First- and second-time starters highlights

Horse Racing Nation’s Prospect Watch highlights promising entrants early in their careers who fetched over $500,000 at their latest auction, or whose dams or siblings are graded-stakes winners.

While significant stakes races unfold at Saratoga and Del Mar, Kentucky's Ellis Park is the go-to venue for up-and-coming talents this Saturday and Sunday. Let’s examine some of the 86 noteworthy first- and second-time starters making their mark this weekend.

Thursday

Del Mar Race 3: Concord Bridge, a yearling that sold for $850,000 in 2022, is set to make his third career start—and first of 2024—travelling one mile on dirt. Sired by Medaglia D'Oro and out of the Distorted Humor mare Pauline Revere, he debuted last summer at Del Mar, finishing fifth, followed by a third-place finish behind stakes winner Wynstock. He trains under John Sadler for Talla Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing.

Also in this race is Magnify, the second foal from Champion Stellar Wind. This Justify colt is set for his second outing under trainer Bob Baffert and owners Coolmore's Magnier, Smith, and Tabor, after finishing last of nine in his May debut at Santa Anita over a mile on dirt.

Saturday

Ellis Park Race 7: War and Majesty, a 2-year-old half-brother to Tom's d'État, will debut over six furlongs in a 12-horse field. Tom's d'État, a multiple-graded winner, enjoyed a million-dollar career, suggesting this son of War of Will might also excel at longer distances. Trainer Dale Romans prepares this $225,000 acquisition for Albaugh Family Stables.

Ellis Park Race 9: Trainer Bill Mott introduces Greer's Gold, a 3-year-old half-brother to Grade 1 champion Mia Mischief, in a crowded field of 16 maidens going one mile on dirt. Greer's Gold, sired by Medaglia D'Oro and out of the Speightstown mare Greer Lynn, is homebred for Summer Wind Farm, which bought his dam for $750,000 in 2020.

Among the same race is Can't Stop Willis, a 3-year-old Nyquist colt out of Indelible, a Tiznow mare and half-sibling to the champion Essential Quality. Purchased for $550,000 as a yearling by Willis Horton, Can't Stop Willis is under the training of Eddie Milligan Jr.

Sunday

Ellis Park Race 6: Aledean, a 2-year-old filly by Game Winner, is a half-sibling to Chi Town Lady, who captured the Test (G1) in 2022 and is set to compete in the Ballerina (G1) this weekend. Trained by Tom Amoss for owner Gregory Tramontin, Aledean is set to debut at six furlongs on dirt in another large maiden race featuring 12 entries and three also-eligibles.

Ellis Park Race 7: Waterseeker, a half-sister to 2021 Breeders' Cup Sprint champion Aloha West, will also make her debut. Aloha West, who was sired by Hard Spun and raced for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trainer Wayne Catalano, had a notable career. This Maryland-bred filly, sired by Divining Rod and out of the Speightstown mare Island Bound, begins her journey on turf at 5 1/2 furlongs for trainer Robert Medina, representing owners Scott Estes, Cambron Equine, Bradley Thoroughbreds, and Laura Leigh Stable.