Talented filly Honeyfromthesouth notched up her first victory on Sunday with a taking performance at Santa Anita.
It was never going to be an easy task for the daughter of Win Star Farm’s Fed Biz, drawn widest of all for her first try over the flat five furlongs but after breaking well jockey, Martin Garcia was able to gain a good position down the backstretch. Not too keen to chase the pace on the filly’s first attempt on turf Garcia allowed his mount to drop six lengths off the lead as the field began to turn for home but as soon as he asked the question he found a willing partner. The Phoenix Thoroughbreds owned runner picked up well swooping around her opponents before showing a good turn of pace to power past her closest rivals and win going away.
It was an excellent performance from a horse that had always shown great talent, beginning her career by finishing second to the top class Chasing Yesterday before twice more hitting that position while finding the places on two further occasions. Connections never lost faith with the Bob Baffert trainee, her speed figures showing she was improving with every run, and their patience was rewarded on Sunday evening.
Originally purchased at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale by Five Star Racing in 2017, Phoenix Thoroughbreds acquired the then two-year-old after that aforementioned promising debut. Out of winning mare Brilliant Autumn, she is closely related to Black Type winner Mimi’s Tizzy as well as Grade Three winner Norsan. With her grandad, Giant’s Causeway’s blood flowing through her veins connections may well now keep her to racing on the turf, but with a win under her belt, the future is looking that bit sweeter for Honey.