Two-year-old Big Blue Nation wore down a stubborn rival to prevail in his racing debut July 3 at Churchill Downs. The son of Bluegrass Cat was three-quarters of a length to the good on the wire, covering the six furlongs in a quick 1:10.48.
The bay colt, bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, is the first foal to race out of the Grade 3-winning mare Lilah, who bankrolled over a half-million dollars.
Big Blue Nation has been through the auction ring on two occasions, most recent this March at the OBS Select 2-year-old sale, where he brought a bid of $85,000 from high bidder Wind River Stables, for whom he races.
Trained by Rusty Arnold, Big Blue Nation earned $35,820 for the victory.
