Morplay Takes Over Full Ownership of Shisospicy

There was some mystery as to whether or not Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) victress Shisospicy would garner enough interest in the sales ring Nov. 3 at Fasig-Tipton's The November Sale that her owners would want to part ways with her. Initially the answer was no. Then a yes. Entering Monday's sale as Hip 147 as part of Gainesway's consignment, the daughter of Mitole did not meet the reserve set by co-owners Morplay Racing and Qatar Racing. But before the sale was over, Morplay had bought out its partners based on the $5.2 million amount she attracted in the ring. "I just think maybe they have different thoughts on how to handle certain things," Morplay co-founder Rich Mendez said by phone. "It's not a bad thing. For us, we wanted to continue to race her. We had a number in mind that we'd consider (to sell), but we just thought she's gotten us this far. She's a 3-year-old; give her another year." Morplay believes it has a rare gem, perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime filly. "She breathes different air. We truly believe that. We feel that her best is yet to come," Mendez said. Qatar Racing wanted to retire the filly, but it had a number at which it was willing to be bought out, at which Morplay was willing to oblige. Mendez said there was "nothing wrong" in the relationship and that it was a "good partnership." That partnership resulted in a 2025 campaign that saw her go 5-1-0 from seven starts and earn more than $2 million. The only time she did not hit the board was in the Commonwealth Cup (G1) at Ascot Racecourse. Mendez said he knows Shisospicy is a special horse and has more to offer. But because she is coming off of an impressive win at Del Mar in the Breeders' Cup World Championships, he believes Morplay Racing can be more selective in what races she runs in 2026 and not risk overracing her. "Wherever those big races are at, I would expect for her to be there," Mendez predicted. The goal for next year is to once again win at the Breeders' Cup, which will be held at Keeneland. "She's our brand right now," Mendez said. "She is the opportunity as a company or as a small racing outfit that's new to the business, she's a very special horse. … Who knows, if we end up selling her next year, she just might be the start of a business on the other side, of broodmares."