This column highlights the performances of maidens who have made no more than five starts and who either sold for more than $500,000 at public auction, have siblings that are graded/group winners, or have dams that are graded/group winners. BloodHorse research shows maiden winners, in particular, who meet these criteria are more likely to go on to be graded stakes winners.
Racing at Saratoga took a hit earlier this summer when owner Lee Einsidler announced the retirement of fan favorite and multiple grade 1 winner Casa Creed . Starting in 2018, the venerable warhorse had finished in the money at Saratoga every year he raced until this season, when he was fourth in his lone outing there in the Jaipur Stakes (G3T) during Belmont Stakes weekend. Wrapping up his career at the ripe age of 8, Casa Creed joined the Mill Ridge stallion roster a hero, having accumulated $2.6 million in earnings and four grade 1 victories.
After this past weekend, however, fans of Casa Creed can take comfort in knowing his 2-year-old half sister appeared a fitting heir to his legacy with her come-from-behind maiden score Aug. 25.
Charlotte’s Heart , named for Live Oak Plantation founder Charlotte Weber, won with aplomb in her career unveiling on the Saratoga turf for trainer Mark Casse. Although the filly is a daughter of 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Authentic , her half brother’s prowess on the grass proved the lawn was where she belonged.
A registered New York-bred, Charlotte’s Heart debuted against state-breds in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight. Breaking awkwardly after hitting the starting gate, Javier Castellano gathered up on his filly and the pair found their footing a few paths off the rail. Roused turning for home, Charlotte’s Heart hustled wide down the stretch and rallied past her rivals in an eye-popping finish. She crossed the wire 1 1/2 lengths in front in a time of 1:03.94 over a firm course.
Charlotte’s Heart was foaled in the Empire State after her dam, Achalaya (Bellamy Road), sold to Thirty Year Farm for $725,000 in utero at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. Live Oak Plantation landed the filly later as a yearling for $775,000 from the Paramount Sales consignment at The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton’s select yearling sale, in 2023.
CHARLOTTE’S HEART, the 2YO daughter of @spendthriftfarm stallion Authentic and half sister to Casa Creed, breaks her maiden in the sixth race under @jjcjockey for trainer @markecasse. pic.twitter.com/IiyfRDJi7S
— NYRA (🎪) (@TheNYRA) August 25, 2024
| BloodHorse Maiden Watch | |||||||
| Notable 2-year-old maiden winners for the week of Aug.19-Aug. 25 | |||||||
| Date | Track | Race | Horse | Sire | Dam | Start | Maiden Watch Eligibility Criteria |
| 8/24 | DMR | 1 | Emerald Bay | Nyquist | Romantic Vision | 2 | $700K Yearling; Dam is a G1SW |
| 8/24 | ELP | 7 | Firmus | Curlin | Farrell | 1 | Dam is a G2SW |
| 8/25 | SAR | 6 | Charlotte’s Heart | Authentic | Achalaya | 1 | $725K Yearling; Half Sibling to G1SW Casa Creed |
