Both HOLIDAY LADY and BRANCUSI demonstrated improved determination and anticipated maturity in Graded Stakes company last weekend.
HOLIDAY LADY (out of Olatha, by Miswaki), after stumbling at the start, moved into contention on the far turn to finish third in the 1 1/8 mile G2 Bonnie Miss Stakes at Gulfstream Park behind first and second favorites Ivanavinalot and Boston Gal. Holiday Lady’s last outing was a 1m70yd allowance race on February 3rd, which she won by a neck. Her prior Graded Stakes experience came as a 2nd place finish in the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) in 2002.
BRANCUSI (out of Treize, by Alysheba) showed tremendous courage in the 1 1/16 mile G2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita. Brancusi broke quickly from the 8th hole to stalk the pace on the rail, gained the lead at the 8th marker, then was edged by Atswhatimtalknbout by a nose for second and Buddy Gil by 3/4 length for the win. Brancusi’s other start in 2003 was a MSW win on February 15th by 5 lengths. He continues to improve with each start!
