Horse Racing Nation’s Prospect Watch highlights young horses to watch, focusing on those who sold for over $500,000 at auction or whose dams or siblings are graded-stakes winners. Let’s have a closer look at a few of the notable runners among the 65 this week.
Monday
Ellis Park, Race 7: This maiden special weight on the turf for 2-year-old fillies features two exciting prospects.
- El Joury: This daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Aspray, who won the 2023 Lake Placid Stakes for Chad Brown. Trained by Brendan Walsh for Shadwell Stable, El Joury is 9-2 on the morning line and starts from post 3.
- Les Is Best: At 20-1, this daughter of Catholic Boy is a longshot debuting from post 7. She is a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Stephanie’s Kitten, who was by Kitten’s Joy. Trained by Eric Foster for Maxis Stable and Foster Family Racing, Les Is Best is an intriguing runner with strong pedigree connections.
Friday
Saratoga, Race 1: The opener on Friday features Ice Cream Boat, a 2-year-old filly by Outwork making her debut in a maiden special weight sprint. Trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Mike Repole, she’s a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Chocolate Gelato, who won the 2023 Frizette for the same connections. Ice Cream Boat starts on the main track and is expected to draw attention given her pedigree and connections.
Saturday
Ellis Park, Race 7: Waterseeker, a 3-year-old filly by Divining Rod, debuts in a turf sprint. She is a half-sister to 2021 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner Aloha West and is trained by Robert Medina for Bradley Thoroughbreds and partners. With such notable bloodlines, Waterseeker could be a filly to watch closely as she makes her first start.
Sunday
Ellis Park, Race 9: Greer’s Gold, a 3-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro, makes his debut in a one-mile maiden special on the main track. He’s a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Mia Mischief, who captured the 2019 Derby City Distaff (G1). Trained by Bill Mott for Summer Wind Farm, Greer’s Gold carries high expectations given his pedigree.
These are just a few of the promising young horses set to make their debuts this week. Stay tuned as these prospects aim to showcase their talent and potentially kickstart impressive careers.