Record-setting $5 million yearling Courting delivered on his promise Saturday at Aqueduct, breaking his maiden impressively in his second career start for trainer Todd Pletcher.
The 2-year-old Curlin colt, who commanded the highest price at the 2024 Keeneland September sale, dominated the one-mile maiden special weight by 2 1/2 lengths as the overwhelming 1-9 favorite.
Courting showed significant improvement from his debut, where he finished fourth after a troubled start over the same course and distance on September 27. This time, he broke alertly and controlled the race from the front under jockey Luis Saez, setting moderate fractions before drawing clear in the stretch.
The royally-bred colt is a full-brother to multiple Grade I winner Clairiere ($3,266,392) and multiple graded stakes-placed Judge Miller ($176,535).
His dam, Cavorting (by Bernardini), was herself a multiple Grade I winner with over $2 million in earnings during her racing career. Her yearling half-brother by Gun Runner commanded $1.5 million at this year’s Keeneland September sale, purchased by Repole Stable.
Grittiness, also by Curlin, rallied for second, while Stream It (by Tapit) challenged briefly in upper stretch before fading.
Courting races for the partnership of Whisper Hill Farm, Stonestreet Stables, and Windancer Farm. He was bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC.
The victory pushed Courting’s career earnings to $51,850 from two starts.
COURTING, bought for $5,000,000 as a yearling and full brother to multiple grade 1 winner Clairiere, breaks his maiden in the second race under @ljlmvel for @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/4bdPvVI7iv
— NYRA (🗽) (@TheNYRA)
COURTING, bought for $5,000,000 as a yearling and full brother to multiple grade 1 winner Clairiere, breaks his maiden in the second race under November 9, 2025
