July 20, 2019 - Del Mar, Race 9, Msw, USD $61,000, 5F
1st Dam: Pure Desire
2st Dam: Gold 'n Desire
2st Dam: Am Desireable
Owner: Jay Em Ess Stable
Breeder: Shelby Lane Farm (KY)
Trainer: Brian Koriner
Pure Xena (f, 2, Warrior’s Reward-Pure Desire, by Gold Legend) turned heads when hammering for $370,000—over 82 times her sire’s $4,500 stud fee—at OBS April, and did so again with a devastating first-out romp Saturday at Del Mar. Originally a $7,500 weanling purchase at Keeneland November, the bay turned into a $160,000 Fasig-Tipton July yearling and more than doubled that price tag after breezing a quarter-mile in :20 4/5 in Ocala. Backed to 11-5 second favoritism here off a half-mile work at Santa Anita in :47 4/5 (5/54) July 13, the Jay Em Ess Stable colorbearer broke a bit outwardly and was hustled to duel with favored Save the Story (Will Take Charge) through a :22.27 quarter. Briefly appearing to be turned back by that rival midway around the turn, she re-rallied to take control at the top of the lane and drew off powerfully with every stride thereafter to score by 11 1/4 lengths over longshot Gold Included (Goldencents). Six-time winner Pure Desire was claimed out of her career finale for $7,500 at Monmouth Park in 2006. Pure Xena is her most recent listed produce.
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