Kitten's Roar Makes Noise in Goldikova

Blasting past pacesetter Malibu Stacy on the turn for home, favored Kitten's Roar sped home to take the one-mile Goldikova Stakes (G2T) to lift the curtain on Breeders’ Cup Saturday Nov. 4 at Del Mar. The 5-year-old daughter of Kitten's Joy —Bambolina, by War Chant, races for Ken and Sarah Ramsey, who campaigned and for many years stood her sire, who has been moved to Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms for the 2018 breeding season.

Bred in Kentucky by Dapple Bloodstock and trained by Mike Maker, Kitten’s Roar raced in mid-pack early in the $200,000 Goldikova, named after the brilliant mare who won three editions of the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T). After she was pre-entered in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) but failed to make it into that field, Kitten’s Roar rated kindly as Goldy Espony and Sassy Little Lila battled for the early advantage past the stands the first time. The opening quarter went in :23.47 and the half in :48.11.

Malibu Stacy went to the lead as the field hit the backstretch. Sassy Little Lila chased from second, as Hillhouse High raced close up with Goldy Espony and Kitten’s Roar in close attendance as well. On the final turn, Malibu Stacy had no answer for the winner, who established a clear advantage and easily held the late bid of Thundering Sky at bay by 2 1/4 lengths on the wire. Thundering Sky held second by a nose over On Leave. Malibu Stacy finished fourth. The final time for the mile was 1:35.18.

Kitten’s Roar returned $8.20, $4.60, and $3.20. Thundering Sky was good for $16.60 and $8.60, and On Leave paid $3 to show.

Kitten’s Roar, shortening up to a mile after being kept to considerably longer distances most of this season, has now won seven of 19 starts and better than $835,000 for her career.