Sedona scored a promising win on Sunday at Gulfstream Park, and it was quite familiar, with a late rush to get up on the wire just like her full brother First Captain did in his career debut going the same 7-furlong distance in April 2021.

Like brother, like sister, Jose Ortiz was on board for the Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey. And she emulated her big brother in receiving “Rising Star” status from the Thoroughbred Daily News.

Sedona was the highest-priced filly at $2-million in the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale. West Point campaigns her in a racing partnership with Woodford Racing and Chris Larsen.

“I think she’s a classy filly. She’s really come around the last month.” said McGaughey, who has the filly stabled at Payson Park in Indiantown, Florida. “About three weeks ago, I was up there, and she worked really well. I think her development is good. I like to see her run this way, where she goes on and finish – because they learn – instead of being on the lead.”

Sedona capped a nice weekend for Shug McGaughey and West Point. On Saturday, Cugino finished a close second in the Colonel Liam at Gulfstream in his first-ever stakes appearance, and Ohana Honor opened his 4-year-old season with a strong third in the San Cristobal, earning a 97 Beyer.

Stretch Run Video of First Captain’s Debut Win in April 2021: