Shipsational notched his second straight Stakes victory when turning back a late bid from Overstep to take the Sleepy Hollow Stakes by a half-length at Belmont Park on Saturday, Oct. 30.
The two-year-old son of Midshipman, who entered Saturday’s contest off a victory in the Bertram F. Bongard Stakes, has now won three of four career starts.
Piloted once again by jockey Luis Saez, Shipsational battled briefly with Overstep before taking the lead after the first quarter-mile. Shipsational raced well in-hand, opening an easy one-length lead over his rivals going into the far turn. Shipsational continued to hold the advantage in the stretch, as Overstep put in his bid, but that foe was unable to overtake the son of Midshipman and had to settle for second.
Bred in New York by Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone, Shipsational was a $210,000 purchase at the OBS March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training. Shipsational is the 10th foal out of the winning Thunder Gulch mare, Regal Approach. All nine of Regal Approach’s foals to race are winners, including Shipsational. Regal Approach is out of the Stakes winner Regal Approval and is a half-sister to G3 Red Smith Handicap winner, Mr Maybe.
Midshipman’s 16% career Black Type horses from starters continues to be among the best in the business, and only Into Mischief can top his six 100+ Beyers this year. In addition to Shipsational, Midshipman is also represented by the undefeated Averly Jane, recent winner of the Listed Indian Summer Stakes and Special Reserve, winner of the G2 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland. In addition, Midshipman is the sire of 2021 Graded Stakes winners Royal Ship (G2), Naval Laughter (G3) and Kopenhagen (G3 Grande Premio Parana in Brazil).
