3rd-Colonial Downs, $73,600, Msw, 7-18, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 1:18.46, gd, 6 1/2 lengths.
CHANNEL THE MUSIC (c, 2, Maclean's Music–Empress Eleanor, by Empire Maker) finished a closing third on debut over a muddy main track at Monmouth Park June 22. In career start number two, the colt broke alertly, settling just off the speed up the backstretch. Making steady progress around the far turn, the even-money favorite took command at the top of the stretch, kicking away from rivals when called on for his best. Runner-up American Tapit (American Pharoah) was clear of the rest, but only managed to finish within 6 1/2 lengths of the winner.
Empress Eleanor is a half-sister to GIII Canadian Derby winner Abeliefinthislivin (Arrogate) and GSP Fully Living (Unbridled's Song), who produced GSW Ballet Dancing (Medaglia d'Oro) and MGSP Untreated (Nyquist). The colt's second dam Half A.P., herself a half-sister to Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old filly Halfbridled (Unbridled), was purchased by Merriebelle Stable for $450,000 in foal to Candy Ride (Arg) at the 2014 Keeneland November Sale.
Bought back for $67,000 at Keeneland November in 2023, Channel The Music made $115,000 at KEESEP last fall before hammering for $200,000 after breezing an eighth of a mile in :10 1/5 at this year's OBS March Sale. Empress Eleanor is also responsible for a yearling filly by Practical Joke and a colt by Girvin foaled Mar. 7. Sales History: $67,000 RNA Wlg '23 KEENOV; $115,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $200,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $47,250. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Colts Neck Stables LLC; B-Merriebelle Stable LLC (KY); T-Jorge Duarte Jr.
🎶 Channel the Music graduates in R3 at @colonialdowns under Horacio Karamanos for trainer Jorge Duarte!
🎥 TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/LxP0N2Z0Eo
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) July 18, 2025
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
