Moonshine Memories 12th lifetime Grade 1 winner for Malibu Moon

Moonshine Memories backed up her TDN Rising Star maiden win just two weeks ago with another stellar performance in Saturday’s $300,000 Del Mar Debutante (G1), scoring a front-running, half-length victory in the seven-furlong contest for 2-year-old fillies.

For Malibu Moon, she became her sire’s 41st lifetime graded stakes winner and 12th overall Grade 1 winner. Malibu Moon also was represented on Saturday by another 2-year-old filly, Maya Malibu, who was a gallant runner-up in the Grade 1 Spinaway S. at Saratoga.

Despite the short rest between starts, Moonshine Memories was keen right out of the gate, assuming command in just a few strides. She got some early pressure from Gabrielleizabeth, who began to fade after three furlongs. Moonshine Memories was up two lengths at the top of the stretch, and held that lead until very late, when Piedi Bianchi made a late run, but could get no closer than a half-length.

The final time on the fast main track was 1:23.61.

“We were actually looking for any small excuse not to run her back [in two weeks],” winning trainer Simon Callaghan said. “This filly just did everything you’d want from a horse in between [starts]. She showed in the paddock, her disposition and how calm she was, is something you can’t instill in them, it’s within them. [During the race], I liked the way she was traveling within herself, but then you look at the fractions and you get a little worried. She just kept running potential rivals off and she was all heart at the end.”

The winner is owned by Bridlewood Farm, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor. She has earned $216,000 in her two wins.

Pedigree Notes from TDN

Moonshine Memories’ dam Unenchantedevening is a daughter of SW Evil Elaine, making her a half-sister to Horse of the Year and champion 2-year-old colt Favorite Trick. The 13-year-old mare is also responsible for SW & GSP Indian Evening and SP Mo for the Money. She was bred back to Malibu Moon earlier this term.