2019 Winners
Selected Articles:
Listentoyourheart captures Finger Lakes’ Aspirant Stakes
Monday, September 9th, 2019
By Sarah Mace
Merrylegs Farm homebred Listentoyourheart and jockey Manny Franco made a trip to Finger Lakes well worth their while Monday when they captured the 45th running $114,213 Aspirant Stakes for New York-bred juveniles after a tracking trip. The lucrative six-furlong dash, which was run as race eight, was co-featured with the $108,775 Lady Finger Stakes for fillies run earlier on the card.
This year’s Aspirant Stakes attracted a competitive field of eight including four shippers. Franco was also one of several top jockeys from the NYRA circuit who accompanied horses to Farmington. Dylan Davis took the call on Bruce Brown-trained Mission Wrapitup, a stakes-tested runner, while Eric Cancel had the mount on Inside Info who was making a second career start and dirt debut for George Weaver.
A bay son of Afleet Alex trained by Christophe Clement, Listentoyourheart came into the Aspirant with strong credentials. A front-running 1 1/4-length winner on debut at Belmont Park on June 23 going five furlongs, he earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 69 which topped the Aspirant field. Next out he missed capturing the inaugural Rick Violent Stakes on July 17 at the Spa by just a nose, nailed late by Sky of Hook after setting the pace over a sloppy track.
Returning in the Funny Cide on Saratoga Showcase Day and drawn in the outside post of nine, Listentoyourheart finished third with a legitimate excuse: the colt lost his footing at the break and was then hung wide for the remainder of the trip. Finger Lakes bettors deemed Listentoyourheart would rebound and made him the most likely to win the Aspirant as the 4-5 favorite.
After veering in at the break, Listentoyourheart split horses immediately to settle in second position just outside of early pacesetter A Maize Zing Rip, who led the field through a quarter in 23.18.
Advancing in the approach to the far turn, Listentoyourheart engaged and passed A Maize Zing Rip midway around the bend as the half went in 47.50.
Even with a little more than a length advantage at the head of the stretch, Franco could still hear the hoofbeats of encroaching closers and kept Listentoyourheart to his task right to the finish line. The bay ultimately completed the six furlongs in 1:13.4 with a 2-length margin of victory.
Mission Wrapitup (7-2) closed from fourth to get second, while 2 1/2 lengths back A Maize Zing Rip held well for third. Disco Deano won the photo for fourth over Inside Info. Finishing next in order were Honor Thy Secret, first-time starter Let Me Call Joe and maiden Pacquiao.
Listentoyourheart is one of three winners from three foals to start and the first black type progeny for New York-bred winner Je T’aime by Gold Token, who was bred by Paula Ann Cohn Hallman and campaigned by Merrylegs Farm. Je T’aime has a yearling filly by Macho Uno named She’s the One.
With two wins, one second and one third from four starts, all run without Lasix, Listentoyourheart has earned $146,628.
www.nytbreeders.org/news/2019/09/09/listentoyourheart-aspirant/
Monday, September 9th, 2019
By Sarah Mace
Merrylegs Farm homebred Listentoyourheart and jockey Manny Franco made a trip to Finger Lakes well worth their while Monday when they captured the 45th running $114,213 Aspirant Stakes for New York-bred juveniles after a tracking trip. The lucrative six-furlong dash, which was run as race eight, was co-featured with the $108,775 Lady Finger Stakes for fillies run earlier on the card.
This year’s Aspirant Stakes attracted a competitive field of eight including four shippers. Franco was also one of several top jockeys from the NYRA circuit who accompanied horses to Farmington. Dylan Davis took the call on Bruce Brown-trained Mission Wrapitup, a stakes-tested runner, while Eric Cancel had the mount on Inside Info who was making a second career start and dirt debut for George Weaver.
A bay son of Afleet Alex trained by Christophe Clement, Listentoyourheart came into the Aspirant with strong credentials. A front-running 1 1/4-length winner on debut at Belmont Park on June 23 going five furlongs, he earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 69 which topped the Aspirant field. Next out he missed capturing the inaugural Rick Violent Stakes on July 17 at the Spa by just a nose, nailed late by Sky of Hook after setting the pace over a sloppy track.
Returning in the Funny Cide on Saratoga Showcase Day and drawn in the outside post of nine, Listentoyourheart finished third with a legitimate excuse: the colt lost his footing at the break and was then hung wide for the remainder of the trip. Finger Lakes bettors deemed Listentoyourheart would rebound and made him the most likely to win the Aspirant as the 4-5 favorite.
After veering in at the break, Listentoyourheart split horses immediately to settle in second position just outside of early pacesetter A Maize Zing Rip, who led the field through a quarter in 23.18.
Advancing in the approach to the far turn, Listentoyourheart engaged and passed A Maize Zing Rip midway around the bend as the half went in 47.50.
Even with a little more than a length advantage at the head of the stretch, Franco could still hear the hoofbeats of encroaching closers and kept Listentoyourheart to his task right to the finish line. The bay ultimately completed the six furlongs in 1:13.4 with a 2-length margin of victory.
Mission Wrapitup (7-2) closed from fourth to get second, while 2 1/2 lengths back A Maize Zing Rip held well for third. Disco Deano won the photo for fourth over Inside Info. Finishing next in order were Honor Thy Secret, first-time starter Let Me Call Joe and maiden Pacquiao.
Listentoyourheart is one of three winners from three foals to start and the first black type progeny for New York-bred winner Je T’aime by Gold Token, who was bred by Paula Ann Cohn Hallman and campaigned by Merrylegs Farm. Je T’aime has a yearling filly by Macho Uno named She’s the One.
With two wins, one second and one third from four starts, all run without Lasix, Listentoyourheart has earned $146,628.
www.nytbreeders.org/news/2019/09/09/listentoyourheart-aspirant/
Matchmadeinheaven is chosen as
Finger Lakes Champion 2 Year Old in 2012.
Gimma gives Matchmadeinheaven third stakes victory in as many starts
Gimma gives Matchmadeinheaven third stakes victory in as many starts
Saturday, October 20th, 2012 NYRA/Adam Coglianese
article by Sarah Mace
Merrylegs Farm homebred Matchmadeinheaven, who won the Lady Finger Stakes in her career debut for trainer Chris Englehart and followed up with a victory in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes also run at Finger Lakes, made a rarity out of herself on Showcase Day at Belmont with a come-from-behind victory over 11 other juvenile fillies in the $125,000 Joseph A. Gimma, which ran up her record to a perfect three-for-three with three stakes victories.
Drawn in the outermost post of 12 to go seven furlongs in the Gimma and relatively overlooked at odds of 10-1, Matchmadeinheaven raced near in the back of the pack in ninth through an opening quarter mile in 23.31 and a half in 47.81.
Still racing well back as the field entered the far turn – and last and widest of all entering the stretch – Matchmadeinheaven took off with determination for the finish line after straightening out for the drive.
After passing the bulk of the field in the center of the track, in the final strides Matchmadeinheaven collared 7-2 second choice Agilion, who had poked a head in front of 5-2 favorite Kelli Got Frosty, to get the victory by three-quarters of a length. Her time for the seven furlongs was 1:26.34.
Jose Lezcano, who earlier on the Showcase Day card won Bertram F. Bongard for 2-year-old males aboard Weekend Hideaway, explained the eccentricities of the trip. “She’s still a baby, and every horse that came to her she was backing up, backing up. When I got to the quarter pole, I swung out and she took off like she was breaking from the gate. She’s a very nice filly and she’ll get better with more racing.”
Matchmadeinheaven has earned $180,592 from her three stakes victories.
A 2-year-old daughter of leading New York second crop sire Utopia who stands at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Matchmadeinheaven was foaled at Sugar Maple Farm in Poughquag (Vinery New York at Sugar Maple). She is the last reported foal out of Open Marriage, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Deputy Minister who turned out to be a phenomenally successful broodmare after being purchased by the late Seymour Cohn at the Fasig-Tipton New York yearling sale in 1990 for $50,000.
Open Marriage produced ten winners, including Chasin’ Wimmin by Belong to Me ($418,558), a three-time stakes winner and eleven time stakes performer, Garland of Roses winner Pentelis by Pentelicus ($240,124), and stakes winner See More Spirit by A. P Jet ($191,327). She also produced and two more six-figure earners including Affair in the Air by A. P Jet, who started 82 times over eight campaigns ($263,166). To date, her progeny have earned over $1.6 million.
Penny Hallman, who is the winning owner and breeder of Matchmadeinheaven said, “It was my father [Seymour Cohen’s] mare, Open Marriage, and she was our foundation broodmare and used to have a lot of nice horses, Chasin’ Wimmin, Pentelis, and See More Spirit, who is named after my dad. The mare died when this foal was born, and that’s kind of where we got the name, Matchmadeinheaven, and it was also named after my [late] parents, who are not with me but are always with me.”
Saturday, October 20th, 2012 NYRA/Adam Coglianese
article by Sarah Mace
Merrylegs Farm homebred Matchmadeinheaven, who won the Lady Finger Stakes in her career debut for trainer Chris Englehart and followed up with a victory in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes also run at Finger Lakes, made a rarity out of herself on Showcase Day at Belmont with a come-from-behind victory over 11 other juvenile fillies in the $125,000 Joseph A. Gimma, which ran up her record to a perfect three-for-three with three stakes victories.
Drawn in the outermost post of 12 to go seven furlongs in the Gimma and relatively overlooked at odds of 10-1, Matchmadeinheaven raced near in the back of the pack in ninth through an opening quarter mile in 23.31 and a half in 47.81.
Still racing well back as the field entered the far turn – and last and widest of all entering the stretch – Matchmadeinheaven took off with determination for the finish line after straightening out for the drive.
After passing the bulk of the field in the center of the track, in the final strides Matchmadeinheaven collared 7-2 second choice Agilion, who had poked a head in front of 5-2 favorite Kelli Got Frosty, to get the victory by three-quarters of a length. Her time for the seven furlongs was 1:26.34.
Jose Lezcano, who earlier on the Showcase Day card won Bertram F. Bongard for 2-year-old males aboard Weekend Hideaway, explained the eccentricities of the trip. “She’s still a baby, and every horse that came to her she was backing up, backing up. When I got to the quarter pole, I swung out and she took off like she was breaking from the gate. She’s a very nice filly and she’ll get better with more racing.”
Matchmadeinheaven has earned $180,592 from her three stakes victories.
A 2-year-old daughter of leading New York second crop sire Utopia who stands at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Matchmadeinheaven was foaled at Sugar Maple Farm in Poughquag (Vinery New York at Sugar Maple). She is the last reported foal out of Open Marriage, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Deputy Minister who turned out to be a phenomenally successful broodmare after being purchased by the late Seymour Cohn at the Fasig-Tipton New York yearling sale in 1990 for $50,000.
Open Marriage produced ten winners, including Chasin’ Wimmin by Belong to Me ($418,558), a three-time stakes winner and eleven time stakes performer, Garland of Roses winner Pentelis by Pentelicus ($240,124), and stakes winner See More Spirit by A. P Jet ($191,327). She also produced and two more six-figure earners including Affair in the Air by A. P Jet, who started 82 times over eight campaigns ($263,166). To date, her progeny have earned over $1.6 million.
Penny Hallman, who is the winning owner and breeder of Matchmadeinheaven said, “It was my father [Seymour Cohen’s] mare, Open Marriage, and she was our foundation broodmare and used to have a lot of nice horses, Chasin’ Wimmin, Pentelis, and See More Spirit, who is named after my dad. The mare died when this foal was born, and that’s kind of where we got the name, Matchmadeinheaven, and it was also named after my [late] parents, who are not with me but are always with me.”
Chapman wins tough allowance race at Aqueduct on January 16, 2013!
3 year old gelding wins gamely at the wire to go 2 for 2 in his young, promising career.
Dare to Dream Stable Press Release January 16, 2013
Chapman guts out impressive allowance win at Aqueduct on January 16, 2013
JAMAICA, NY - January 16, 2013 - Dare To Dream Stable's 3 yr old gelding Chapman proved his debut maiden score was no fluke by gutting out an impressive allowance win in the slop at Aqueduct Racetrack. Chapman was coming off an impressive debut, winning by over 5 lengths to close out his abbreviated 2 year old campaign. The waters were about to get a bit deeper as the son of Stanislavsky was facing winners for the first time, many of whom had a lot more experience than Chapman. Among the competition Chapman would be facing was the highly regarded New York Bred In Harm's Way, who was multiple stakes placed and graded stakes placed, running 3rd in the Grade 2 Saratoga Special this past summer.
As the gates popped open Chapman broke just a tad slow, but jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. quickly put Chapman in a nice secure position in 3rd about 3 lengths off the leaders In Harm's Way and Comandante. As they approached the turn, jockey Ramon Dominguez asked a bit more from rival In Harm's Way and he opened up a 3 length lead on Chapman who remained in 3rd. Once they started to turn for home, Irad Ortiz started to ask Chapman for his run, and he slowly and methodically began to close the gap on both leaders. Chapman was making up ground with each step, and the only question was if the wire would get there before Chapman was able to reel in the top two. As it turned out, Chapman proved his ability and determination would be enough,passing both horses right before the wire to win by a head over In Harm's Way with Comandante a neck back in third.
Chapman garnered $31,200.00 with this allowance win bringing his total after just two races to $55,200.00 all within the last three weeks. The future looks bright for this talented, gutsy gelding! It was a terrific ride by Jockey Irad Ortiz,Jr. who showed why he has quickly ascended to being one of the top riders on the New York circuit. A special thanks also goes out to trainer Chris Englehart who has done a fabulous job conditioning Chapman. Congratulations to all the connections of Chapman, and the prospects for what lies ahead in his future!
3 year old gelding wins gamely at the wire to go 2 for 2 in his young, promising career.
Dare to Dream Stable Press Release January 16, 2013
Chapman guts out impressive allowance win at Aqueduct on January 16, 2013
JAMAICA, NY - January 16, 2013 - Dare To Dream Stable's 3 yr old gelding Chapman proved his debut maiden score was no fluke by gutting out an impressive allowance win in the slop at Aqueduct Racetrack. Chapman was coming off an impressive debut, winning by over 5 lengths to close out his abbreviated 2 year old campaign. The waters were about to get a bit deeper as the son of Stanislavsky was facing winners for the first time, many of whom had a lot more experience than Chapman. Among the competition Chapman would be facing was the highly regarded New York Bred In Harm's Way, who was multiple stakes placed and graded stakes placed, running 3rd in the Grade 2 Saratoga Special this past summer.
As the gates popped open Chapman broke just a tad slow, but jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. quickly put Chapman in a nice secure position in 3rd about 3 lengths off the leaders In Harm's Way and Comandante. As they approached the turn, jockey Ramon Dominguez asked a bit more from rival In Harm's Way and he opened up a 3 length lead on Chapman who remained in 3rd. Once they started to turn for home, Irad Ortiz started to ask Chapman for his run, and he slowly and methodically began to close the gap on both leaders. Chapman was making up ground with each step, and the only question was if the wire would get there before Chapman was able to reel in the top two. As it turned out, Chapman proved his ability and determination would be enough,passing both horses right before the wire to win by a head over In Harm's Way with Comandante a neck back in third.
Chapman garnered $31,200.00 with this allowance win bringing his total after just two races to $55,200.00 all within the last three weeks. The future looks bright for this talented, gutsy gelding! It was a terrific ride by Jockey Irad Ortiz,Jr. who showed why he has quickly ascended to being one of the top riders on the New York circuit. A special thanks also goes out to trainer Chris Englehart who has done a fabulous job conditioning Chapman. Congratulations to all the connections of Chapman, and the prospects for what lies ahead in his future!
Chapman breaks his maiden with ease at Aqueduct on December 28, 2012
2 year old gelding wins handily by over 5 lengths in 1st career start.
Dare to Dream Stable Press Release December 29, 2012
Chapman breaks his maiden with ease at Aqueduct on December 28, 2012
2 year old gelding wins handily by over 5 lengths in 1st career start.
Dare To Dream Stable's Chapman wins at Aqueduct on December 28, 2012
JAMAICA, NY - December 28, 2012 - Dare To Dream Stable's 2 year- old gelding, Chapman, won his career debut in resounding fashion today at the Big A. The strapping dark bay gelding out of Stanislavsky proved to be much the best in this 6 furlong maiden dash for $50,000 NY Breds. Chapman broke a little awkwardly and needed the fine handling of top jockey Ramon Dominguez to thread through a few horses and gain a great position stalking the pacesetter Stonely The Lonely through very quick opening fractions of 22.46 and 45.94 for the half mile. As they entered the turn Ramon opened up the throttle a bit and Chapman began to accelerate, and when they began their run into the stretch it was all but over. Ramon gave Chapman a few left handed cracks of the stick and he began to pull away from Stonely The Lonely. Besides running a bit green in the stretch in his first ever start, Chapman was still able to be geared down winning by a widening 5 1/4 lengths. The final time for the race was 111.85 which could have been much faster had Ramon not taken the foot off the pedal. Chapman's win along with Thnxtomyuncle completing the exacta at 37-1 made for a very nice payout of $153.50. Stonley The Lonely who tired trying to keep up with Chapman completed the nice trifecta payout of $593.00.
Congratulations go out to all the partners of Chapman as well as jockey Ramon Dominguez, who continued his mastery in the saddle giving Chapman an excellent ride. A great job by trainer Chris Englehart who did an unbelievable job preparing Chapman for his long awaited debut after some unfortunate mishaps in his training. Chris showed why he is considered one of the top trainers on the New York Circuit, and Dare To Dream Stable is proud to have him part of the team!
2 year old gelding wins handily by over 5 lengths in 1st career start.
Dare To Dream Stable's Chapman wins at Aqueduct on December 28, 2012
JAMAICA, NY - December 28, 2012 - Dare To Dream Stable's 2 year- old gelding, Chapman, won his career debut in resounding fashion today at the Big A. The strapping dark bay gelding out of Stanislavsky proved to be much the best in this 6 furlong maiden dash for $50,000 NY Breds. Chapman broke a little awkwardly and needed the fine handling of top jockey Ramon Dominguez to thread through a few horses and gain a great position stalking the pacesetter Stonely The Lonely through very quick opening fractions of 22.46 and 45.94 for the half mile. As they entered the turn Ramon opened up the throttle a bit and Chapman began to accelerate, and when they began their run into the stretch it was all but over. Ramon gave Chapman a few left handed cracks of the stick and he began to pull away from Stonely The Lonely. Besides running a bit green in the stretch in his first ever start, Chapman was still able to be geared down winning by a widening 5 1/4 lengths. The final time for the race was 111.85 which could have been much faster had Ramon not taken the foot off the pedal. Chapman's win along with Thnxtomyuncle completing the exacta at 37-1 made for a very nice payout of $153.50. Stonley The Lonely who tired trying to keep up with Chapman completed the nice trifecta payout of $593.00.
Congratulations go out to all the partners of Chapman as well as jockey Ramon Dominguez, who continued his mastery in the saddle giving Chapman an excellent ride. A great job by trainer Chris Englehart who did an unbelievable job preparing Chapman for his long awaited debut after some unfortunate mishaps in his training. Chris showed why he is considered one of the top trainers on the New York Circuit, and Dare To Dream Stable is proud to have him part of the team!
