Everyone’s favorite Spring season boutique meet is just two weeks away.
The famed Lexington, KY oval is known for it’s unveiling of 2-year-olds, graded stakes and off-the-wall weather patterns. The three week Spring season is highlighted by four Grade I events. Those include the Central Bank Ashland, Vinery Madison, Maker’s Mark Mile and Toyota Blue Grass. Apple Charlotte, Check The Label, Smart Seattle and Zilva are nominated from the Herringswell barn to the April 3 Ashland. Cherokee Artist is nominted to the April 9 Maker’s Mark Mile. Cat Park, Turf Melody and Noah’s Dream each represent a third of the Herringswell triple nominated to the April 10 Toyota Blue Grass.
Some new faces are expected to be seen in Herringswell’s Keeneland barn. Among them is 5-year-old filly Gypsy’s Warning. The daughter of Mogok (USA), is a South African bred filly who was awarded champion 3-year-old filly of 2008 in her homeland. Gypsy’s Warning captured the G I SA Fillies to seal her 2008 title for her color-barrer Team Valor. Team Valor was also represented by Sweet Theresa (SAF) in that race. Sweet Theresa finished third that day, beaten less than 5-lengths and now calls the Herringswell Palm Meadows barn home. After training forwardly all winter, Sweet Theresa will also migrate north to Keeneland.
Gypsy’s Warning sire is Mogok. Mogok is a half brother to the accomplished racehorse and brilliant sire, Machiavellian. Sweet Theresa is by Strike Smartly, who himself is a half brother to the “now sire” Smart Strike. Smart Strike has sired Herringswell winners such as Apple Charlotte, Smart Seattle and Smart Bid. Strike Smartly is also a half to the champion filly Dance Smartly.
Coolcullen Times was a Tattersalls topper when Hickory Tree Stables dropped the hammer on the now 4-year-old. After arriving at Fair Hill, the Irish son of Rock Of Gibralter has trained up to the Keeneland season.
Indomable is a winning 5-year-old Lomitas gelding for Dr. Andreas Jacobs that was bred in Germany. Indomable joined the Fair Hill barn in February. Idnomable has won 3 races prior to entering team Herringswell.
Like Coolcullen Times, Dubai Echo is another Hickory Tree newcomer. The 4-year-old Mr. Greeley gelding is a one-time winner, who arrived at Fair Hill in December.
The fresh faces will not be the only ones to watch as a full shedrow could include horses such as Apple Charlotte, Check the Label, Smart Seattle, Zilva, Let’s Do It, Jade’s Revenge, Blasted, Sillium, Quechee, Rcuandry, Gustavian and Snowmaster, among others.