Kathleen O. (Upstart), a $275,000 OBSAPR breezer (:21 1/5), went last to first to graduate by a head in a key race featuring a pair of next-out winners in the Aqueduct mud going seven furlongs on debut Nov. 12.
In no hurry after a very slow start from her inside draw in Saturday’s Cash Run S. at Gulfstream, Kathleen O. raced in sixth through sharp fractions of :22.74 and :44.94, and finally entered the frame with a flashy, sweeping move approaching the quarter pole. She set her sights on the top two while three wide at the top of the stretch and kept on rolling impressively down the lane to win for fun. She becomes the sixth black-type winner for Upstart.
Kathleen O’s Grade III-placed third dam Pretty ‘n Smart (Beau Genius) produced GISW freshman sire Cupid (Tapit); GSW Ashley’s Kitty (Tale of the Cat); and GSW Heart Ashley (Lion Heart), whose daughter Ameristralia (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is responsible for GII Chandelier S. heroine Ain’t Easy (Into Mischief).
Quaver is the dam of a 2-year-old colt by Tapwrit named Tap Collector ($65,000 OBSOCT yearling), a yearling filly by the same sire and was most recently covered by the 2017 GI Belmont S. hero. Quaver brought $140,000 from Lev Miller at the 2021 KEENOV sale.
