Taken by the Wind

Kenny McPeek's talented juvenile filly Taken by the Wind has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting two-year-old prospects in training, compiling a perfect 2-for-2 record while banking $180,710 for Magdalena Racing and partners. This bay daughter of Rock Your World from the First Samurai mare Up for Grabs has shown remarkable progression with each start.

Her most recent performance in the Pocahontas Stakes race at Churchill Downs on September 13 was nothing short of spectacular. Breaking from post 3, she saved ground inside before splitting horses at the top of the stretch and drawing off to win by 5.25 lengths. This dominant victory followed her professional debut win at Saratoga on August 21, where she overcame greenness (inexperience) to score by three lengths in a maiden special weight at seven furlongs.

When analyzing her optimal distance range, Taken by the Wind's pedigree suggests she should excel as distances increase. Her sire Rock Your World, winner of the Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles, passes on stamina with an Average Winning Distance (AWD) of approximately 7.1 furlongs. Her damsire First Samurai (AWD 6.7 furlongs) adds speed influence, creating a balanced pedigree that should allow her to thrive at middle distances.

TwinSpires handicappers should note several compelling betting angles:

-- McPeek excels with developing fillies for classic races

-- Her bullet workout at Belmont (1st of 56) indicates exceptional fitness

-- The strong gallop-out in both wins suggests additional distance will suit

For TwinSpires bettors looking toward future stakes, Taken by the Wind represents excellent value in upcoming graded stakes, particularly as she stretches out to two-turn races.