American History, Forever Carina Shine at Saratoga

This column highlights the performances of 2- and 3-year-old maidens (the latter category only through June) with the potential for graded stakes success based on criteria such as a horse that has made no more than five starts and either sold for more than $500,000 at public auction, has siblings that are graded/group winners, or has dams that are graded/group winners. BloodHorse research shows maiden winners who meet these criteria are more likely to go on to be graded stakes winners. 

Juveniles American History🔥  and Forever Carina are BloodHorse Maiden Watch Hot Prospects after impressive victories last weekend at Saratoga Race Course.

American History Romps At The Spa

American History justified his hefty price tag with a dominant 7 3/4-length debut victory in a Saratoga maiden special weight race Aug. 22 defeating the highly-regarded Art Museum  (Into Mischief  ) who was a $1.5 million yearling purchase by M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm. Both colts were bred by Alpha Delta Stables. The favorite Powerline  (Flightline🔥  ), who was a $1.8 million yearling purchase, finished fourth.

American History was purchased by CHC, Maverick Racing, and First Go Racing for $825,000 as a yearling at the 2025 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is the fourth foal of the War Front   mare Bloody Point, who is a half sister to Spendthrift Farm's leading third-crop sire Vekoma  . 

Under the tutelage of Todd Pletcher, the colt began putting in solid works this summer at Saratoga. On Saturday, in his first start, the son of Constitution   raced off the pace under John Velazquez, tracking the leaders through opening fractions of :23 and :46.28. The final time for the 6 1/2-furlong race was 1:17.55, and he received a 79 Equibase Speed Figure and a 73 Beyer Speed Figure.

American History's running style is perfectly suited for two-turn races, pointing toward a highly promising future. 

Video: Saratoga, Race 3, MSW

Forever Carina Lives Up To Hype

Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Always a Runner 's full sister Forever Carina proved that talent runs in the family when taking a maiden special weight race Saturday by 2 lengths.

After failing to meet her reserve on an $850,000 final bid at last year's Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the daughter of Gun Runner   was a blessing in disguise for breeder Three Chimneys Farm. Following Always A Runner's success this spring, the RNA now looks like a stroke of good luck and a lucrative asset.

Forever Carina is the second foal of the graded stakes-placed Malibu Moon mare Always Carina. 

The filly broke slowly out of the gate Saturday, dropping near the back of the pack under Jose Ortiz, riding for trainer Chad Brown, the same duo as her sister Always a Runner. The quick pace up front allowed the filly to regain momentum and make an inside run, weaving through traffic to draw clear of the field by 2 lengths. The final time for the 6 1/2-furlong race was 1:17.43, and Forever Carina received an 80 Equibase Speed Figure and a 74 Beyer Speed Figure.

Video: Saratoga, Race 6, MSW