Wayne O Finds Winner's Circle at Keeneland

Wayne O found the winner's circle Oct. 19 at Keeneland and took a large group of thrilled owners with him.

The 2-year-old son of Into Mischief  made headlines in July when Spendthrift Farm announced it was offering microshares in the colt through MyRaceHorse.com, a California-based entity that offers fractional interests in horses who are treated as though they are registered securities. MyRacehorse.com also owns an interest in Wayne O, a half brother to grade 1 winner Restless Rider, and Spendthrift is listed as the managing partner.

The third try was the charm for Wayne O, who ran eighth first out Aug. 3 at Saratoga Race Course in a $90,000 maiden special weight at seven furlongs and was fifth Aug. 31, also at Saratoga, in a race with identical conditions.

On Saturday, jockey Tyler Gaffalione had the mount in a $69,434 maiden event at six furlongs on the main track and sent Wayne O up to challenge for the lead three wide. The bay colt sat just off opening fractions of :22.89 and :46.75 set by Bunch, then came under a long drive in the stretch and prevailed by a head over Gold Street, who was second throughout. The final time was 1:10.95 on a fast track.

"The horse has a lot of quality, and you knew it would come out eventually—it just took a little time," trainer Steve Asmussen said. "He was a little sharp pre-race, but he composed himself and got a very good trip today. He's a very talented horse. You see how big he is, how leggy he is. He'll keep filling in, get a little stronger, mature. Hopefully, knock on wood, he's been a wonderfully sound horse and hopefully this is a sign of good things to come.

"It's kind of fun to see how much it means to people to win. Here at Keeneland and a great crowd today on a beautiful day, that's what racing is for, to put a smile on people's faces."

Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Wayne O is the fourth named foal out of the winning Unbridled's Song mare Silky Serenade, a half sister to graded stakes winner and sire Private Vow. He was purchased for $750,000 in 2018 by Spendthrift from Summerfield's consignment to The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select yearling sale in New York. 

It was 3 1/4 lengths back to third-place Marvin, who was followed by debut runner Mr. Monomoy—a Palace Malice  half brother to champion Monomoy Girl.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith was impressed by the Brad Cox-trained Mr. Monomoy, who was squeezed at the start and raced last in the field of 12 before he rallied at the end.

"He's just real green, first time out," Smith said. "I got eliminated leaving the gate, and it just took him a little bit to get used to the dirt and everything, but (he has) a lot of upside. I like him a lot."