Dreaming of Anna--

This year's running of the Breeders' Cup was both eventful and deeply saddening. Champions, as usual, were crowned and some faltered. Legends were made, while other's stellar reputations were tarnished.

The main track had a supreme bias that was made clear time and time again. The golden rail was truly invaluable. There were whispers about why it was that way, but who really knows? Not I. Was it the cause to the horrific, fatal break-down of Pine Island, and the almost as sad undoing of favored Fleet Indian? I hope not, but many seem certain.

With all the heartache put aside, we can all agree that there were flashes of unforgettable brilliance and a few names are now etched into our collective memories for good.

The Juvenile Fillies started off the championship day with a bang. This field was full of questions, many pointed squarely at post-time favorite, Dreaming of Anna. The classy Rahy filly had already beat the boys on the turf in Canada and proved she was a threat, but could her turf form transfer over to the dirt? The answer was a resounding YES.

Dreaming of Anna's biggest weapons are her high cruising speed and versatility. Both of those qualities can be partly attributed to her high-class sire, Rahy. Rahy is standing at Three Chimney's Farm for a 2007 stud fee of $60,000 live foal. At 60k, Rahy is an absolute steal for a breeder with a flexible budget. He's a top-notch breed to race stallion at the upper level and can also get you a big price in the ring. His daughters are valued like few others and have proven to be successful when crossed with the ubiquitous Storm Cat.

Noted as a "filly sire", Rahy can also supply major colts with such names as Fantastic Light, Grass World, Noverre, Lewis Michael, and T.D. Vance proving this fact.

A son of Blushing Groom, Rahy was out of the incredible champion and producer Glorious Song. A bluehen by any standard, Glorious Song proved her mettle on both the track and in the shed and her results in both have few contemporaries when it comes to the importance her sons have had in the past 25 years. Besides Rahy, she also produced top European stallion Singspiel to the cover of In the Wings.

Dreaming of Anna's dam, the Broad Brush stakes winner Justenuffheart, is a mare that should garner some attention when it comes time to nominate this year's Broodmare of the Year award. Besides Dreaming of Anna, she also produced fellow Breeders' Cup runner Lewis Michael, by yet another cover to Rahy. A stakes winner at 3, Lewis Michael has been competive in graded competition against good foes, which adds lustre to his young dam's ability as a broodmare.

Out of the Lear Fan mare Kitten's First, Justenuffheart is a half-sister to G2 winner Precious Kitten, and to Champion Turf Male and new stallion Kitten's Joy. This family is having somewhat of a revival and I think a case can be made for both Justenuffheart and especially Kitten's First as possible Broodmare of the Year nominees.

Dreaming of Anna has a pedigree that suggests turf, and the talent to ensure top class on any surface. With her resounding win and an Eclipse Championship Title just around the corner, this soon to be 3 year-old filly has what it takes to still be in the headlines next year, unlike the recent Champion 2 year-old fillies of the recent past.

ASB