The sire of two stakes placed runners already this year, WAR OF WILL hit another milestone on Monday when Willow Oak became his first winner.
Starting off her career racing over 4 ½ furlongs on Presque Isle’s All Weather surface, the filly broke well before settling about four lengths behind the leaders. Around the turn, the Kelsey Danner trainee was taken wide to confront the leaders in a move that worked well.
She was among the main threats for the win in the stretch and pulled away to win by 1 ¼ lengths for owner-breeder Dede McGehee.
Willow Oak is the first foal out of the multiple placed Joyful Cat, who sold for $150,000 carrying Willow Oak in 2021. Joyful Cat is a full sister to the Grade 3 winning Charming Kitten and multiple Grade 3-placed Queen’splatekitten.
It has been a huge year so far for WAR OF WILL, who has seen his runners place in eight of 12 starts. He also leads all freshmen by number of stakes performers with two.