6th-Tampa Bay Downs, $32,000, Msw, 3-1, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:44.16, ft, 3 1/4 lengths.
VALENTINIAN (c, 3, Into Mischief–Rachel's Valentina {GISW, $738,800}, by Bernardini) came into this race as not only the most expensive, but arguably one of the best bred, and he ran to the billing as he broke his maiden at first-asking.
Rating comfortably from off the pace, he stepped up to push the issue passing the five-sixteenths marker and was in control by the quarter pole. Kicking away when asked for more in the lane, he sailed in 3 1/4 lengths best over fellow firster Last Man Standing (McKinzie) at 2-1 favoritism.
A $1-5.million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale graduate, Valentinian is the son of GI Spinaway Stakes victress Rachel's Valentina, making him the grandson of Hall of Famer and Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). The second winner for that dam, he has a juvenile sister in Japan initially named Colorer (Quality Road), who changed hands for $1.05-million in last year's Keeneland September sale, and is now registered under Rachel's Road.
The aforementioned second dam needs no introduction as one of the greatest racemares of all time. She produced just two offspring, one being Rachel Valentina and the other being the late Florida sire Jess's Dream (Curlin), before being pensioned from broodmare duties. Rachel's Valentina has now 2024 offspring and is due to the late Uncle Mo for 2025. Sales history: $1,500,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.
#5 VALENTINIAN ($6.00), a colt out of RACHEL'S VALENTINA sired by @SpendthriftFarm's Into Mischief, broke his maiden in the 6th race at @TampaBayDownsFL. @JOCKEYSMARIN was aboard this RACHEL ALEXANDRA grandson for trainer @PletcherRacing. @EclipseTBP and @StonestreetFarm own. pic.twitter.com/hOaP143znG
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025
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