The lone first-starter in a field of seven, Authentic Cat (Authentic) loaded as the 63-10 fourth choice in the wagering in the season opener at Oaklawn Park and was off to an uneventful beginning before settling in clear air in fifth as the top four were reasonably well-grouped up ahead.
Patiently handled through the middle furlongs by Manny Esquivel, the gray filly made inside progress on the turn and into the stretch, came out to challenge in the two path in upper stretch and finished powerfully to graduate by 5 1/2 lengths. Favored Jolly Jolene (Girvin) completely missed the break, raced hopelessly detached from the field down the backstretch and passed a few rivals late in a race that can be tossed.
Spendthrift acquired the winner's dam, a half-sister to GSW Ready to Act (More Than Ready), for $120,000 in foal to Tiz the Law at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. Hrasky produced a full-sister to Authentic Cat in 2024, a colt by Bolt d'Oro this season and was bred back to Forte.
1st-Oaklawn, $100,000, Msw, 12-12, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:45.93, ft, 5 1/2 lengths.
AUTHENTIC CAT (f, 2, Authentic–Hrasky, by Speightstown) Sales history: $85,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $60,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-John Holleman; B-Spendthrift Farm LLC (KY); T-Kenneth G McPeek.
On debut #2 AUTHENTIC CAT ($14.60) by Authentic (@spendthriftfarm) was impressive pulling away from the field late in the stretch to easily win race 1 at @OaklawnPark. Emmanuel Esquivel was up for @KennyMcPeek and owner John Holleman. pic.twitter.com/N65684RCCE
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 12, 2025
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