Phoenix Thoroughbreds snap up impressive Del Mar scorer Splashy Kisses

Phoenix Thoroughbreds have completed a deal that sees them take a majority stake in Splashy Kisses, a two-year-old daughter of Blame who got off the mark at the second time of asking in a Del Mar maiden special weight in August.

The filly, who is out of the winning Cherokee Run mare Indian Valley and bred by Kentucky's Winchester Farm, will remain in training with the California-based Doug O'Neill.

Phoenix will take a 51 per cent stake in Splashy Kisses, with her original part-owner ERJ Racing, fronted by NHL star Erik Johnson, retaining the remainder.

Connections harbour high hopes for the filly, who was first purchased for $30,000 from last year's Fasig-Tipton Turf Showcase Sale before realising $100,000 at the same sale company's Gulfstream Sale when bought by her trainer and ERJ Racing.

There was plenty to like about her victory, the filly leading almost all the way in the six furlong contest under Joel Rosario before stretching away under only modest urgings from the rider to score by five and three quarter lengths.

According to reports in the US she could take a sharp step up in grade soon, with the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Santa Anita on September 29 on the radar.

Should she carry the Phoenix colours to victory, she would not be the first filly bought into by the operation to enjoy success, with Signora Cabello having bagged a pair of Group 2 contests since a deal was struck with her original owners, Zen Racing.

Click here to watch Splashy Kisses winning at Del Mar

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