First Samurai was represented by his first stakes winner of 2017 when Miss Sky Warrior scored a half-length victory in the G2 Davona Dales Stakes following an impressive three-wide move on the final turn at Gulfstream Park March 4. The sophomore filly recorded a final time of 1:38.49 over a fast track in the one-mile event.
It was the first start of the year for Miss Sky Warrior, a homebred filly owned by Arlene London. She previously scored victories in the G2 Demoiselle Stakes and the G3 Tempted Stakes at 1 1/8 miles and one mile, respectively.
The Davona Dale marked Miss Sky Warrior’s fourth straight win and allowed her to pick up 50 qualifying points on the Oaks leaderboard.
“I’d like to say the further she goes the better,” said trainer Kelly Breen. “Today was a little bit by plan (coming off the pace). The stars were aligned and everything worked out.”
Miss Sky Warrior has conquered various running styles and distances throughout her five-start career. In her maiden victory, she scored by an eye-catching seven lengths in a six-furlong event at Parx Racing last October.
Bred in Kentucky, the dark bay filly is out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Sky Minister. She now has $461,490 in earnings.
First Samurai is the sire of G1 winners Lea, Justin Phillip, Executiveprivilege and Sovereign Award champion Stacked Deck. His yearlings last year sold up to $300,000; while his 2-year-olds brought up to $650,000. First Samurai stands for $15,000 at Claiborne.