Samantha Nicole retired, booked to Bernardini

Samantha Nicole, a full sister to 2009 Horse of the Year and stakes producer Rachel Alexandra, has been retired to Stonestreet Farm in Lexington, Ky., and will be bred to Bernardini this season, hoping to capitalize on a cross that has proven successful with her family.

Stonestreet purchased Samantha Nicole for $700,000 as a yearling at the 2012 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. She was offered as part of the dispersal of Dolphus Morrison, who also bred and owned Rachel Alexandra before privately selling her to a group that included Stonestreet.

Samantha Nicole never reached her famed sister’s level of accomplishment but was a useful runner, finishing her career with a record of 10-2-2-1 and earnings of $123,445. She is out of Grade 2-placed Lotta Kim, who has produced three winners from as many starters, with Rachel Alexandra and Samantha Nicole joined by Dolphus. Dolphus is being pointed to the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes on Feb. 20 at Fair Grounds.

Rachel Alexandra’s foals are both winners – led by Rachel’s Valentina, a Bernardini filly who won the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes and finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Rachel Alexandra experienced complications following the delivery of Rachel’s Valentina, leading to a prolonged stay at a veterinary hospital. Stonestreet owner Barbara Banke has said that the mare is unlikely to be bred again.