Calumet homebred Ritzaphena delivered a winning debut at Lone Star Park, giving first-crop sire Lexitonian his initial victory as a stallion.
The 2-year-old filly captured Saturday’s 7½-furlong turf maiden special weight by a head, completing the distance in 1:31.18 on good ground.
Breaking from the outside post, Ritzaphena settled into third position before advancing through the backstretch. She seized command around the far turn and held off a late challenge from Shidoni (Gormley) in the stretch drive.
Lexitonian, a son of Speightstown who stands at Calumet Farm, made his mark on the track with a signature victory in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) at Saratoga in 2021. The freshman stallion currently has 59 foals of racing age.
The winner’s dam, Ritz and Glitz (Desert Party), has a yearling filly by Volatile and was bred to Echo Town last spring. Her unraced dam Tani (Theatrical {Ire}) is a full-sister to Flower Bowl Handicap (G1) winner Dahlia’s Dreamer.
Originally purchased for $20,000 as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton’s October sale, Ritzaphena later commanded $75,000 at the OBS April 2-year-old sale.
Ritzaphena races for owner Sandeep Patel, was bred in Kentucky by Brandywine Farm (Jim & Pam Robinson), and is trained by Jayde J. Gelner. She earned $19,500 for the victory.
