in the Thoroughbred industry with raising a family is actually what led Johnson to start Red Gables Stud in 2007.

“When I started Red Gables, I was seven months pregnant with my second child,” Johnson said. “It is so hard to be a mom in this business–or to do both–I should say. And I wanted to do both. The only way I could figure to do both was to have my own place. It wasn't necessarily the best financial decision at the time. But at that time, I had a 2-year-old and was pregnant again. I wanted to be with my kids and I also didn't want to give up working. There is no way I could have done that. I had a good client base and they all supported me in starting the farm, so I went ahead and did that. And I've been doing it ever since.”

Red Gables hit the international stage earlier this year when Valiant Force (Malibu Moon), who was born at the farm, captured the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot.

“For a first baby, when he hit the ground, we were all like he's gorgeous,” Johnson said of the future group winner. “We just all knew it. He was a little bit sassy. We bred her back and then [breeder] Ramon [Rangel] took her home. We are prepping the half-sister, the Mitole (hip 72), right now for the [Fasig-Tipton November] Night of the Stars. Ramon is doing the mare–he didn't want to do both–so we took the baby for him. I think she's a nicer baby, but we will see.”

The Johnson Cross consignment kicked off the yearling sales season with a pair of strong results at the Fasig-Tipton July sale earlier this year, selling a filly by Malibu Moon (hip 188) for $275,000 and a colt by Thousand Words (hip 37) for $150,000. Both were homebreds from Cross's Sovereign Farm.

Two months after the auction, the filly's half-sister Ms. Tart (Maximus Mischief), who had sold for $145,000 at the 2022 Keeneland January sale, broke her maiden on debut at Colonial Downs. The filly traveled north of the border to run in the GI Natalma S. Both fillies are out of Sheza Sweet Lemon (Lemon Drop Kid), a mare who helped start off Sovereign Farm back in 2014.

“I bought her for $1,000,” Cross said of the mare. “My husband felt bad for her because she looked like she got kicked in the head. He said, 'Kelli, she has a sinus infection, she needs some help.' So we bought her and her first foal ended up beating Bucchero in a graded stakes and he gave us some black-type updates there. She is just the gift that keeps on giving–20% of the babies that we raise at Sovereign Farm will run in a stakes race and obviously she helps those numbers quite a bit.”

Johnson Cross will offer seven horses at next week's October sale.

“I think the one I am looking forward to is the Maximus Mischief, just because of how well he's doing right now,” Johnson said of hip 451. “This is a filly that we RNA'd out of July because she was just big and a little immature back then. But she's grown into herself and looks like she's going to be a beautiful horse.”

The yearling, who RNA'd for $47,000 in July, is out of Faithful Prayer (With Distinction) and was bred by Connie Brown.

Cross brings a pair of colt by first-crop sires to the October sale. Hip 812 is a son of Global Campaign out of stakes-placed Luna Rising (Stay Thirsty) and hip 1108 is by Promises Fulfilled. Out of Pure Legacy (Simon Pure), he is a half-brother to 'TDN Rising Star' The Great Maybe (Upstart). Both yearlings were bred by Monica Egger.

“Both are first-year sires and that's great because people always get really excited about those,” Cross said. “And both of them are lovely colts. They are both for a client of mine that I've had for years and years. She is a wonderful lady.”

While still in its infancy, the Johnson Cross consignment has already had great success with yearlings by first-crop stallions, according to Cross.

“[Ms. Tart] was the first six-figure Maximus Mischief sold at auction,” Cross said. “And interestingly enough, we had the first six-figure Thousand Words to sell at auction [in July]. So two years in a row, we've taken some handier stud fees and we have been able to have that first six-figure baby, which I think says a lot about our little program that we've put together.”

The ethos of the Johnson Cross consignment is very much in keeping with its partners' personalities.

“Boutique,” Cross described the consignment. “We feel like it's very carefully curated. We are going to have a couple of horses in the sale for customers and we have a couple of horses in the sale for ourselves. So it's a good mix.”

Johnson added, “We are just going to keep it smaller to where we can be hands on with all of the horses in our consignment. We get to hand pick show people, so the horses are shown to the best and taken care of at the sale. It's not about numbers for us.”

The small numbers also allow Johnson and Cross to have a personal relationship with their clients.

“I can't say enough about our clients,” Cross said. “We have fun with our clients. It's a good group. They all feel like friends and family.”

Johnson agreed.

“They love being able to come to the sale and come to the barn,” she said. “We have a client who likes to top up the horses for us when they go out. It's great. They feel comfortable doing it. We are fine with them being here. There is nothing being hidden from them. Obviously there are times when they don't do so well, but I think because they trust and rely on us for our input, it's never a surprise. It's brutal honesty from us. You've got to keep it honest and upfront. They want that, too, deep down, even if they might not appreciate it at the time. I think that's what makes it fun.”

The Fasig-Tipton October sale will be held next Monday through Thursday with bidding beginning each day at 10 a.m at Newtown Paddocks.

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