Nayibeth, a 2-year-old filly by WinStar Farm stallion Carpe Diem, won at first asking at Keeneland on Wednesday, becoming her sire’s first starter and first winner and also a TDN Rising Star.
Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings and owned by Ramon Tallaj, Nayibeth raced to the lead at the start of the 4 ½-furlong Maiden Special Weight, shook loose from her rivals around the turn and scampered clear to win by four lengths under Joel Rosario for trainer Wesley Ward. She covered the distance in :51.54, the quickest time at the distance this meet, on a fast main track.
A $230,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling, the bay filly was bought by Ben McElroy, agent, out of the Denali Stud consignment.
Carpe Diem, a $1.6 million OBS March sale topper by Giant’s Causeway, captured his Saratoga debut at two and won the Breeders’ Futurity Stakes (G1) at Keeneland before finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). As a 3-year-old, Carpe Diem won the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) before returning to Keeneland to win the prestigious Blue Grass Stakes (G1). Campaigned by Stonestreet Stables and WinStar, he bankrolled $1,519,800 on the track before retiring to WinStar Farm. Carpe Diem has been represented this year in the sale ring by first 2-year-olds up to $650,000.
