Dolphus, half-brother to classic-winning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, debuts at Fair Grounds

Edited Press Release

Dolphus, a half-brother to 2009 Horse of the Year and champion three-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra, will make his career debut for trainer Joe Sharp in Sunday’s 6TH race at Fair Grounds, a six-furlong maiden special weight featuring a 10-strong field.

Bred and owned by Dede McGehee’s Heaven Trees Farm, the son of Lookin at Lucky has had a steady stream of works for his conditioner, including a bullet five-furlong gate move in the mud at Churchill Downs Trackside on November 11.

In his first work at Fair Grounds, the chestnut worked a half-mile in :49.60.

“We’ve taken our time with him,” Sharp said. “He’s a big horse and we haven’t been in a hurry to get him there. I think he’ll ultimately be a two-turn horse and he’s pretty special.

“I’ve been on him and so has Rosie (Napravnik) in the mornings, but anyone can ride him. He’s classy and has been handling everything well.

“I appreciate Dede for giving me the opportunity. She’s supported me from the beginning. Obviously there’s pressure being a half-brother to Rachel Alexandra, but he gives me confidence. He doesn’t have to win, but I expect a good race.

“Brian (Hernandez Jr.) will be on him in the race,” Sharp added. “We wanted a commitment from a rider because we think this horse can go places. Brian’s flying in from Kentucky for it.”

Bred in Kentucky, Dolphus is out of stakes-winning Lotta Kim, who won the Tiffany Lass S. at three at Fair Grounds and was second in the Golden Rod S. (G2) at Churchill Downs in just four starts under the tutelage Hal Wiggins, who also conditioned Rachel Alexandra from the beginning of her career through her 20 1/4-length romp in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). That talented miss would go on to beat the boys in the Preakness S. (G1), Haskell Invitational (G1) and Woodward S. (G1).

Dolphus is named for Lotta Kim and Rachel Alexandra’s original owner/breeder, Dolphus Morrison.

The 144th Thoroughbred racing season at Fair Grounds gets underway on Thursday, November 19, with live racing all winter, and TwinSpires.com customers can earn 30X points on the opening week at the New Orleans venue.

Complete Details are available at http://www.twinspires.com/earn-30x-points-opening-week-fair-grounds.