Blinkers on and a switch back to rider Luis Saez drew the best out of Safeen, who set a track record in winning the $453,575 One Dreamer Stakes Sept. 5 at Kentucky Downs.
The One Dreamer was for fillies and mares who had not won a stakes in 2024, and it proved to be a great spot for Fergus Galvin and Rebecca Hillen's 4-year-old War Front filly whose most recent victory came in the 2023 Pucker Up Stakes (G3T) at Ellis Park.
Under a hustling ride from Saez, who also rode her in the Pucker Up, Safeen sped to the front Thursday and set fractions of :23.90, :46.72, and 1:09.95 over a firm, dry turf course that was producing its share of kickback.
Safeen had a three-length lead through six furlongs, but as she climbed toward the finish line, She's Lookin Lucky was gaining. Safeen held on by a head, running the mile and 70 yards in a track record 1:37.45. Wathnan Racing's Immensitude finished another length back in third.
"(Safeen) got the ground she wanted today. She likes it pretty firm," said winning trainer Eddie Kenneally. "This adds to her résumé. She's hard-knocking and probably as good as ever."
Co-owner Galvin, as agent, purchased Safeen from the Bluewater Sales consignment for a bargain $18,000 at the 2022 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. Safeen has now won four of 15 starts and earned $737,224.
Safeen was bred in Kentucky by Shadwell Farm. She is out of the unplaced Dynaformer mare Tafaneen.
