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The successful return of likely 2-year-old champion filly Indian Blessing in the Santa Ynez Stakes (gr. II) at the weekend was a pleasing one for me, having had a very small part in her story.

Back in 1999, I was dispatched to the Keeneland January sales to purchase mares specifically to support then-Florida stallion Matty G. The first mare I purchased was the Matchlite daughter Lady's Legacy (then in foal to Flying Chevron), who cost just $11,000. In addition to the price, Lady's Legacy did have some other things going for her. Although she had won only once in 23 starts, earning $22,367, she did pick up some black-type - albeit in restricted Michigan-bred company - when second in the Regret Stakes. She also had a respectable family as her dam was half sister to One Smart Lady (by Lady's Legacy's grandsire, Clever Trick), dam of grade I winner Roamin Rachel and granddam of grade I winner Cat's Cradle. (Subsequently, Roamin Rachel produced Japanese star Zenno Rob Roy and stakes winner Darling My Darling, and a sister produced graded winner Another). In addition, Lady's Legacy also carried a cross of Matty G's own broodmare sire, ace miler Pia Star.

The first foal of the Matty G/Lady's Legacy mating was a filly, Trumpeting Chelle, who won two minor races, but when the mating was repeated it came up with the Whirlaway Stakes winner Little Matth Man, an earner of $223,166, so that part of the plan worked out.

As for the Flying Chevron foal Lady's Legacy was carrying, she was sold for $19,000 at the Ocala Breeders' October sale. She returned to the ring for the 2000 Keeneland September sale, and there Bob Baffert purchased her for $50,000 on behalf of Patti and Hal Earnhardt III. The filly, Shameful - an A+ TrueNicks earner on the basis of the Carson City/Clever Trick cross - went on to win the Pine Tree Lane Stakes and earn several other black type placings, including a second in the La Troienne Stakes and third in the Miss Preakness Stakes (both gr. III). Indian Blessing - an A+ TrueNicks filly on the basis of the Indian Charlie/Mr. Prospector cross - is the second foal of Shameful, so from the bargain basement to the Eclipse awards has been a very short journey.

Filed under: Recent Winners