Mucking Out the Virtual Stable

It’s been awhile since I weeded out my Virtual Stable to make room for new entrants, but last night I did just that. At times depressing (due to retirements or breakdowns) and on occasion nostalgic, it was long overdue.

Several horses I haven’t heard about lately, including Zanjero’s full-sister Acacia (who last posted an allowance victory at Fair Grounds back in February), Corinthian’s full-sister Be Fruitful (who apparently retired to broodmare duty last year), and G1 Ashland victress Christmas Kid (who I believe is retired). Any information about them would be welcome.

Last year, Bsharpsonata transferred to Todd Pletcher’s barn and promptly won the Playa del Rey Stakes in California, before finishing third behind Indian Blessing in the G1 La Brea. She hasn’t been seen since finishing fifth in the April G1 Vinery Madison at Keeneland. However, her half-brother (by Smarty Jones) is the 2-year-old Tom Amoss-trained Backtalk who runs in Friday’s G3 Bashford Manor at Churchill—you better believe I’ll be rooting for him. Too bad they couldn’t, as Tom Amoss desired, name him Bsmartsonata—very cute and appropriate.

According to the Des Moines Register, one of my favorite sprinting mares Miss Macy Sue is in foal to A.P. Indy—and the foal she is carrying is a filly. I saw her win the inaugural Masters’ Stakes at Presque Isle back in 2007, and always supported her as a gritty, game mare with very nice connections. Interesting that they bred her to stamina-rich A.P. Indy, as Miss Macy Sue is abundant in speed—champion sprinting mare (and half-sister to Dr. Fager) Ta Wee is not only the dam of her damsire, but also her fourth dam, an interesting inbreeding. How refreshing that the foal will be raced by her owners, and not sold off!

Along with Sabellina (in foal to Pulpit) who Teresa at Brooklyn Backstretch recently wrote about, Iron Goddess last raced in summer 2007 in foal to El Corredor. No word, however, as to her subsequent offspring, but her 2-year-old half-sister (by Chapel Royal) failed to sell at OBS March 2009 (at $47,000).

Tough Tiz’s Sis came closer than any other filly has to defeating Zenyatta (in last year’s G1 Vanity), but was retired last fall after injured in a workout following her impressive 12-length victory in the G1 Ruffian. Apparently she has been bred to Midnight Lute.

Others in my Virtual Stable that I’m pleased are back on the workout tab include:

~ Moujane (a full-sister to hard-knocking G1 placed Leprechaun Kid) who really blossomed last year on turf in California

~ Fatal Bullet who performed so well finishing second behind Midnight Lute in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint last October. According to trainer Reade Baker’s website, he is being aimed for the July 19 Bold Venture Stakes at Woodbine, a race he won in track-record time last year.

~ Fleetheart, last seen in last year’s G1 Vanity finishing sixth behind Zenyatta, has been working out at Arlington, most recently on June 27 (1.11:60 H 6f). No word as to where or when this 6-year-old mare will make her 2009 debut.

~ Elusive Heat, explosive 3-year-old daughter of Xtra Heat, is back in training at Belmont, and, though nominated, is not entered in Saturday’s G1 Prioress. If they are planning for Saratoga, the next big races would be the G1 Test on August 8, or the G2 Honorable Miss on August 9.