Farrell takes $125,000 Pippin stakes in 2018 debut
January 14, 2018
Malibu Moon’s multiple graded stakes winner Farrell signaled she is ready for a big 4-year-old season with a solid score in the $125,000 Pippin S. Jan. 13 at Oaklawn Park (VIDEO).
Farrell closed out 2017 with a win in the Chilukki S. (G2), her third graded win of last year. Saturday’s win pushed the Coffee Pot Stables’ homebred to $802,077 in earnings. She is the first stakes winner this year for Malibu Moon, who also was represented on Saturday by $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons S. runner-up High Security.
Farrell faced some tough competition in the Pippin, including last year’s winner Terra Promessa and Ever So Clever, winner of the 2017 Fantasy S. (G3) at Oaklawn. At the start, Farrell and Terra Promessa hooked up in a battle for the lead, and drew about five lengths clear of the rest of the field going down the backstretch.
Farrell started to edge clear midway on the final turn, and despite a spirited challenge from Ever So Clever in the late stages, held sway by three-quarters of a length in 1:45.41 for the 1 1/16-miles.
“She stepped up today. This was a solid field,” said winning trainer Wayne Catalano. “The goal is the Apple Blossom (G1, on April 13). We’re trying to win a Grade 1 with her. That’s why we’re running her here today. The Apple Blossom – a Grade 1 – that’s what we’re here for.”
After finishing 2017 ranked 8th on the General Sire List with over $11.2 million in progeny earnings and 15 stakes winners, Malibu Moon stands this year at Spendthrift Farm for $75,000 live foal.