Liam’s Dream Wins Cicada Stakes
Named after a magnificent filly that was voted the champion filly consecutively in 1961, 1962 and 1963, the Cicada Stakes was first run in 1993 and is now an annual event at the Aqueduct Racetrack, in New York. Run during the month of March, the Cicada Stakes is a Grade 3 event for three year old fillies. On Saturday, 20 March 2010, Liam’s Dream, a filly sired by Saint Liam out of Danzig’s Dreamer, entered the starting gates and delivered a breath taking performance that saw her win the 2010 Cicada Stakes.
Liam’s Dream seems to have all the right genes, as her sire, Saint Liam, was one of the leading racehorses and sires of our time. Foaled in 2000, Saint Liam won the 2005 Eclipse Horse of the Year title, and earned over $4 million during his racing career. His victories included Grade 1 events such as the Stephen Foster Handicap and the Donn Handicap. Before a tragic fall claimed his life, Saint Liam covered over a hundred mares, with Liam’s Dream being one of his extremely successful progeny. Liam’s Dream continued to keep his legacy alive, by taking the victory at the Cicada Stakes by a length and a half, bringing much joy to her owners, W.K. Warren and Suzanne Warren.
Ridden by Anna Rose Napravnik, the race was a first for both jockey and horse, as it was their first graded event victory. Neither one faltered or missed a beat, as Napravnik took advantage of a small opening along the rail and moved in to save some ground. Romantic Hideaway had to settle for second place, and was followed home, in finishing order, by Indian Burn, Fuzzy Britches, Southern Truth, Bickersons and Female Drama. A visibly excited Napravnik commented to the press: “In the stretch, when she came through on the rail, she really fired. She was very, very game today.” Trainer, Tony Dutrow, expressed his belief in the filly in an interview, stating that he has always seen her as a reliable filly and was confident throughout the running of the Cicada Stakes. When asked about her next start, Dutrow commented that no plans have been made in regard to her future event options, but that she would remain in New York, where she seems to be most comfortable.
