My Philly Twirl took the lead at the top of the lane and repelled all challengers to post a head victory in the Listed Sanibel Island Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, 2 April.
It was the third straight win for the three-year-old daughter of Hard Spun, who now has won three of four career starts. The Sanibel Island was My Philly Twirl’s Stakes debut.
Ridden by regular rider Julien Leparoux, My Philly Twirl battled with Sensitivity (Street Sense) for the lead through the early stages of the race. My Philly Twirl took a slight advantage over that rival as the field turned for home, but then had to turn back late challenges from Big Tentations and Beechnut Trophy to earn the victory.
Bred in Kentucky by her owner, John Gallegos, My Philly Twirl is out of My Philly Girl, a winning daughter of Empire Maker. A half-sister to Stakes winner, Loch Lein, My Philly Girl hails from the immediate family of two-time G1 Dubai Turf winner, Lord North (Dubawi), G1 Central Bank Ashland Stakes winner, Out For A Spin (Hard Spun) and G1 Toyota Blue Grass winner, Bandini.
Hard Spun is coming off a successful year which was highlighted by Aloha West, winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and Silver State, winner of the G1 Met Mile. The stallion was also represented last year by Graded Stakes winners Summer in Saratoga (G3 Rood & Riddle Dowager Stakes) and Antoinette (G3 The Very One Stakes). In addition to My Philly Twirl, Hard Spun is represented by additional 2022 Stakes winner, Green Light Go.
Hard Spun is standing the 2022 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $35,000, stands and nurses.
