Stephanie's Kitten

Trainer Wayne Catalano celebrated his 3000th career win Sunday when 4-year-old gelding Alilnalot (Tapiture) won race four at Ellis Park, a $30,000 maiden claimer. Catalano, who began his training career in 1983 following a successful riding career, has seen over 15,000 horses start under his name including the likes of GI Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Aloha West (Hard Spun) and dual Breeders' Cup winner Stephanie's Kitten (Kitten's Joy). "I've been waiting on this one a long time," said Catalano after the milestone Sunday. "I got to have my...

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 Sunday running at Tokyo Racecourse. Each was conceived in the U.S., but foaled once exported to Japan: Sunday, November 19, 2023 4th-TOK, ¥13,720,000 ($91k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600m DANON STRADA (JPN) (c, 2, Justify--Stratification, by Australia {GB}) is the first foal out of a...

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 Sunday running at Kyoto and Tokyo Racecourses. The weekend feature takes place at the former venue, which hosts the final leg of the colts' Triple Crown, the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger). Click here for our preview: Sunday, October 22, 2023 4th-TOK,...

During the best of times, racing can be a rollercoaster. And for Wayne Catalano, like most other horsemen and women in the sport, that tumultuous lifestyle quickly becomes a way of life. However, despite facing several challenges--both professionally and personally--over the past decade, including a showdown with his own mortality after teetering scarily close to the edge of the eternal precipice, the 'Catman' lived up to his nickname at this year's Breeders' Cup by righting himself midair and landing squarely on his feet in the winner's circle following Aloha West...

Abel Tasman (Quality Road), Beholder (Henny Hughes), Stephanie's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), Plum Pretty (Medaglia d'Oro), Stellar Wind (Curlin) and Flower Alley (Distorted Humor). These names are recognizable champions, classic winners, and high-profile Grade I winners. Another common thread they all share is they were bred during their respective sires' third season, on stud fees ranging from $12,500 to $40,000. It took their breeders' confidence, gumption, and desire to not just go with the status quo and avoid young sires that were in their "bubble years." Breeding Thoroughbreds is a long-term...

A pair of immaculately bred 2-year-old fillies by the late Deep Impact (Jpn) and produced by two mares of considerable importance in the U.S. broke their maidens about 30 minutes apart at Japan's Niigata Racecourse Sunday, Aug. 11. Sunday Racing Co. Ltd's Catulus Felis (Jpn), the first foal out of 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Stephanie's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), validated 3-10 favoritism to graduate over 1800 meters. Drawn gate 12 in the field of 14, the February foal was off a beat slowly then settled about...