Rachel Alexandra Sibling Dolphus to Debut

Dolphus, a half brother to Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old filly of 2009 Rachel Alexandra, is scheduled to make his career debut in the sixth race Nov. 22 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, a six-furlong maiden special weight . 

Owned and bred by Dede McGehee's Heaven Trees Farm and trained Joe Sharp, the 2-year-old son of multiple champion Lookin At Lucky   has had a steady stream of works, including a bullet five-furlong gate move (1:02 3/5) Nov 11 at Churchill Downs Trackside. In his first work over the local surface, the chestnut charge worked a half-mile in :49 3/5.

"We've taken our time with him," Sharp said. "He's a big horse and we haven't been in a hurry to get him there. I think he'll ultimately be a two-turn horse and he's pretty special. I've been on him and so has (wife Rosie Napravnik) in the mornings, but anyone can ride him. He's classy and has been handling everything well. I appreciate Dede for giving me the opportunity. She's supported me from the beginning. Obviously there's pressure being a half brother to Rachel Alexandra, but he gives me confidence. He doesn't have to win, but I expect a good race.

"Brian (Hernandez, Jr.) will be on him in the race," Sharp continued. "We wanted a commitment from a rider because we think this horse can go places. Brian's flying in from Kentucky for it."

Bred in Kentucky, Dolphus is out of stakes winner Lotta Kim, by Roar, who won the Tiffany Lass as a 3-year-old at Fair Grounds and was second in the grade II Golden Rod at Churchill Downs in just four starts under the tutelage of Hal Wiggins, who also initially conditioned Rachel Alexandra through her romp in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I). Dolphus is named for Lotta Kim and Rachel Alexandra's breeder and initial owner, Dolphus Morrison.