Following Averly Jane's first career start and win at Keeneland in mid-April, trainer Wesley Ward said, "“She kind of geared down and won in the fastest time of the meet. She would be one we’re targeting at the Albany.” The Albany reference was about Royal Ascot and you might have to think that Averly Jane's victory in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on April 28th wouldn't have diminished the thought of that Ascot goal as the daughter of Midshipman broke away in late stretch to win comfortably in her second start.
Away quickly in the four and one-half furlong event, the two-year-old filly settled in third behind Frosted's quick daughter Bohemian Frost. As the field entered the stretch, Averly Jane took aim at the leader and eventually wore her down to glide across the finish line for a comfortable three and one-half length score. Bohemian Frost just missed the runner-up spot by a short head.
Averly Jane was bred in Kentucky by the University of Kentucky and is a half to Listed winner Chattel. His second dam is out of a Stakes-producing half-sister to Stakes winners Miami Slick and Cielo Otono and is a full sister to Stakes-placed Another Moment.
Averly Janes is one of five Stakes winners this year for Midshipman, who is also represented by G2 Californian winner Royal Ship (also a G1 winner in Brazil) Wink (Melody of Colors Stakes), Happy Sailor (Bara Lass Stakes) and Morestride (Howard B. Noonan Stakes). Midshipman continues to be a consistent sire of Black Type horses. His 17% career Black Type horses from starters continues to be among the best in the business – no stallion under $90K can do better.
