The Elkstone Group

Though trainer Christophe Clement had to scratch his expected morning-line favorite from this event, he had more than enough talent waiting in the wings as Queen Picasso (GB) (Kingman {GB}), off a debut victory at Gulfstream Apr. 5, made it two-for-two with a win in the GIII Soaring Softly S. Unveiled around two turns in south Florida, the half-sister to G1SW Acclaim (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) had already proven her affinity for the grass while her main rival, race-time favorite Lady Beth (Hard Spun), was forced to debut over the all-weather...

   In this series, the TDN takes a look at the success of European-based sires in North America, on a semi-weekly basis. This column (Feb. 26-Mar. 5) is highlighted by the victory of Gold Phoenix in the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. at Santa Anita on Saturday, Mar. 4. One of several Europeans to cause a stir Stateside on Saturday, Gold Phoenix (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) became the first top-level winner for his sire with a neck victory in the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. (video). Offered by co-breeder/owner...

8th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 9-5, 2yo, f, 7f, 1:23.53, gd, 10 lengths. JESTER CALLS NOJOY (f, 2, Maclean's Music--Morning Star, by Sky Mesa), second at 9-5 in her six-furlong unveiling Aug. 15, went quickly to the front, carving out initial splits of :22.99 and :46.58. In the clear leaving the quarter pole, the 3-5 choice bounded away through the lane, crossing the wire 10 lengths ahead of Malibu Kendall (Curlin) at the wire. It was a length farther back to Handbelle (Tapit). The winner's dam, Morning Star, is also responsible for...

by Jessica Martini and Christie DeBernardis The four-day Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale opened with a workmanlike session in Lexington Monday as the industry continued to adjust to the market's new pandemic-induced reality. "I think it was a continuation of the November sale," said Keeneland's Director of Sales Operations Geoffrey Russell. "I think people have adjusted to the marketplace and I think it was a good, steady start to the January sale. Consignors are very happy because they have adjusted to the new normal." From a catalogue of...

7th-Saratoga, $72,000, Msw, 7-19, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 1:05.33, ft. LUCIFERS LAIR (f, 2, Quality Road--Devil's Cave {GSW & GISP, $379,430}, by Put It Back), co-favored at 5-2 for this unveiling for the always dangerous Todd Pletcher barn, proved well meant and professional to score comfortably at first asking Sunday. Out-footed by only longshot Stone Town (Tapizar) early, the Maryland-bred sat perched off of that foe's right flank through an opening quarter of :22.37 and began to wear the pacesetter down after a :45.97 half. She seized command in the...