Revenge of the Sis a Promising Sequel for Breeder Ropes

When the popular mare Dorth Vader contested last year's Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), her clever name and accompanying teddy bear that she shared her stall with won the hearts and attention of fans around the world. Dorth Vader finished fifth, and now, her full sister—the impeccably named Revenge of the Sis—keeps the Star Wars theme going and has the chance to provide breeder and co-owner John Ropes with his first Breeders' Cup victory in the Oct. 30 Juvenile Fillies (G1). "They're a little different in the way they look; Revenge of the Sis has a diamond on her face and 'Dorth' had a little squiggly," Ropes said. "Similarly, when they finish training, they're ready to go again and they love running. The difference is probably that Dorth had more speed out of the gate." Like her sister, Revenge of the Sis is trained by George Weaver, and will look to graduate in style as a two-start maiden in the 12-horse Juvenile Fillies. She ran third in Monmouth Park's Sorority Stakes on debut in August and followed with another third in the Frizette Stakes (G1) last out Oct. 3 at Belmont Park. There, she landed four lengths back of victorious longshot Dotsy, but finished well ahead of the favored Libby Lloyd and second-choice Velora, who finished a respective fourth and fifth. "Her first race was two turns over at Monmouth and she came in third running very well, so we put her in the Frizette and the two favorites finished behind us," Ropes said. "Her numbers are improving, she's getting better, and she broke a little sharper. We only see her getting better, and it would be nice to (see her) break her maiden in the Breeders' Cup." Dorth Vader was named for Ropes' partner Dorothy Harden, and she came up with Revenge of the Sis for her full sister. The daughter of Girvin is co-owned by CJ Thoroughbreds and was bred in Florida by Ropes, whose principal business, Ropes Associates, is a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based real estate consulting and development firm. He runs his breeding operation at his Rosegrove Farm in Ocala, Fla. Ropes said it was a no-brainer to try the filly in the World Championships, despite her maiden status. "The question was, 'Do we run her in the Breeders' Cup or a maiden special weight,'" Ropes said. "I said, 'Come on, George! What are we talking about?' And George said she belongs here and she should be here. You can't win it if you're not in it, so why not? "Having the privilege of being at the Breeders' Cup is a wonderful experience," Ropes added. "Dorth did everything we could have asked last year—she won a grade 1, won over a million dollars, and was in the Breeders' Cup. (Revenge of the Sis) is already grade 1-placed and hasn't even broken her maiden yet. It's awesome." Ropes mentioned that the one common thread between Dorth Vader and Revenge of the Sis, who are out of the Yonaguska mare Hardcore Candy, is their competitive spirit. "They both love to run, and when they get into the stretch, they're very competitive and don't give up," he said. "You can't train that. They either have it, or they don't." And as for any traveling companions, Ropes said Harden will make sure Revenge of the Sis is not without a friend of her own. "Dorothy will load her up with a ball, a teddy, and carrots," Ropes said. "Dorothy keeps on delivering carrots and makes sure she never runs out."