Book of Romeo First Winner for Dowsing

Holden Farm's Dowsing (JPN) was represented by his first winner May 12 when his 3-year-old son Book of Romeo won a maiden special weight by 2 3/4 lengths at Indiana Grand. Arven Holden's Book of Romeo was ridden by Joseph Ramos in the one-mile turf test for Indiana-bred and -sired horses 3 and up. The gelding pressed the pace and stuck his head in front at the quarter pole before opening up down the lane. He completed the distance in 1:40.25 over firm turf, besting eight rivals. Wednesday's race was Book of Romeo's sixth career start, but only his second on the turf. He is trained by Jay Holden and was bred by his owner and trainer out of the Tactical Cat mare Joshua's Cat. Dowsing became the first son of Deep Impact to stand in North America when he began his stud career at Holden Farm in 2017. The 8-year-old was bred in Japan by Vinca Holdings out of the Caerleon mare Forest Rain and is a half brother to Freedonia (GB), a group 2 winner who was second in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (G1T). Freedonia is dam of Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac-Criterium des Pouliches (G1) Albigna (IRE). The female family also traces to champions Domedriver, El Gran Senor, Try My Best, and Malinowski, as well as Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Blush With Pride. Dowsing was never raced after a tendon injury while in training in France for Flaxman Holdings. He stands the 2021 season for $25,000.