2019 Eclipse Awards: Guarana

Guarana’s campaign was brief, but dazzling. From April to September, the filly made four starts, winning a pair of Grade 1 events, and posting Beyer Speed Figures of 90 or higher in each outing. She shone bright enough to be voted a finalist for the Eclipse Award as the nation’s outstanding 3-year-old filly.

Guarana, a daughter of 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, races as a homebred for Three Chimneys Farm. The filly was, appropriately enough, turned over to trainer Chad Brown, who worked with Ghostzapper as an assistant to the late Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel.

“She reminds me a lot of her father, so it’s extra special to me having worked so closely with Ghostzappper and learning under Bobby,” Brown said. “To have his daughter who is equally as brilliant, hopefully, under our care is an incredible feeling. I’m a very lucky guy.”

Guarana won her debut April 19 at Keeneland, pulling clear by 14 3/4 lengths despite being geared down. She earned a 93 Beyer for that performance.

:: Full list of 2019 Eclipse Awards finalists, including profile stories

Brown indicated his high opinion of the filly by sending her directly into Grade 1 company in the Acorn Stakes on the Belmont Stakes undercard for her second start, and jockey Jose Ortiz showed he shared that opinion by taking himself off of Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress to keep the mount. Guarana rewarded their faith, running Serengeti Empress into submission and pulling clear to win the Acorn by six lengths. Her time for the one-turn mile was 1:33.58, eclipsing You’s stakes record of 1:34 in the 2002 Acorn. Guarana earned a Beyer of 99.

“All I can say is ‘Wow!’ ” Ortiz said post-race.

Guarana’s next test was the historic Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga, in which she would go two turns for the first time while stretching out to 1 1/8 miles. She defeated Black-Eyed Susan winner Point of Honor by a length to remain unbeaten, posting a 92 Beyer.

Guarana concluded her campaign with her first career loss, finishing second to Street Band in the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing. In a salty field of 11, she finished ahead of multiple Grade 1 winner Bellafina, Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress, and Eclipse Award champion 2-year-old filly Jaywalk while posting a 95 Beyer.

After Brown observed her post-Cotillion training, Guarana passed on the Breeders’ Cup in favor of being turned out at Three Chimneys for a freshening. She will return to Brown for the 2020 season.