Solemn Vow Continues Spendthrift's Keeneland Success

This column highlights the performances of 2-year-old maidens who have made no more than five starts and who either sold for more than $500,000 at public auction, have siblings that are graded/group winners, or have dams that are graded/group winners. BloodHorse research shows maiden winners, in particular, who meet these criteria are more likely to go on to be graded stakes winners.

The powerhouse Spendthrift Farm outfit has yet another standout individual in this week's Maiden Watch with the Constitution  filly Solemn Vow. 

Standing atop the Keeneland owner's standings with six wins (not including another win earned in partnership), Spendthrift's banner fall meet hit another high note Oct. 18 following a sterling opening weekend. Two horses sired by Spendthrift stallions—Barnes (by Into Mischief ) and Kappa Kappa (by Omaha Beach ) each notched graded stakes victories in the Perryville (G3) and Raven Run (G2) stakes.

In the race following Barnes' dominating score in the Perryville, Spendthrift's Solemn Vow earned her diploma in a 6-furlong maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies. A $350,000 purchase for Spendthrift at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Solemn Vow had failed to make a return on her investment in her first two outings, finishing seventh and third for trainer Al Stall Jr. The bay had made a noticeable improvement in start number two, however, forcing the issue early before yielding in the final sixteenth in a 6-furlong maiden event Sept. 11 at Churchill Downs.

Third time was the charm for Solemn Vow. Content to stalk the pace this under jockey Tyler Gaffalione, the pair tipped three wide turning for home and forged clear of the pacesetters, driving under the wire on top by 2 1/2 lengths. Solemn Vow raced the 6 furlongs in 1:11.60 on a fast main track.

Solemn Vow became the third winner for her dam, the Medaglio d'Oro mare Rainier. Although unraced herself for owner Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Rainier produced a grade 1 winner from her second foal with Prince of Monaco . A $950,000 yearling, the son of Speightstown stormed undefeated through his first three starts at 2, capped by a triumph in the 2023 Del Mar Futurity (G1). Returning in training as a 3-year-old, he suffered two narrow defeats in top-level company in the Woody Stephens Stakes (G1) and H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1). Prince of Monaco bred his first book of mares this past spring at Claiborne Farm and will stand the 2026 term for a $30,000 stud fee.