Artistic Success broke her maiden in her fourth start, winning Race 10 at Saratoga on July 18. She raced one mile on the inner turf and finished strong, pulling away from the field under Irad Ortiz Jr. The final time was 1:35.91.

This was a waiver maiden claiming race for New York-bred fillies and mares. Artistic Success was the favorite and ran like it. She tracked just off the pace, made her move around the far turn and opened up in the stretch.

Pedigree Notes for Artistic Success

Artistic Success is by Freud out of Alma Llanera, a daughter of Distorted Humor. Freud is a reliable sire for New York turf runners. He adds speed and toughness. The dam side brings stamina and quality.

One key detail in the pedigree is the gender-balanced linebreeding to Glorious Song. Glorious Song appears through her son Rahy on the top side and through her daughter Ring of Music on the bottom side. This kind of structure can help bring out the best traits of that ancestor, like soundness and class.

There is also a double appearance of Northern Dancer. But it comes through two sons, not a son and a daughter, so it is not gender-balanced. That still supports turf ability, but without the same kind of balance.

Race History

Artistic Success didn’t win right away. She started as a two-year-old and needed a few races to figure things out.

• August 2024 at Saratoga: 6th place, Equibase figure 72
• November 2024 at Aqueduct: 2nd place, figure 69
• June 2025 at Belmont: 2nd place, figure 64
• July 2025 at Saratoga: 1st place, figure 73

She now has 1 win and 2 seconds from 4 starts, with earnings of $46,315.

From Sale to Stable

Artistic Success was bought for $50,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Mixed Sale. Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers made the purchase for International Equine. She now races for International Equine, Epona Racing Stable and Toga Party Racing Stable. Joe Sharp trains her.

What’s Next for Artistic Success

This win sets her up for more. She is eligible for starter allowance races, and her figures are close to what it takes to be competitive in state-bred allowance company. If she keeps improving, she could move into restricted stakes.

She also has long-term value as a broodmare. Her turf performance, soundness and well-planned pedigree make her a good future producer.

Artistic Success shows what can happen when a solid physical, smart pedigree and patient handling come together. She may not have made headlines early, but she’s headed in the right direction now.

Clark Shepherd Bloodstock Agent, Sales Consultant & Pedigree Analyst

Clark Shepherd stands as a beacon in the thoroughbred world, renowned for his unyielding integrity and deep-seated expertise. Growing up on the racetrack, he transformed his lifelong passion into a thriving career as a trusted bloodstock agent. Clark's profound knowledge in equine management and keen eye for racehorses have led numerous clients to victory, including the pinnacle of designing the mating of a Kentucky Derby winner. Dedicated to both industry stalwarts and newcomers, he offers personalized, insightful guidance in every equine venture. Clark's ethos is encapsulated in his mantra: "Empowering Equine Success with Integrity and Insight!"

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