Brown has Grade 1 races in his sights for Directive

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Chad Brown already has a top filly in the 3-year-old division in Always a Runner, the undefeated winner of the Kentucky Oaks.

Brown has another top-level 3-year-old filly in Directive, who, once she figures things out, could be a factor in Grade 1 stakes as well.

Directive won a first-level allowance race on Thursday and the one-length margin of victory belies how strong an effort it was. Directive, a Juddmonte homebred daughter of Gun Runner, got lost a little in the stretch, but then re-engaged when challenged by Measured and galloped out like a horse who will relish even more ground. That’s why Brown is looking forward to running her in the Grade 1 $600,000 Alabama on Aug. 22 at 1 1/4 miles. She will run in the Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks on July 25 beforehand.

“Still a little green, she shied from the stick a little bit, but then once that horse came to her on the inside she galloped out with her ears up,” Brown said. “Just a horse that will run all day, tremendous amount of stamina. The mare continues to be a golden producer.”

Directive is out of the dam Antonoe, who Brown trained to win the Grade 1 Just a Game in 2017. Antonoe has produced Grade 1-winning turf horses Segesta and Salamis, also trained by Brown.

“It makes it extra special for me,” Brown said. “Another really talented, beautiful horse that Juddmonte put in my lap.”

Directive is now 2 for 3 after finishing second in her sprint debut on April 3 at Aqueduct.

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