Mardukas sent out at 44-1, took home his second start on June 26 in a first special weight class race at Churchill Downs, became the first winner for the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brand Winner (G1) Always dreaming .
Trained by Jeff Engler, the 2-year-old foal soon caught up to Corey Lanerie’s pace to go behind Cravens. Holding position on the rails into the long run, the pony deflected the opponent Cortese and Clear the deck to cross the rope in 1:05.44 for owners Daniel Preiss and Chris Province.
2YO colt Mardukas wins MSW at @ChurchillDown to be the first winner for ALWAYS a DREAM! Bred by Hubert Vester. #DreamMaker pic.twitter.com/bmvlidBuc0
– WinStar Farm (@WinStarFarm) June 26, 2022
Mardukas paid $91.60 for a $2 winning ticket. The foal finished last out of seven in the Churchill debut on June 8.
Raised in Kentucky by Hubert Vester, Markdukas was purchased for $20,000 by Daniel Preiss at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale in 2021 from a Mulholland Springs consignment.
Mardukas out of Pulpit mare Blue Kisses, who has three winners out of three ponies to start. The dam also has a desire Bolt d’Oro filly and a year 2022 Vekoma dirty.
The first son Always Dreaming is the 8-year-old son of Bodemeister out of the mare Overly Printed Beyond Perfect, who also made 1st place winners Hot Dixie Chick La Troienne’s dams this year presented by the winner of Signify Health (G1) Pauline’s Pearl .
Earning nearly $2.4 million, Always Dreaming topped the 2022 season at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., for $12,500.
