Serena's Tune Retired on High Note

Serena's Tune, the first foal from champion Serena's Song, won the March 16 Victoria Lass Handicap at Fair Grounds in her last start. Plans are for the filly to be bred this spring to Storm Cat.

Serena's Tune has been an object of racing fans' affection since her birth in Kentucky on Jan. 27, 1998. Her dam, champion 3-year-old filly of 1995, earned $3,283,388 while winning 18 of her 38 starts, including 11 grade I races for Bob and Beverly Lewis.

Serena's Song was bred to leading sire Mr. Prospector in 1997, and Serena's Tune was the result. She was consigned by Denali Stud to the 1999 Keeneland July yearling sale on behalf of the the Lewises. There James Delahooke, as agent, signed a $1 million ticket for the filly on behalf of James and Alice Saparas' Winsong Farms.

Serena's Tune made her first four starts for the Saparas exclusively. Early last spring John Sikura bought an interest in the filly. When the Saparas lost their main business to a fire, Sikura bought Serena's Tune outright. She is scheduled to arrive at his Hill 'n' Dale Farm near Lexington on Monday, March 18.

The Victoria Lass was the richest win by Serena's Tune. Favored at 2-1, she broke last but managed to save ground in the early going. Under rider Robby Albarado Serena's Tune made her bid in the final furlong and won by 3 3/4 lengths. She paid $6.40 and covered the six-furlong distance in 1:10.11. Sweet Nanette and Dominica finished second and third, respectively. The race was the third stakes victory for Serena's Tune.

Serena's Tune began her racing career on the West Coast with Neil Drysdale. Midway through her 3-year-old season she transferred to Josie Carroll, who is based in Canada. Serena's Tune retires with seven victories and earnings of $337,260. An all-or-nothing filly, she never finished second or third in any of her races.