Better the Devil Becomes Daredevil's First Winner

WinStar Farm's grade 1-winning freshman sire Daredevil  was represented by his first winner June 12 when his son Better the Devil won his debut at Hamilton Park in England by 2 3/4 lengths.

The colt, campaigned by an outfit called Better the Devil, grabbed an early lead in the five-furlong contest on good going and maintained a steady drive throughout. He shed all challengers 100 yards from the wire and kicked clear, stopping the timer in 1:11.

Better the Devil was bred in Pennsylvania by Two-Turn Farm, which sold him through Select Sales' consignment at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $14,000 to Star Bloodstock. The colt is out of the Henny Hughes mare Hen Reception, who is a half sister to grade 2 winner Ruby's Reception (by Rubiano) and grade 2-placed winner Heritage Hall (Unbridled's Song). The family has also produced multiple graded stakes winner Handsome Mike , grade 1 winner Union Strike, and black-type winner Pretty Lady.

Daredevil is a fleet-footed son of top international sire More Than Ready . Bred in Kentucky by Marianne and Brandon Chase, he raced for Let's Go Stable after trainer Todd Pletcher bought him for $260,000 out of Gainesway's consignment at the 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. WinStar Farm and China Horse Club joined the ownership group in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Daredevil broke his maiden at first asking at Belmont Park by 6 1/4 lengths and won the Champagne Stakes (G1) in his next start. At 3, he was runner-up in the Fasig-Tipton Swale Stakes (G2) and fourth in the Twinspires.com Wood Memorial Stakes (G1). He retired with two wins and a second out of five starts and $424,600 in earnings.

Daredevil stands at WinStar for $7,500.