Background Check: Spinster

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Keeneland's GI Juddmonte Spinster S., always a stellar race that also has a number of notable producers to its credit.

First run in 1956, the Spinster has become one of the most coveted prizes on the racing calendar. There's just something special about the fall event and the copious champions it has attracted in front of the home crowd. Juddmonte, honored with the Eclipse as outstanding breeder five times and recognized as one of the most savvy and illustrious breeders in the world, has sponsored the Spinster since 2005.

Five mares have won the race twice, giving the sport 61 individual winners from 66 runnings of the Spinster. Two–the William Schettine-bred Broodmare of the Year Take Charge Lady and the phenomenal Phipps blue hen Numbered Account–were previously featured in our “Background Checks” for the GI Alcibiades S., GI Test S., and GIII Schuylerville S.

Following are the some of the other most important Spinster winners by what impact they have had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Miss Linda (Arg) (1997, Southern Halo–Miss Peggy {Arg}, by Fitzcarraldo {Arg}): The dam of just one winner from a half-dozen foals, this Argentinean-bred is an unlikely addition here. However, a grandson is MGISW Lord Nelson, a young stallion who died last year at age nine after a multi-year battle with laminitis and whose name keeps popping up with winners.

Clear Mandate (1992, Deputy Minister–Dream Deal, by Sharpen Up {GB}): A homebred for G. Watts Humphrey, Jr. and his aunt, Pamela H. Firman, this striking chestnut produced GISW and sire Strong Mandate, MGSW/MGISP and sire Newfoundland, and SW and sire Full Mandate. Her first three yearlings sold at Keeneland September in three consecutive years for $3.2 million, $3.3 million, and $2.5 million, respectively.

Inside Information (1991, Private Account–Pure Profit, by Key to the Mint): Just five foals out of this wonderful Phipps homebred made it to the races, including 2005's champion 3-year-old filly and MGISW, Smuggler. Another daughter produced MGSW Gone Astray, while English MGSW Kessaar (Ire) also descends from her. Multiple consecutive generations on both Inside Information's sire and dam side have been part of the Phipps stable since 1946.

Bayakoa (Arg) (1984, Consultant's Bid–Arlucea {Arg}, by Good Manners): This marvelous Argentinean-bred champion and two-time Spinster winner only had four foals, with just two making it to the races and only one winning. Before she had a winner of her own, Bayakoa's first unraced daughter had foaled four-time GISW Affluent. Another daughter added GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Fort Larned and GSW Walkabout. This summer's GIII Regret S. winner at Churchill Downs, Walkathon, also descends from Bayakoa.

Track Robbery (1976, No Robbery–Left At Home, by Run For Nurse): This chestnut's best foal was MGSW & MGISP Train Robbery. Her two daughters by Alydar each produced a Grade I winner: Breeders' Cup Classic winner Cat Thief and Triple Bend Breeders' Cup Invitational H. victor Pohave. Track Robbery was bred in Kentucky by Edgar Kitchen.

Glorious Song (1976, Halo–Ballade, by Herbager {Fr}): Bred in Ontario by E. P. Taylor, Glorious Song was a Canadian Hall of Famer and an American champion who was even better as a broodmare. Her sons included Rahy, a GSW-U.S. & G1SP-Eng runner who was among North America's leading sires during his tenure, and Singspiel (Ire), a U.S. champion who was also a GI/G1 winner in England, Canada, and Japan, as well as winner of the Dubai World Cup before it was a group event. Glorious Song's daughters and descendants are responsible for Group 1 winners Vivlos (Jpn), Mezzo Soprano, Cheval Grand (Jpn), Verxina (Jpn), Campanologist, and Danon Chantilly (Jpn).

Susan's Girl (1969, Quadrangle–Quaze, by Quibu {Arg}): Another two-time Spinster heroine, Susan's Girl had a signature son in Copelan. Winner of three Grade I races at two and a homebred for Fred Hooper, Jr., Copeland was a stalwart in the Florida stallion ranks who got better than 10% black-type winners from starters.

Straight Deal (1962, Hail to Reason–No Fiddling, by King Cole): A homebred champion for Bieber-Jacobs Stable, Straight Deal produced three stakes winners from her 10 foals, including GISW Desiree. Her daughters and granddaughters additionally produced GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Dangerous Midge; MGISW Adored; GISWs Qualify, Scorpion, and Alwajeeha; MGSW and excellent sire Belong to Me; and MGSW and GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles.