Cupid’s Duke of Love Flashes Talent In Woodbine Debut

Cupid’s son Duke of Love (2c Cupid x Tell The Duchess, by Smart Strike) was another impressive debut winner for his freshman sire when scoring by two lengths at Woodbine.

Racing over 5 ½ furlongs on the synthetic surface in a Maiden Special Weight, Duke of Love raced three wide just behind a trio of dueling leaders in the first few furlongs before Justin Stein piloted him to the inside just in time for a hole to open on the rail.

It took little convincing for the colt to shoot through that spot and he was quickly in front. The MyRacehorse-owned juvenile gave indications there is plenty of talent yet to come as he pulled away to win by two lengths as the race favorite in the field of 10.

Trained by Jose Carroll for his owner, Duke of Love was bred in Ontario by Caldara Farm, Patrick Costello, David Whitford, and Tom Zwiesler.

The colt is bred on the same Tapit son x Smart Strike daughter cross as seven stakes performers, including two stakes winners.

Duke of Love is the second foal out of Tell The Duchess, who herself is a half-sister to four winners from five to run.

The mare’s granddam is the dam of seven stakes performers led by Grade III winner Humble Eight with her daughters producing horses such as Group I Irish Derby winner Sovereign and Group II winners Shonan Mighty and Go For The Summit among others.

Cupid’s 16 winners is seventh best of all freshmen with his three stakes performers and two stakes winners among the top 10 as well.