First Runner For Grade I Winner Speech Set For Kyoto Debut

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Saturday running at Kyoto Racecourse:

Saturday, December 21, 2024
5th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($88k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600mT
STIR HEART (JPN) (f, 2, Gun Runner–Speech, by Pulpit) is the first foal to race from her dam, who caused a mild upset in taking out the 2020 GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes at Keeneland ahead of a third-place effort behind Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) in the GI Kentucky Oaks that September and was privately acquired thereafter by Shadai Farm. The cross of Gun Runner over Pulpit has accounted for four winners from five runners, including MSW Optionality, while mares by Pulpit's son Tapit have produced 25 winners when bred to Gun Runner, nine in black-type company. B-Shadai Farm

HIT THE NOTE (JPN) (f, 2, Authentic–Desert Ride, by Candy Ride {Arg}) is also the first produce for her dam, the Sovereign Award-winning 3-year-old filly of 2019 and victorious in that year's Woodbine Oaks and Wonder Where Stakes. The filly's third dam is fellow champion Eye of the Sphynx (Smart Strike), whose seven winners include 2009 Queen's Plate winner and champion Eye of the Leopard (A.P. Indy), MSW/MGSP Hotep (A.P. Indy) and MGSW/GISP Deceptive Vision (A.P. Indy), the dam of MGSP Ancient Peace (War Front). Desert Ride fetched $725,000 from Shimokobe Farm at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. B-Shimokobe Farm

6th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($88k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400m
JE T'AIME D'ACCORD (JPN) (f, 2, Tapit) is a daughter of Irish Group 3 winner and 2018 G1 Investec Oaks third Bye Bye Baby (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was hammered down to Narvick International for $3.1 million with this filly in utero at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The dam is a full-sister to 2020 G1 Investec Derby and Australian Group 3 winner Serpentine (Ire) and to GSW & G1SP Wedding Vow (Ire), herself responsible for this year's Listed Dee Stakes winner Capulet (Justify). This is also the family of champion Dylan Thomas (Ire) (Danehill). The filly's 3-year-old half-brother Fort Thomas (War Front) was a maiden winner on the turf at Churchill Downs Nov. 3 and her weanling half-sister by Contrail (Jpn) was sold for $1.025 million at this year's JRHA Select Sale. B-Grand Stud

RIDDLE TRIGGER (f, 2, American Pharoah–Rubina {Ire}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}), a $325,000 Keeneland September acquisition, is a half-sister to the dual stakes-winning Rubilinda (Frankel {GB}) and to the Chilean Group 2-placed US-bred Ruffina (Street Cry {Ire}). Don Alberto Corporation paid 475,000gns ($815,706) for the stakes-placed Rubina with Rubilinda in utero at the 2013 Tattersalls December Mares Sale and bought her back on a bid of 400,000gns when offered back in foal to Frankel at TATDEM in 2018. B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY)