Two maiden races produced 3-year-old winners for Claiborne stallion Lea over the weekend. On Friday at Gulfstream, Jades Gelly won for trainer Jorge Navarro and Repole Stable going five furlongs on the turf. It was the third lifetime start for Jades Gelly, after finishing second at Gulfstream last December in a race where she was claimed off of Wesley Ward and owner Kent Spellman. Jades Gelly is out of A.P. Reality, by Pulpit.
On Sunday, Chart won impressively in her debut at Tampa Bay Downs in a maiden special going 6 furlongs on the dirt for trainer Gary Contessa and owner Leonard and Jonathan Green. Chart hit the wire 5 1/4-lengths in front, with a final time of 1:10.19. Bred by Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider, Chart is out of Gauge, by War Front.
As of this date, only half of Lea’s first crop has started on the track. Lea himself did not race until age 3, and broke his maiden at second asking, which came at 1 1/16-miles on the inner turf at Saratoga. From there, Lea went on to earn over $2 million, and racked up wins in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap, among several other graded stakes wins. Lea’s progeny are showing the same versatility and talent on the dirt and turf, giving us plenty to look forward to in 2020.
Lea stands at Claiborne Farm for $7,500.