Winter Dawn, a 2-year-old daughter of Sky Mesa, showed incredible resilience in her debut Sunday at Saratoga, re-rallying in deep stretch to score a nail-biting head victory in a six furlong maiden special weight contest for 2-year-old fillies.
Winter Dawn was lapped on the outside of Harbouring as that pair dueled through a half-mile in :45.14. The 4-5 favorite Feathered made it a three-way battle at the top of the lane. Winter Dawn was squeezed in between her foes, and looked in dire straits with a sixteenth to go, but dug down deep to out-battle Feathered on the wire, as track announcer exclaimed her effort “remarkable” as the winner hit the finish line (VIDEO).
The winner, bred in Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds, picked up $49,800 for owner Coffeepot Stables. The owners acquired Winter Dawn for $185,000 out of the 2013 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling sale.
Sky Mesa now has eight 2-year-old winners, second-most of any North American sire in 2014.
