Dr. Naveed Chowhan had his eye on the filly Brooklynsway early in her career, but it wasn't until the 2015 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November mixed sale that he got his chance to purchase the Ontario-bred daughter of Giant Gizmo.
The Chowhans had a share in the stallion and were interested in some of his progeny.
"When his first crop came, he sired this one," he said of Brooklynsway after she easily won the $100,000 Mari Hulman George Stakes for fillies and mares July 16 at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. "We tried to get her but we couldn't. So as soon as we saw her entered in the sale, we jumped on it."
Chowhan purchased Brooklynsway for $180,000 and transferred her to trainer Bernie Flint, with whom he has partnered on many stakes winners. For Chowhan, Brooklynsway this year won the HIlliard Lyons Doubledogdare Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland, finished second in the Fleur de Lis Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs, and checked in third in the Arlington Matron Stakes (gr. III) to go along with her Mari Hulman George victory.
"She is as special as any that we've had," Chowhan said. "But we're blessed to be in races like this. We're very happy."
Brooklynsway was well established before the purchase in late 2015. She had won four Canadian-restricted races at Woodbine, including the Bison City Stakes, which is a filly classic. She also finished third in the Mazarine Stakes (Can-III) at 2.
Bred by HJT Racing Stable out of the Radio Star mare Explosive Story, Brooklynsway has earned $719,187—almost $185,000 for Chowhan—with six wins, three seconds, and three thirds in 19 starts.
Brooklynsway, ridden by Robby Albarado, won the Mari Hulman George by 8 1/2 lengths over Pangburn in 1:43.02 for 1 1/16 miles on a track rated fast. Flint said he sees bigger things for the filly.
"I'm telling you, I'm amazed that as much as I've run her, she's still strong and durable," Flint said. "She doesn't carry her race with her. She'll come from behind. She'll go to the front. She'll work with the group she's in there with. We've been beaten a few times, but every time she got beat, something had to happen—she stumbled, she fell, she got shut off or in tight where you couldn't make a run.
"I'm amazed every time I see her run. Every time she's getting a little bit better. You thank God for what you've got and try to keep it in one piece and cherish it, and that's what I'm doing."
When asked about future stakes for Brooklynsway, Flint said: "I have Keeneland in mind and I have Churchill in mind (for late summer and fall), and I might even go down to Ellis Park."
The Western Kentucky track will offer the $100,000 Groupie Doll Stakes (gr. III) for fillies and mares at one mile Aug. 6.
