Enduring Spirit - First Victory at Churchill

After completing his educational debut run, Enduring Spirit (Tiz the Law–Life Starts, by Into Mischief) was released at odds of 16-1. He went on to become the first winner for his freshman sire (by Constitution) when he won the second race at Churchill Downs on Thursday.

The $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate placed seventh after displaying some early dash in his April 10 introduction over a shoddy Keeneland main track. This time, he had drier underfoot conditions and swiftly had the upper hand from gate two. Enduring Spirit, who was well-trained by Reylu Gutierrez for the turn, closed the corner slightly ahead of Conquering Cat, the winner of the game, opened up into the last furlong, and demonstrated that she was not to be caught by graduating by a length. 

Daredevil's Bob's Carrot finished third, ahead of the favourite Empress Julia (Uncle Mo), who finished a distant fourth after straggling out of the inside gate. The unraced Life Starts, a $35,000 buy at FTKFEB in 2019, is a half-sister to GSP Izzie's Halo (Halo's Image). She is also the mom of Enduring Spirit's yearling full-brother and was most recently bred to Corniche. Sales history: $100,000 for the FTSAUG in 23 and $75,000 for the FTKFEB in 23. Record for Lifetime: 2-1-0-0, $69,675.