Morganite First Winner for Gemologist

Grade I winner Gemologist   was represented by his first winner July 16, when first-time starter Morganite captured the eighth race at Del Mar. 

A 7-year-old son of Tiznow  , Gemologist stands at Kenny Trout's WinStar Farm near Versailles, Ky., where his 2016 fee was $15,000. Out of the Mr. Prospector mare Crystal Shard, he is a half brother to stakes winners Sydenham (by A.P. Indy) and Clear Destiny (Deputy Minister). There are 117 2-year-olds in his first crop. 

Gemologist won five of his seven starts, including the 2012 Wood Memorial (gr. I) and 2011 Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II), and earned $794,855.

Hronis Racing's Morganite stalked between rivals early, angled three wide into the lane, grabbed the lead in early stretch, and won by 1 1/2 lengths at 8-1 odds. The bay filly, trained by John Sadler, won the five-furlong maiden special weight race in :58.13 on a fast track.

Morganite was bred in Kentucky by Jay Goodwin and Chip Montgomery. Out of the Wild Rush mare Crazy Woman Creek, she was bought for $360,000 by L.E.B. at the Ocala Breeders' Sale Co. March sale of 2-year-olds in training. Halcyon Hammock Farm consigned as agent after principal Hal Hatch pinhooked her for $95,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale.