Ned Evans

A native Kentuckian, Brendan Jacobson always knew his heart would lead him into racing, but he wasn't quite sure how until he purchased his first broodmare in 2019. Now six years on and 20 broodmares in, Jacobson is looking forward to offering a City of Light half-sister (hip 357) to Grade I winner Vahva (Gun Runner) through the Warrendale Sales consignment during the second session of Book 1 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale next Tuesday. "She is a quality individual," Jacobson said of the yearling. "She's been a queen...

Everyone knows how the system works; how lavishly choreographed is the promotion of new sires. Center stage is cleared, the footlights are turned up, the make-up and costume departments go into overdrive. But we also know that most of them will go out there, clear their throats nervously, and murmur a few lines that barely qualify them, in the longer term, for a place in the back row of the chorus line. Every now and then, however, one of these rookies steps up and you sense within moments that a...

4th-Gulfstream, $40,000, Msw, 5-24, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 1:10.83, sy. GRAND CRU CLASSE (f, 3, Bernardini--Christmas Lass, by Lemon Drop Kid), a $335,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic pick-up last year off a :22 1/5 breeze, sported a steady series of drills at Payson Park but was let go at 6-1 for this first go as the money poured in on regally bred sixth-time starter Doll Collection (Tapit--Groupie Doll). Away last but not by much, Grand Cru Classe was scrubbed on to vie for position early before eventually settling in along the fence as...

8th-Oaklawn, $90,000, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($80,000), 3-8, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:10.52, ft. LEXI ON THE MOVE (f, 3, Fast Anna--Invalida, by Street Cry {Ire}) took a track-and-trip event restricted to fillies who had previously sold at auction for $60,000 or less by daylight here Feb. 15, and was backed early and often in this tougher spot to go off at even-money. Away on top, the bay sat perched three wide behind a dueling trio through an opening quarter of :21.94. She ranged up ominously after a :45.30 half, and kicked...