Saratoga Maidens, Presented by Keeneland, Sunrise! Well-Bred Son Of Karakontie Up And At ‘Em On Spa Turf

[Wandering Eyes]

During Keeneland September last year, bloodstock agent Steve Young signed the ticket to the tune of $150,000 on a dark bay colt bred by Gainesway (hip 1408) for his client Harrell Ventures. Sent to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, Sunrise (Karakontie {Jpn}–Spanish Bunny, by Unusual Heat) made his second start a winning one after a gritty battle over the turf in the ninth race at Saratoga on Sunday afternoon.

When reached by phone, Young said that in the days leading up to the sale that the colt was high on his client's list, especially since Gainesway's Karakontie has turned into such a dependable value sire.

“He [Sunrise] was not a hard horse to find,” said Young. “We honestly were prepared to pay more and thought that because of his pedigree that he was going to bring more. Gainesway always brings quality horses to the sales and we knew what we were getting.”

Sunrise is a full-brother to 2022 New York-bred Horse of the Year Spendarella, who took down for Gainesway and trainer Graham Motion the GI Del Mar Oaks, won the GII Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland and was also the runner-up in the GI Just a Game Stakes at Belmont. Spanish Loveaffair is Sunrise's other full-sibling who is a multiple-stakes winner. The debuting Sunrise counts GI American Oaks heroine Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule) as a half-sister, which only adds to potential when it comes to running on grass.

Sunrise's connections in the winner's circle | Sarah Andrew

“Being out of Spanish Bunny, a full to Spendarella and Spanish Loveaffair, half to Spanish Queen, we saw him walk and knew that this was a proper horse,” said Young. “I think Karakontie has a tremendous pedigree on the female side and he's proven to be a quality stallion.”

With that strong turf bloodline of his, Sunrise earned the lead at the top of the lane in today's Spa maiden special weight, went head-to-head with first-time starter Glavine (Not This Time) and bested him on the square.

“Sending him to Todd [Pletcher] was the right move and when he drew in, we were excited to see that he was running today,” he said. “Ricardo [Santana] gave him a million-dollar ride. We can't wait for what he has up next.”

9th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-31, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:44.24, fm, head.
SUNRISE (c, 2, Karakontie {Jpn}–Spanish Bunny, by Unusual Heat) took on two turns for his unveiling over the Spa turf course Aug. 2 and weathered brushing the gate to finish well in fourth place. Drawing in off the also-eligible list here, the 3-1 second choice had no issues moving from the outside at the break to take up a position behind the speed heading into the first turn. The juvenile kept close tabs on the pacesetter up the backstretch, but around the far turn it was time to wind up for a charge. Fellow firster Glavine (Not This Time) went with the new leader and the pair engaged in a thrilling battle down the lane. In the shadow of the wire Sunrise gained the upper hand to break his maiden. Favorite Tacticality was fifth. The winner is a full-brother to Spendarella, GISW-USA, G1SP-Eng, $795,459 and Spanish Loveaffair, MSW & MGSP, $284,090, plus a half to Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule), GISW, $423,600. Gainesway bought Spanish Bunny for $130,000 at the 2015 Keeneland November Sale. Her more recent produce includes current 3-year-old gelding in-training Silly Rabbit (Uncle Mo) and a yearling filly by Justify. She visited Karakontie once again for 2026. Sales History: $150,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $61,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Harrell Ventures LLC; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. @campbellparlay

Sunrise breaks his maiden at second asking in R9 at Saratoga!

Todd Pletcher trains and @RSantana_jr was up. pic.twitter.com/pyCKUyQaCf

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 31, 2025

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