Mendelssohn Filly Impressive in Juvenile Fillies Stakes

Austere (2f Mendelssohn x Argumentative, by Observatory) took her record to two-from-two on Sunday with an impressive three length victory in the Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Kentucky Downs.

Racing four lengths back early in the one mile race on the turf, she stayed within striking distance of the leader throughout in the third position. She moved up slightly the farther they got into the race before being in perfect pouncing position coming into the stretch.

Shifting a few paths from her original position by Tyle Gaffalione for the stretch run, Austere reached the leader by the time the field entered the final furlong and pulled away from there.

Purchased by Bradley Thoroughbreds for $150,000 from Lane’s End at last year’s Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the filly is owned by Bradley alongside Gary Finder, Tucci Stables, Cambron Equine, and Belmar Racing and Breeding and trained by Brendan Walsh.

Hailing from the Summer Wind Equine breeding program, Austere is a half-sister to Group I winner Epicuris and stakes place Indeed out of the multiple stakes placed Argumentative. Her family also includes Grade I winners Matiara and Unforgotten.

Mendelssohn leads all second crop sires with 67 career winners winning 82 races so far, including two stakes winners and 11 stakes performers. That group includes three graded stakes placed runners as well.