FIRST SAMURAI’s stakes winning Tarabi led home a Claiborne-sired exacta in a Keeneland Allowance Optional Claiming race on Saturday with LEA’s Your So Sillea finishing a close second.
Dueling for third behind various leaders in the 6 ½ furlong dirt race, Tarabi waited to make her move for the lead until they hit the stretch and dueled with Ironic Twist before that one gave up and LEA’s Your So Sillea took over the challenge.
The FIRST SAMURAI daughter and granddaughter raced side by side with Tarabi coming out ahead by a neck at the line.
It was the third win and seventh top three finish in seven starts for the Cherie DeVaux-trained Tarabi, who races for LBD Stable, Manganaro Bloodstock, and David Ingordo.
Bred by Hinkle Farms and sold for Pilgrim Racing for $240,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Tarabi has earned $493,140 with two Grade 1 placings and a Grade 3 placing as well.
Tarabi is a full sister to FIRST SAMURAI’s Grade 3 winner and Grade 1-placed Shivaji out of a half-sister to WAR FRONT’s multipleGrade 3 placed Mise En Rose and multiple stakes placed Stave.
FIRST SAMURAI is the sire of 29 winners in 2023, led by three stakes performers. The stallion has sired 37 stakes winners and 74 stakes performers overall, led by three Grade 1 winners.