American Cherub is American Anthem's First Winner

Sierra Blanca Equine's freshman sire American Anthem   sired his first winner when his daughter American Cherub won her racing debut Aug. 2 in a five-furlong trial at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Bred in New Mexico by Kim Saunders, American Cherub sold for $31,000 to owners Bobby McQueen and Glen Robertson out of Sierra Blanca's consignment at the 2023 Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Yearlings Sale. The filly was sent to trainer Dick Cappellucci.

American Cherub faced seven challengers in the trial for 2-year-old New Mexico-bred fillies that were nominated and are eligible for the Rio Grande Senorita Futurity. She stalked longshot pacesetter Lucky Shot Annie in the early going, then took the lead at the top of the stretch and won by two lengths. Her final time was :59.37.

McQueen certainly knows his first-out winner's family, having raced American Cherub's dam Be My Angel and her second dam, stakes winner Glory Be Mine, both with Dale Taylor and trainer Todd Fincher.

American Anthem is a 10-year-old son of Bodemeister  out of Indy's Windy, a half sister to five-time grade 1 winner Banshee Breeze. As a racehorse, American Anthem won the 2017 Woody Stephens Stakes (G2) and 2018 San Carlos Stakes (G2) while competing well in grade 1 company with thirds in the 2017 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes (G1), 2017 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (G1), and 2020 Carter Handicap (G1). He was retired with a 6-3-4 record from 21 starts and earned $848,490.

American Anthem stood this year for $3,000 at Sierra Blanca Equine near Ruidoso Downs, N.M.