Curlin's 2017 book includes Rachel's Valentina, Cavorting

Curlin’s book for the 2017 breeding season will include a pair of Grade 1-winning daughters of Bernardini from the Stonestreet Farm broodmare band – Rachel’s Valentina and Cavorting.

John G. Sikura, president of Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm, where Curlin stands, confirmed the plans for the two mares.

Curlin relocated to Hill ‘n’ Dale from Lane’s End for the 2016 breeding season and covered 141 mares in his first year at the new residence. He will stand the upcoming season for an advertised fee of $150,000.

“He’s going to breed a stellar, fantastic book of mares,” Sikura said. “He did last year, and he’ll breed equal or better this year. We’re limiting his book. He’s breeding 125 mares, and all those spots will be filled by very important mares. Stonestreet has already committed Rachel’s Valentina and Cavorting, two of the most valuable young mares in the world.”

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Rachel’s Valentina is the second foal – and lone daughter – of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Her first foal was the Curlin colt Jess’s Dream, who won his lone start in dramatic last-to-first fashion.

Rachel’s Valentina was retired in July with two wins in six starts for earnings of $738,800. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the filly won the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes and finished second in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at age 2, then returned as a sophomore to finish second by a neck in the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland before running sixth in the Kentucky Oaks and fifth in the Mother Goose.

Cavorting was retired in October with a record of eight wins in 13 starts and earnings of $2,063,000. Running for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, Cavorting won the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Stakes, Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stakes, and Grade 1 Test Stakes, as well as the Grade 2 Adirondack Stakes, Grade 2 Prioress Stakes, and Grade 2 Ruffian Stakes.

She is out of the Grade 2-winning Carson City mare Promenade Girl, whose four winners from as many runners also includes Grade 2-placed Thirstforlife. Cavorting’s extended family includes Grade 1 winners Another Review and No Review, Grade 2 winner Dance Colony, and Grade 3 winner Fila Primera.