First Winners for Crossbow, Gattopardo
Image:
Description:
Photo: Coady Photography
Crossbow Huntress becomes the first winner for Crossbow
Valor Farm stallion Crossbow was represented by his first winner when Crossbow Huntress took the first race at Evangeline Downs Aug. 26.
Ridden by Alfredo Contreras as the 8-5 favorite, the Texas-bred filly won the $23,000 maiden special weight by 2 1/4 lengths for owner-breeder-trainer Carolyn Dodwell. The filly was produced from the winning Authenticate mare Solarfast.
An 8-year-old son of Bernstein, Crossbow finished second in the Hunch Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack and third in the grade III James Marvin Stakes at Saratoga Race Course while winning four of 11 career starts.
Crossbow entered stud at Valor Farm in Pilot Point, Tx., in 2013 for a $1,500 fee, which has remained unchanged.
Also represented by his first winner Aug. 26 was West Virginia-based stallion Gattopardo when the 2-year-old filly Unaquoi took the third at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
The even-money favorite in the $23,000 maiden special weight, Unaquoi scored by 2 3/4 lengths for trainer Ollie Figgins III and owner-breeder Ray M. Pennington III. Unaquoi, bred in West Virginia, is out of the winning More Than Ready mare Jumelle Springs.
Unaquoi is the first starter for her sire, an 11-year-old son of Johannesburg who won or placed in 10 of 12 starts, including a victory in the Miracle Wood Stakes. He also finished second in the grade III Bay Shore Stakes.
Gattopardo stands at O’Sullivan Farms near Charles Town, W. Va., where his 2016 fee was $1,500.