Harlington, Son of Serena's Song, Wins Debut

Harlington won his debut at Aqueduct on Sunday, becoming the fifth winner from as many foals out of champion mare Serena's Song to become a winner. Each of Harlington's older siblings won in excess of $100,000 including group I winner Sophisticat.

Eugene and Laura Melnyk shelled out $2.8 million for Harlington, who is by Unbridled, at the 2003 Keeneland September sale. Todd Pletcher trains the dark bay colt, who was originally scheduled to debut on Thanksgiving Day but had to wait when the final seven races that afternoon were canceled due to a deteriorating race track.

Harlington broke slowly and was forced to race wide around the far turn of the one-mile maiden special weight race. He shook free from the pack at the top of the stretch and took aim at leader, Royal Sultan. Angled towards the rail in the final yards by Jose Santos, Harlington was along in time to beat Royal Sultan by a neck. He returned a generous $11.20.

(Chart, Equibase)