March 1, 2025 – Oaklawn Park. Rising filly Stipulate delivered a gutsy performance to break her maiden in the $110,000 Maiden Special Weight at Oaklawn Park, showing the kind of resolve and ability that confirms why she was a key acquisition for Larry Hirsch by Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers.
Racing over six furlongs on a fast track, Stipulate settled mid-pack early under jockey Rafael Bejarano, tracking the pace-saving ground along the rail. Approaching the stretch, the daughter of Jimmy Creed launched a determined bid, diving inside Leilauni Sue, who had set the early fractions. In a stretch-long battle, Stipulate showed the class and tenacity expected of an OPTIMAL Matings selection, prevailing by three-quarters of a length in a final time of 1:12.43.
The victory was a well-earned breakthrough for the filly, whose previous performances hinted at impending success. She had finished second at both Fair Grounds on November 30 (earning a career-best Equibase Speed Figure of 81) and Oaklawn Park on February 8 before delivering on her promise in this latest outing. Her progression highlights the careful planning and strategic acquisition process utilized by Shepherd Equine Advisers to identify racing prospects with significant upside.
A Smart Investment Paying Off
Stipulate was acquired as a yearling for $87,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Sale, purchased by Clark Shepherd as agent for Larry Hirsch from the Highgate Sales consignment. Under the expert handling of trainer Thomas Amoss, she has flourished in her early campaign.
Now with a record of 4 starts, 1 win, 2 seconds, and $103,080 in earnings, Stipulate has already returned on her investment and is positioned to climb the ranks in the three-year-old filly division. Her 2025 campaign—featuring two starts, one win, one second, and $88,000 in earnings—demonstrates her continued development and potential for even bigger performances ahead.
Pedigree Power: Bred for Success
Bred by River Oaks Farm in Kentucky, Stipulate is by Jimmy Creed, a proven sire of sprinters and milers standing at Spendthrift Farm. Her dam, Getupbabygetup, is by First Defence, a stallion known for passing on speed and toughness—both of which Stipulate has displayed on the track. The pairing was carefully analyzed using OPTIMAL Matings principles, ensuring a balanced pedigree that maximizes her genetic potential.
Looking Ahead for Stipulate
With her maiden win secured, Stipulate is primed for tougher challenges. Given her ability to finish strongly and handle a competitive pace scenario, she is well-suited for allowance or stakes company in upcoming starts. Her connections will likely look to stretch her out to seven furlongs or a mile, where her pedigree suggests she can be even more effective.
For investors and breeders looking to make smart, data-driven bloodstock decisions, Stipulate’s success is a testament to the value of structured pedigree analysis and expert selection.
Shepherd Equine Advisers continues to prove that winning begins before the race starts—at the breeding and purchasing stage. If you’re ready to make the smartest investments in Thoroughbred racing, contact Shepherd Equine Advisers and win before you breed or buy.
You can’t fake pedigree. But you can optimize it. The best breeders and buyers don’t chase hot sires or flashy yearlings. They use pedigree science to breed and buy winners. The OPTIMAL Matings Blueprint shows you how. Get the system here: https://shepherdequineadvisers.kit.com/4e9b69495f
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