Cynane a sharp first winner for Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach’s Cynane powers to a debut MSW victory May 11 at Belmont Park – Chelsea Durand/NYRA

Spendthrift Farm’s Omaha Beach became the first freshman sire of 2023 to produce a winner on Thursday when Cynane tallied a 2 ¾-length victory in a five-furlong maiden special weight turf race at Belmont Park (WATCH RACE).

Omaha Beach was one of the most sought-after new stallions for 2020 after his terrific 3-year-old campaign that included wins in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Malibu S. (G1) and Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G1), the latter against older horses. In his first three years at stud, he covered 635 mares. In the sales ring this year, Omaha Beach is far and away the leading sire of 2-year-olds, with an average of $266,590 from 22 lots sold.

Cynane (pronounced Key-nah-nay), who was just the second starter for her sire, was making her debut for trainer Thomas Morley and the ownership team of VinLaur Racing Stables LLC, West Paces Racing LLC and Rainbow’s End Racing Stable.

Cynane shot out of the gate and wrested the lead from Sam’s Treasure and Marco T in the first furlong. Under a hand ride, she opened up by two lengths after a quarter-mile in :22.80. After a little breather in upper stretch, she pulled away again in the final 100 yards to win in style.

The final time on the firm turf was :57.61.

“This filly did everything right. We had really high expectations coming in (to this race),” said owner Gregg Palesky.

Morley indicated that Cynane could be making a trip to Great Britain for the historic Ascot meet.

Bred by Hinkle Farms in Kentucky, Cynane sold for $250,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling sale. From an extremely prolific female family, Cynane’s third dam Matlacha Pass produced multiple Grade 1 winners Point of Entry and Pine Island.