Dream of Summer

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 the GI Apple Blossom H., Oaklawn's signature distaff event. The Apple Blossom is such a mainstay in the older filly and mare ranks that it might be a surprise to all but those with the longest memories that the first several winners were males. It's the last 50 years that have been devoted exclusively to the ladies, resulting in a steady diet of champions in...

It looks like legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who won the GI Kentucky Oaks this year with Secret Oath (Arrogate), may have another star filly in the making in his barn. The Hall of Famer saddled well-bred juvenile filly Summer Promise (Uncle Mo) to an impressive debut win at Churchill Downs Saturday. Dispatched as the second choice at 3-1, the $500,000 KEESEP was away well from her rail draw and seized the early advantage as heavy favorite Key of Life (Mo Town) missed the break, trailing the field early. Summer...

Sponsored by Alex Nichols Agency 2nd-CD, $120K, Msw, 2yo, 5f, 1:14 p.m. Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas saddles a well-related firster in SUMMER PROMISE (Uncle Mo). Out of GISW Dream of Summer (Siberian Summer), the $500,000 KEESEP purchase is a half to Grade I-winning sire Creative Cause (Giant's Causeway), GISW Vexatious (Giant's Causeway) and MGSW & GISP stallion Destin (Giant's Causeway). TJCIS PPs

What a business this is: how random, the turn of the dial. And yet, at the same time, how symmetrical; how suggestive of a destiny coherent enough for us all to keep trying to read it. A budget of $10,000, permitting the purchase of a mare for $7,000. Jim Weigel would have gone home already, but the two he had earmarked in the catalog had both soared past his reach. Then a reserve of $10,000 on her yearling daughter, only for the bidding to stall at $7,000. So he kept...