This column highlights the performances of maidens who have made no more than five starts and who either sold for more than $500,000 at public auction, have siblings that are graded/group winners, or have dams that are graded/group winners. BloodHorse research shows maiden winners, in particular, who meet these criteria are more likely to go on to be graded stakes winners.
Gulfstream Park
Although he was well beaten in his first two outings, Change of Command flashed a glimmer of the promise of his $1.05 million price tag with an encouraging second Nov. 4 to Sierra Leone . While Sierra Leone would go onto an exceptional performance when falling a nostril short of victory in the Remsen Stakes (G2), Change of Command shipped south to warmer waters, soaring to 6 1/2-length maiden special weight romp Dec. 17 at Gulfstream Park.
What do you think of this big winner?
#3 CHANGE OF COMMAND scored well in Race 6 at Gulfstream Park. @jose93_ortiz up for Shug McGaughey on the son of @spendthriftfarm Into Mischief. pic.twitter.com/7SQBdmeIH0
— TVG (@TVG) December 17, 2023
Stepping up to the starting gate with a little more clout than he had in his start before, Change of Command gave the bettors the show they were expecting in the seven-furlong main track contest. Heavily favored against five rivals, Change of Command broke on top but was eased into a stalking second under Jose Ortiz. Angled into the three-path turning for home, the Into Mischief colt exploded at the top of the lane, drawing away from the field with ease.
Three lengths in front at the eighth pole, he widened his lead and cruised to the wire in a final time of 1:25.02.
Change of Command is trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey and runs in the colors of Courtlandt Farms, which signed the ticket for the flashy bay at the 2022 Keeneland September Sale.
Change of Command became the first winner for his dam, the Medaglia d’Oro mare Moi. A $750,000 Keeneland September yearling herself, Moi was winless in three starts for OXO Equine. She is a full sister to the smart turf filly Mrs McDougal, the dam of this year’s Twilight Derby (G2T) victor Seal Team .
Change of Command sells for $1.05 million at the Keeneland September Sale
| BloodHorse Maiden Watch | |||||||
| Notable 2YO maiden winners for week of Dec.11-17 | |||||||
| Date | Track | Race | Horse | Sire | Dam | Start | Maiden Watch eligibility criteria |
| 12/12 | PRX | 6 | Face the Facts | Flashback | Ellesmere | 4 | Half Sibling to G3SW Bridgetown |
| 12/14 | RP | 9 | Recharge | Gun Runner | Remit | 1 | Half Sibling to G2SW Finite |
| 12/16 | AQU | 1 | Strat Mo Matic | Uncle Mo | Elusive Raven | 1 | Full Sibling to G3SW Lost Raven |
| 12/16 | FG | 8 | Into Stars | Into Mischief | Star Billing | 4 | Dam is a G1SW |
| 12/17 | AQU | 5 | Landed | Omaha Beach | Glory Gold | 2 | $500k Yearling |
| 12/17 | GP | 6 | Change of Command | Into Mischief | Moi | 4 | $1.05M Yearling |
