Whelen Springs added yet another feather to the cap of stallion Street Sense when he drew off in the stretch to win the Rainbow Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, 9 April.
The three-year-old colt by Street Sense was making his Stakes debut in the Rainbow and became the second Stakes winner of the afternoon for his sire, joining the exciting Speaker’s Corner, who took the G1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct.
Breaking alertly under rider Gabriel Saez, Whelen Springs was settled off the early pace in fifth as Betty’s Cash and Peace Dog led through the opening quarter. Whelen Springs advanced into a striking position midway through the far turn while saving ground along the inside rail. He then was eased out from the rail, splitting rivals while vying for the lead. He shook clear when straightening for home, pulling away late under urging from his rider to post a five-length win.
Whelen Springs was bred in Arkansas and races for his owner, Shortleaf Stable. He is out of the Pure Prize mare, Holy Nova, winner of the G3 Ballerina Stakes. Holy Nova is a half-sister to Stakes-placed Spitfire Wind, and hails from the family of Graded Stakes winners Kyle’s Our Man (G2) and Aspen Rose (G2).
Whelen Springs was the second Stakes winner of the day for sire Street Sense, after Speaker’s Corner took the G1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct. Speaker’s Corner is undefeated in three starts – all Graded Stakes – this year. Street Sense is also represented by Heaven Street, winner of the Listed Columbia Stakes in 2022.
Street Sense is standing the 2022 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $75,000, stands and nurses.
