Dreaming of Anna wins Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

December 11, 2006

Dreaming of Anna, a Rahy filly foaled and raised by Lantern Hill Farm, turned in a devastating, front-running performance to win the $1,832,000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Churchill Downs on November 4.

Out of the Broad Brush mare Justenuffheart, Dreaming of Anna broke well from the rail and was never headed. The strapping chestnut filly cruised through an opening half-mile in 47.96, and six furlongs in 1:12.34 before she galloped home to win the 1 1/16-mile race by 1¼ lengths in 1:43.81.

"This is a special moment," winning jockey Rene Douglas said after the race. "She's the best filly I've ever ridden, and it wouldn't surprise me if she was good enough to go for the Kentucky Derby rather than the Kentucky Oaks next year."

Wayne Catalano trains Dreaming of Anna for owner and breeder Frank Calabrese. Calabrese originally purchased Justenuffheart privately after her maiden victory, and she went on to win the Frances A. Genter Handicap and the Marie P. DeBartolo Oaks for the Chicago-area businessman.

Calabrese sent Justenuffheart to Lantern Hill Farm after her retirement in 2001. The mare – who is a half-sister to 2004 Champion Turf Male Kitten's Joy – produced her first three foals at Lantern Hill, among them stakes winner and 2006 Triple Crown contender Lewis Michael.

Justenuffheart was consigned by Lantern Hill Farm to the 2005 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, where she was purchased by Mt. Brilliant Farm for $800,000.