The first winners for graded stakes winners Lion Heartand Alke came the last part of April. In fact, two of Lion Heart’s runners won April 25 in their first start.
The first was the filly Pride, who was the co-third-top-priced individual at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s February sale of 2-year-olds in training. Bred in Kentucky by Drumkenny Farm, H & W Thoroughbreds, and Adrian Regan, Pride won at 4 1/2 furlongs in :50.84 at Keeneland for Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith. She was purchased at the OBS sale for $475,000 by Demi O’Byrne from Leprechaun Racing, agent
Pride, out of the stakes-placed Crafty Prospector mare Coffee Springs, is a half-sister to graded stakes-placed Pine for Java.
Later in the day at Lone Star Park, Lion Heart’s son, Hostile, scored at 4 1/2 furlongs in :53.77 for owner/trainer Linda C. Dixon. Bred in Kentucky by McKee Stables, the gelding is the first foal out of the winning Formal Gold mare Shorewalk Drive, who is a half-sister to millionaire Champali.
A two-time grade I winner and second in the 2004 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), Lion Heart (Tale of the Cat --Satin Sunrise, by Mr. Leader) stands for $20,000 at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky.
Alke’s first winner came April 26 when his son Tipsy Saint won at 4 1/2 furlongs in :53.22 at Delaware Park. The Florida-bred colt races as a homebred for Porter Racing Stable.
Tipsy Saint is out of the winning Saint Ballado mare Sainted Lady.
Alke (Grand Slam—Pasampsi, by Crow) stands for $4,000 at Vinery near Summerfield, Fla.