Pedigree

Though she has not visited the winner's circle since winning her debut last July going six furlongs, A to the Croft has placed in three of four starts around two turns and has the genetic tools to get 1 1/8 miles effectively.

A to the Croft is by Menifee, whose two stakes victories occurred in the Blue Grass S. (G1) and Haskell Invitational H. (G1), both nine-furlong events. Menifee is also remembered for the race he almost won, the 1999 Kentucky Derby (G1), where he was a fast-closing second to Charismatic. He ran second to the same rival in the Preakness S. (G1), and was also runner-up in the 1 1/4-mile Super Derby (G1) and third in the Travers S. (G1). Menifee's best offspring to date have primarily been fillies. Among these are the Grade 2-winning sprinters Letgomyecho and Game Face, and Taittinger Rose and Wow Me Free, both Grade 3 winners at 1 1/8 miles.

A to the Croft's dam, Heart Warmer, won only a six-furlong maiden at Fair Grounds in 12 starts, but her first four foals to race all won around two turns, though none were distinguished runners. Heart Warmer's sire, Devil's Bag, was the two-year-old champion colt of 1983, winning the one-mile Champagne S. (G1) and the 1 1/16-mile Laurel Futurity (G1). A full sibling to champion Glorious Song, who produced champion turf male Singspiel (Ire) (In the Wings [GB]) and noted sire Rahy (Blushing Groom [Fr]), Devil's Bag has been the broodmare sire of a variety of performers. Perhaps the most versatile was Balto Star (Glitterman), who competed in the 2001 Kentucky Derby following wins in the Spiral S. (G2) and Arkansas Derby (G2), both at 1 1/8 miles. Balto Star ended his career as an accomplished turf marathoner, stretching his speed to win the United Nations H. (G1) and Red Smith H. (G2) at 1 3/8 miles, and the W. L. McKnight H. (G2) at 1 1 1/2 miles.