Charming Kitten , a grade 3 winner by the late leading sire Kitten's Joy, sired his first winner Sept. 19 when his daughter Classic Kitten won by 4 1/4 lengths at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Classic Kitten, bred in Indiana by Marilyn Zerhusen, became a winner in her third career start. She had previously finished third twice at Horseshoe Indianapolis Aug. 11 and Sept. 7. Trainer Genaro Garcia bought the filly for $11,500 as a yearling during the 2022 Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's Fall Mixed Sale out of Breakway Farm's consignment. Racing for Normando Jimenez and Southwest Racing Stables, Classic Kitten has now won $30,800.
Zerhusen bred the new winner out Klassie Connect, a winning daughter of Proud Citizen and a full sister to group 3-placed winner Gunvald. The immediate family also produced multiple grade 3 winner Rotsaluck and grade 3 winner Chilly Rooster. Klassie Connect has a yearling full sister to Classic Kitten.
Charming Kitten raced as a homebred for leading owner/breeders Ken and Sarah Ramsey. He won or placed in 15 black-type stakes, including eight in graded stakes. His best winning performances came in the W.L. McKnight Handicap (G3T) and Belmont Gold Cup Invitational Stakes. He also ran second in the Virginia Derby (G2T) and was third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.
Charming Kitten stands at Breakway Farm near Dillsboro, Ind., for $2,500.
