It has always been extremely special for us to win races for the late Mr. Alex G. Campbell, Jr. His familiar silks have been carried by graded stakes winners (and fan favorites) Mean Mary, Ultra Brat and Bye Bye Melvin, among many others.

Today, we led those silks into the winner’s circle for the first time since Mr. Campbell’s passing in August when his homebred 3-year-old filly HEAVENLY APPOINTED broke her maiden in ultra-impressive fashion at Tampa Bay Downs. Ten fillies entered the gate for the  1-1/16th mile maiden special on the turf.

Ridden by Kevin Gomez, Heavenly Appointed raced toward the back of the field before launching a powerful run going into the final turn. In the three-path at the top of the stretch, she saw daylight and got going….and going, hitting the wire 2 1/4 lengths the best and galloping out strongly.

By Point of Entry, she is out of Mr. Campbell’s favorite mare The Right Pew (by Pulpit), which makes her a half-sister to his Grade 1 winner Karlovy Vary. Winner of Keeneland’s Central Bank Ashland Stakes, Karlovy Vary was the dam of Mean Mary. We have had several of The Right Pew’s offspring in the barn over the years, including our barn pony, My Macho, who oversees our Fair Hill string every day.

Warmest congratulations to Mr. Campbell’s estate and to his long-time trusted assistant, Ms. Mary B. Venezie.