I know I had promised Real Quiet, but for right now just go with the flow.
This week's Stallion Spotlight is on G1 winner Wildcat Heir.
Stallion Register
Pedigree: Forest Wildcat x Penniless Heiress
Year of Birth: 2000
Wildcat Heir was G2 placed as a two year old (2nd in the G2 Sanford in 2002 behind Whywhywhy and ahead of Spite the Devil and Posse). At four he won the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash S. (G1), among the stakes winners he beat that day include: Midas Eyes, Gators N' Bears and A Huevo.
Wildcat Heir is off to a nice start at stud. He's currently leading the freshmen stallions (among those behind him include G1 winners Roman Ruler, Offlee Wild, 2004 Champions Turf male Kitten's Joy and 2005 Champion 3yo Male Afleet Alex). Wildcat Heir stands at Journeyman Stud for $6,500 this past year.
I know this is shorter then I uselly do, but I've been putting this off for too long. I do promise that next week will be longer, and I will be doing one while I'm on vacation. In other news: Pyro retuns on Weds. at Saratoga, and Backtalk will try to win the Sanford on Thurs. Haskell is only a week away, can Rachel Alexandra continue her march towards Horse of the Year, or will a horse like Summer Bird and Munnings slightly derail it. We'll have to wait and see! I'll preview the Haskell once the PP's are up later this week.
Showing posts with label Stallion Spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stallion Spotlight. Show all posts
July 26, 2009
April 15, 2009
Stallion Spotlight: Bertrando
I'm so sorry for not having this done earlier. Anyway it's finally done :).
Name: Bertrando
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 1989
Pedigree: Skywalker x Gentle Hands (Buffalo Lark)
Color: Drkb./br.
Race record and earnings: 24 Starts: 9 - 6 - 2, $3,185,610
G1 wins: Norfolk S., Pacific Classic, Woodward S.
Bertrando is by Breeder’s Cup Classic winner Skywalker. This Californian looked like a winner in the BC Juvi, until the Euro invader Arazi passed by him at the top of the stretch. He finished second to AP Indy in the Santa Anita Derby as a three year old, but it was in 1993 where he would shine winning two grade 1’s including the video of below, of him destroying the 1993 Woodward.
He would finish 1993 with another 2nd place finish in a BC race, this time in the Classic, and he would lose to another Euro invader, although Arcangues did not come in with the hype that Arazi did two years before. Dispite that shocking loss to a huge longshot, Bertrando got the Eclipse Award for older male.
His most successful offspring is, Officer the Champagne S. winner. Here is a video of that race.
Bertrando is standing at River Edge Farm for a 2009 fee of $10,000.
Next week: We are going to PA! This horse is the only Kentucky Derby winner standing in the state, and he has a very unique nickname “The Fish”, I’m talking about Real Quiet.
Name: Bertrando
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 1989
Pedigree: Skywalker x Gentle Hands (Buffalo Lark)
Color: Drkb./br.
Race record and earnings: 24 Starts: 9 - 6 - 2, $3,185,610
G1 wins: Norfolk S., Pacific Classic, Woodward S.
Bertrando is by Breeder’s Cup Classic winner Skywalker. This Californian looked like a winner in the BC Juvi, until the Euro invader Arazi passed by him at the top of the stretch. He finished second to AP Indy in the Santa Anita Derby as a three year old, but it was in 1993 where he would shine winning two grade 1’s including the video of below, of him destroying the 1993 Woodward.
He would finish 1993 with another 2nd place finish in a BC race, this time in the Classic, and he would lose to another Euro invader, although Arcangues did not come in with the hype that Arazi did two years before. Dispite that shocking loss to a huge longshot, Bertrando got the Eclipse Award for older male.
His most successful offspring is, Officer the Champagne S. winner. Here is a video of that race.
Bertrando is standing at River Edge Farm for a 2009 fee of $10,000.
Next week: We are going to PA! This horse is the only Kentucky Derby winner standing in the state, and he has a very unique nickname “The Fish”, I’m talking about Real Quiet.
March 18, 2009
Stallion Spotlight: Unbridled's Song
Name: Unbridled’s Song
Stallion Register: Link
Pedigree: Unbridled x Trolley Song (Caro (IRE))
Color: Gray/Roan
Year of Birth: 1993
Stands at: Taylor Made
Stakes wins: Breeders' Cup Juvenile-G1, Florida Derby-G1, Wood Memorial-G1, Olympic H.
Career Earnings: $1,311,800
The uber talented Unbridled’s Song, is known by many as one of Unbridled’s best sons not only racing, but in the shed as well. The 1995 BC Juvenile winner beat the late Hennessy (in turn who is by another legend Storm Cat) down to the wire. Owned by Paranak Stable, the grey went on to win the Florida Derby and as you can see here, the 1996 Wood Memorial.
However, he was upset by another son of Unbridled, Grindstone in the Kentucky Derby. Although he had foot problems, he has been excellent in the shed siring some great horses. This is including Breeder’s Cup winners Unbridled Elaine and Midshipman, Derby runner up the late great Eight Belles, BC Juvi Fillies runner up Octave, Southwest winner and runner up Old Fashioned and Silver City, Impressive maiden and allowance winner Dunkirk, Splendid Blended, and my personal favorite the great Rockport Harbor. Here is a video of Rocky’s 2004 Remsen Stakes.
Unbridled’s Song stands for $125,000 at Taylor Made Farm.
Next week: Bertrando
Stallion Register: Link
Pedigree: Unbridled x Trolley Song (Caro (IRE))
Color: Gray/Roan
Year of Birth: 1993
Stands at: Taylor Made
Stakes wins: Breeders' Cup Juvenile-G1, Florida Derby-G1, Wood Memorial-G1, Olympic H.
Career Earnings: $1,311,800
The uber talented Unbridled’s Song, is known by many as one of Unbridled’s best sons not only racing, but in the shed as well. The 1995 BC Juvenile winner beat the late Hennessy (in turn who is by another legend Storm Cat) down to the wire. Owned by Paranak Stable, the grey went on to win the Florida Derby and as you can see here, the 1996 Wood Memorial.
However, he was upset by another son of Unbridled, Grindstone in the Kentucky Derby. Although he had foot problems, he has been excellent in the shed siring some great horses. This is including Breeder’s Cup winners Unbridled Elaine and Midshipman, Derby runner up the late great Eight Belles, BC Juvi Fillies runner up Octave, Southwest winner and runner up Old Fashioned and Silver City, Impressive maiden and allowance winner Dunkirk, Splendid Blended, and my personal favorite the great Rockport Harbor. Here is a video of Rocky’s 2004 Remsen Stakes.
Unbridled’s Song stands for $125,000 at Taylor Made Farm.
Next week: Bertrando
March 6, 2009
Stallion Spotlight: Smarty Jones
What is the Stallion Spotlight you may ask? Well once a week (normally on Fridays), I will spotlight a stallion that I like and tell you a little bit about his foals. This week is a little bit different, as I did not write it out. First off I would like to thanks Nancy Teague (nantague on FHF's forum and second_glance on TBC's forum), for doing this for me this week. As you can guess by the name of the title, the stallion I was refering to a few weeks ago with clues is the one and only Smarty Jones!
Name: Smarty Jones
Stallion Register: http://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/sr_sire_page.asp?anchor=first_race&refno=6119092&performer=La%20Equivocada&prefno=7726433
[Note: the earnings listed for his foals are not current]
Birthdate: February 28, 2001
Breeder/Owner: Roy and Patricia Chapman
Pedigree: Elusive Quality x I'll Get Along by Smile
Color: Chestnut
Stands at: Three Chimneys Farm
Stakes Wins: Pennsylvania Nursery S., Count Fleet S., Southwest S., Rebel S., Arkansas Derby (G2), Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness S. (G1)
Total Career Earnings: $2,613,155 in race earnings + $5,000,000 bonus
for winning both the Arkansas and Kentucky Derbies
The saga of Smarty Jones, the little horse from the little track in Pennsylvania whose pursuit of the 2004 Triple Crown fell a heart-breaking length short, is so well known it need not be repeated here. Suffice to note that Smarty was the first undefeated winner of the Kentucky Derby since Affirmed in 1978, that he won the Preakness by a record 11.5 lengths, and that his average margin of victory in his 8 consecutive victories was 6 lengths. He was mentally tough and physically explosive, with push button speed, a quick and efficient turn of foot, and a heart that is literally half again as large as that of most thoroughbreds.
Unfortunately, Smarty never raced again after the Belmont. He was officially retired on Aug. 2, 2004 due to chronic bruising around his ankle bones, with a lifetime record of 9-8-1-0. All of his races except his maiden victory were stakes races.
He began his second career as a sire in 2005 at Three Chimneys Farm. By agreement between Three Chimneys and the Chapmans, Smarty has a smaller annual book than many other stallions a maximum of 110 mares per year; nor can he be shuttled out of the country for the
Southern Hemisphere breeding season. As a result his two crops currently of racing age (born 2006 and 2007) number only 163 foals. And with only one crop that has run, this summary should be considered very much an interim report!
Of his 85 three-year-olds, as of this writing 38 have started and 13 have won, a ~34% winning rate. His foals have won on all surfaces, at distances of 5 to 8.5 F, and in three countries plus Puerto Rico. Seven won at first asking: Keefer (at Monmouth; 5 F in 58.16), Smart Coco (in Ireland on turf; by 2 lengths), Be Smart (at Saratoga; wire-to-wire), Go Smarty Go (at Belmont on turf; 4/5th of a second shy of the course record), Keiai Gerbera (in Japan) and, most recently, Chef and Smarty Bull (both at Gulfstream).Keefer and Rockland each won his second start.
Overall, Smarty's first crop is not precocious; they have taken time to mature. Most did not start until the fall of 2008, several started at three, and more will make their first starts in the next few weeks. Therefore the best of them to run to date have not raced much nor had many opportunities to run in stakes races. There has been, thus far, no breakout star. Go Smarty Go (o/o Sarah's World, by Holy Bull), in my estimation, would have been that star, but he suffered a condylar fracture in the gallop-out following his only race and most likely will not race again. There are, however, others to keep an eye on.
Be Smart (o/o Eishin Bridle, by Unbridled; http://finalturngallery.com/g2/main.php/v/HoosierShadow-s-Misc-horse-racing-pictures/album760/fall2008_001/oct0308/%231+Be+Smart+and+Garrett+Gomez_1.jpg.html) went from her maiden win on dirt to a 2nd in the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I) on synthetic. After a poor showing in the Breeders? Cup Juvenile Fillies, however, she was found to have a bone chip in her knee. She has resumed training after successful surgery, and is currently expected to appear in the upcoming Churchill meet.
Likewise, Keefer (o/o Shootforthestars, by Seattle Slew) had surgery for bone chips in his ankle, but Zayat Stable and Steve Asmussen remain high on him and expect him to return to training this spring.
Big, beautiful Rockland (o/o Wiscasset, by Kris S.;http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/triple-crown/contender-detail.aspx?contenderno=935), who inherited all his sire's heart and toughness but not all of his speed, has won on dirt and turf and placed 3rd on synthetic. After tiring badly in The Holy Bull S., Rocky is apparently on break. My guess is that Michael Matz will settle on turf as his preferred surface when he returns.
Two more potential stars emerged in the past month.
Chef (o/o Take the Cake, by Fly So Free; http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/triple-crown/contender-detail.aspx?contenderno=949) impressed many, including Steve Haskin, when he won at first asking at the tough distance of 7 F, grabbing the early lead, pulling away to win by 4.5 lengths, running the fastest final eighth of the day (:13.00) and looking like he wanted to go out and do it all over again. Trainer Alan Goldberg was impressed enough to wheel him back in just 20 days to run at 9 F against a high-class field on March 6 at Gulfstream.
And Smarty Bull (o/o Bam Bull, by Holy Bull) looked a whole lot like her sire when she came three-wide on the turn and kicked to win her 6-F maiden debut by 7 lengths.
Five of Smarty's three-year-olds are running in Japan; two of them are already winners with high expectations for the future.
Keiai Gerbera (o/o Anna Sterz, by Danzig), who very much resembles her sire (http://db.netkeiba.com/?pid=picture&type=o&id=13984), went from winning her maiden debut by 5 lengths in open company over a muddy track to wiring a field of fillies under a hand ride in her second start to win by 3 lengths. She looks to be pointing to the Fillies Revue (on turf) later in March or possibly one of the other prep races for the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas).
The remarkably consistent and productive Cosmo Pirate (o/o Confidently, by Storm Cat; http://db.netkeiba.com/?pid=picture&type=o&id=12229), whose record as a two-year-old reads 5-1-3-1 (on dirt and turf), has recently come back into training for his second season.
Last, but definitely not least, a personal favorite: Down in Puerto Rico, La Equivocada (o/o Dragonada, by Nureyev) is a tenacious, spirited sprinter who was not only Smarty's first
winner (on 7/11, by 5 lengths), but also his first graded stakes winner (Clasico Alsito Roig S., PR-III, on 12/13). I eagerly await her return to the track.
Currently, about 40 of Smarty's three-year-olds are in active training. Of those running in the U.S. who showed promise in earlier starts but have yet to win, look for Ricoriatoa, Dr. Smarty Jack, Hey Smarty, and Keep Me in Mind to break through soon. John Servis is also reported to be expecting good things from Ritzy Jones (co-owned by Patricia Chapman), who has recently gone back into training after a layoff. Internationally, Smarty Dance and Pisa No Premium in
Japan and Smart and Fun in France have been knocking on the door of victory. Among those yet to race here, Smart Sugar, training out on the West Coast, is particularly intriguing. She is working regularly and very fast, even on muddy surfaces.Joining them fairly soon on the training track will be many of Smarty's 78 two-year-olds.I would be remiss if I did not mention that Smarty also became a broodmare sire this year when one of his 2006 fillies, Jonespartyofwon (o/o Prom Knight by Sir Harry Lewis), gave birth to a filly by Half Ours on Jan. 18.
And, finally: This summary would have been nearly impossible without the constant flow of information (from many sources) posted by Smarty Jones fans at the Rockport Harbor and Thoroughbred Champions boards -- most especially Myracingheart and Secret Status/Adieu, with a special thanks to the invaluable Tachyon who keeps us apprised of everything concerning the Smarty Jones foals racing in Japan. By the way, Kevin (Myracingheart) maintains a comprehensive, frequently updated spreadsheet of information relating to all of Smarty's foals.
Check it out at http://www.racingheartphotography.com/SmartyJonesFoals.xls
A few things to add to this post, Chef finished fourth today at Gulfstream, and here is the biggest win in Smarty's career, the 2004 Kentucky Derby!
Link
Remember that next week the Stallion Spotlight will be on Wensdays until the end of the TC. Next week: I had said that he has several high tiered foals on the TC trail right now. He is the son of the 1990 Kentucky Derby winner... Unbridled's Song is in the spotlight next week.
Name: Smarty Jones
Stallion Register: http://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/sr_sire_page.asp?anchor=first_race&refno=6119092&performer=La%20Equivocada&prefno=7726433
[Note: the earnings listed for his foals are not current]
Birthdate: February 28, 2001
Breeder/Owner: Roy and Patricia Chapman
Pedigree: Elusive Quality x I'll Get Along by Smile
Color: Chestnut
Stands at: Three Chimneys Farm
Stakes Wins: Pennsylvania Nursery S., Count Fleet S., Southwest S., Rebel S., Arkansas Derby (G2), Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness S. (G1)
Total Career Earnings: $2,613,155 in race earnings + $5,000,000 bonus
for winning both the Arkansas and Kentucky Derbies
The saga of Smarty Jones, the little horse from the little track in Pennsylvania whose pursuit of the 2004 Triple Crown fell a heart-breaking length short, is so well known it need not be repeated here. Suffice to note that Smarty was the first undefeated winner of the Kentucky Derby since Affirmed in 1978, that he won the Preakness by a record 11.5 lengths, and that his average margin of victory in his 8 consecutive victories was 6 lengths. He was mentally tough and physically explosive, with push button speed, a quick and efficient turn of foot, and a heart that is literally half again as large as that of most thoroughbreds.
Unfortunately, Smarty never raced again after the Belmont. He was officially retired on Aug. 2, 2004 due to chronic bruising around his ankle bones, with a lifetime record of 9-8-1-0. All of his races except his maiden victory were stakes races.
He began his second career as a sire in 2005 at Three Chimneys Farm. By agreement between Three Chimneys and the Chapmans, Smarty has a smaller annual book than many other stallions a maximum of 110 mares per year; nor can he be shuttled out of the country for the
Southern Hemisphere breeding season. As a result his two crops currently of racing age (born 2006 and 2007) number only 163 foals. And with only one crop that has run, this summary should be considered very much an interim report!
Of his 85 three-year-olds, as of this writing 38 have started and 13 have won, a ~34% winning rate. His foals have won on all surfaces, at distances of 5 to 8.5 F, and in three countries plus Puerto Rico. Seven won at first asking: Keefer (at Monmouth; 5 F in 58.16), Smart Coco (in Ireland on turf; by 2 lengths), Be Smart (at Saratoga; wire-to-wire), Go Smarty Go (at Belmont on turf; 4/5th of a second shy of the course record), Keiai Gerbera (in Japan) and, most recently, Chef and Smarty Bull (both at Gulfstream).Keefer and Rockland each won his second start.
Overall, Smarty's first crop is not precocious; they have taken time to mature. Most did not start until the fall of 2008, several started at three, and more will make their first starts in the next few weeks. Therefore the best of them to run to date have not raced much nor had many opportunities to run in stakes races. There has been, thus far, no breakout star. Go Smarty Go (o/o Sarah's World, by Holy Bull), in my estimation, would have been that star, but he suffered a condylar fracture in the gallop-out following his only race and most likely will not race again. There are, however, others to keep an eye on.
Be Smart (o/o Eishin Bridle, by Unbridled; http://finalturngallery.com/g2/main.php/v/HoosierShadow-s-Misc-horse-racing-pictures/album760/fall2008_001/oct0308/%231+Be+Smart+and+Garrett+Gomez_1.jpg.html) went from her maiden win on dirt to a 2nd in the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I) on synthetic. After a poor showing in the Breeders? Cup Juvenile Fillies, however, she was found to have a bone chip in her knee. She has resumed training after successful surgery, and is currently expected to appear in the upcoming Churchill meet.
Likewise, Keefer (o/o Shootforthestars, by Seattle Slew) had surgery for bone chips in his ankle, but Zayat Stable and Steve Asmussen remain high on him and expect him to return to training this spring.
Big, beautiful Rockland (o/o Wiscasset, by Kris S.;http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/triple-crown/contender-detail.aspx?contenderno=935), who inherited all his sire's heart and toughness but not all of his speed, has won on dirt and turf and placed 3rd on synthetic. After tiring badly in The Holy Bull S., Rocky is apparently on break. My guess is that Michael Matz will settle on turf as his preferred surface when he returns.
Two more potential stars emerged in the past month.
Chef (o/o Take the Cake, by Fly So Free; http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/triple-crown/contender-detail.aspx?contenderno=949) impressed many, including Steve Haskin, when he won at first asking at the tough distance of 7 F, grabbing the early lead, pulling away to win by 4.5 lengths, running the fastest final eighth of the day (:13.00) and looking like he wanted to go out and do it all over again. Trainer Alan Goldberg was impressed enough to wheel him back in just 20 days to run at 9 F against a high-class field on March 6 at Gulfstream.
And Smarty Bull (o/o Bam Bull, by Holy Bull) looked a whole lot like her sire when she came three-wide on the turn and kicked to win her 6-F maiden debut by 7 lengths.
Five of Smarty's three-year-olds are running in Japan; two of them are already winners with high expectations for the future.
Keiai Gerbera (o/o Anna Sterz, by Danzig), who very much resembles her sire (http://db.netkeiba.com/?pid=picture&type=o&id=13984), went from winning her maiden debut by 5 lengths in open company over a muddy track to wiring a field of fillies under a hand ride in her second start to win by 3 lengths. She looks to be pointing to the Fillies Revue (on turf) later in March or possibly one of the other prep races for the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas).
The remarkably consistent and productive Cosmo Pirate (o/o Confidently, by Storm Cat; http://db.netkeiba.com/?pid=picture&type=o&id=12229), whose record as a two-year-old reads 5-1-3-1 (on dirt and turf), has recently come back into training for his second season.
Last, but definitely not least, a personal favorite: Down in Puerto Rico, La Equivocada (o/o Dragonada, by Nureyev) is a tenacious, spirited sprinter who was not only Smarty's first
winner (on 7/11, by 5 lengths), but also his first graded stakes winner (Clasico Alsito Roig S., PR-III, on 12/13). I eagerly await her return to the track.
Currently, about 40 of Smarty's three-year-olds are in active training. Of those running in the U.S. who showed promise in earlier starts but have yet to win, look for Ricoriatoa, Dr. Smarty Jack, Hey Smarty, and Keep Me in Mind to break through soon. John Servis is also reported to be expecting good things from Ritzy Jones (co-owned by Patricia Chapman), who has recently gone back into training after a layoff. Internationally, Smarty Dance and Pisa No Premium in
Japan and Smart and Fun in France have been knocking on the door of victory. Among those yet to race here, Smart Sugar, training out on the West Coast, is particularly intriguing. She is working regularly and very fast, even on muddy surfaces.Joining them fairly soon on the training track will be many of Smarty's 78 two-year-olds.I would be remiss if I did not mention that Smarty also became a broodmare sire this year when one of his 2006 fillies, Jonespartyofwon (o/o Prom Knight by Sir Harry Lewis), gave birth to a filly by Half Ours on Jan. 18.
And, finally: This summary would have been nearly impossible without the constant flow of information (from many sources) posted by Smarty Jones fans at the Rockport Harbor and Thoroughbred Champions boards -- most especially Myracingheart and Secret Status/Adieu, with a special thanks to the invaluable Tachyon who keeps us apprised of everything concerning the Smarty Jones foals racing in Japan. By the way, Kevin (Myracingheart) maintains a comprehensive, frequently updated spreadsheet of information relating to all of Smarty's foals.
Check it out at http://www.racingheartphotography.com/SmartyJonesFoals.xls
A few things to add to this post, Chef finished fourth today at Gulfstream, and here is the biggest win in Smarty's career, the 2004 Kentucky Derby!
Link
Remember that next week the Stallion Spotlight will be on Wensdays until the end of the TC. Next week: I had said that he has several high tiered foals on the TC trail right now. He is the son of the 1990 Kentucky Derby winner... Unbridled's Song is in the spotlight next week.
February 20, 2009
Stallion Spotlight: Invasor
What is the Stallion Spotlight you may ask? Well once a week (normally on Fridays), I will spotlight a stallion that I like and tell you a little bit about his foals. This week I will be talking about a relatively new stallion, the 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor.
Name: Invasor (ARG)
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 2002
Pedigree: Candy Stripes x Quendom (ARG)
Color: Bay
Stands at: Shadwell Farm
Stakes wins:
Uruguay: Gran Premio Nacional-Uruguayan Derby (G1), Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), Polla de Potrillos- Uruguayan Two Thousand Guineas (G1), Clasico Ensayo (G3)
United States: Pimlico Special (G1), Suburban Handicap (G1), Whitney Handicap (G1), Breeder’s Cup Classic (G1), Donn Handicap (G1)
UAE: Dubai World Cup (G1)
Earnings: $7,804,070
Awards: 2006 Older Male Champion and Horse of the Year
Invasor (Spanish for invader), may be an Argentinean bred, but he’s Uruguayan through and through. Originally bought by three brothers, he took the Uruguay’s Triple Crown. He was then sold to Sheik Hamdan’s Shadwell Farm to race in America, but first a short detour to his new owner’s home country of UAE. He was going to be racing in the UAE Derby, as he was technically still a 3yo in the Southern Hemisphere (Although he was considered a 4yo here in the United States). He did not win that day as Discreet Cat who raced for Sheik Hamdan’s family stable, Godolphin, showed why he was highly regarded as a two year old. With Dubai now out of the way, it was time to head to the states, first off was the Pimlico Special where he came out of nowhere to take it. He then conquered the Suburban Handicap and had an thrilling Whitney Handicap where he ran down fan favorite Sun King. After missing the Jockey Club Gold Cup due to a fever, the showdown was set for the Breeder’s Cup. While most of the attention was focused on the UAE vs. USA, NY vs. CA showdown between Bernardini, a regally bred son of AP Indy who won the Preakness and Travers that year, who was owned by Sheik Mohammad, the ruler of Dubai, and the younger brother of Invasor’s owner Sheik Hamdan, and Lava Man, a former claimer by Slew City Slew, who would be come the richest claimer in history, owned by a father and son team, people where overlooking the Uruguayan horse. In the end, Lava Man was nowhere to be found and Invasor upset Bernardini to earn Horse of the Year. His final US win was in the Donn Handicap in 2007, his prep for the world’s richest race. It was the Dubai World Cup, on the only track, he had lost on. It also set up a rematch with Discreet Cat, who had fallen on tough times. The invader got his revenge as you can see in the following video.
Unfortanlly after that win, Invasor had suffered an injury that caused his retirement. While his foals have not hit the track yet, one of the biggest names that he got in his first book was Spun Sugar, a sister of fellow Shadwell stallion Daaher and a fellow G1 winner herself. He stands at Shadwell for $28,000 in 2009.
Next week: I'll let you guys take a guess, here are a few clues
a. He's a Derby winner
b. He went and came out of the Derby undeafted
c. He should have be a Triple Crown winner, but is not
That's all I'll say, sorry no prizes, but if this works out, maybe I'll do it again in the future.
Name: Invasor (ARG)
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 2002
Pedigree: Candy Stripes x Quendom (ARG)
Color: Bay
Stands at: Shadwell Farm
Stakes wins:
Uruguay: Gran Premio Nacional-Uruguayan Derby (G1), Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), Polla de Potrillos- Uruguayan Two Thousand Guineas (G1), Clasico Ensayo (G3)
United States: Pimlico Special (G1), Suburban Handicap (G1), Whitney Handicap (G1), Breeder’s Cup Classic (G1), Donn Handicap (G1)
UAE: Dubai World Cup (G1)
Earnings: $7,804,070
Awards: 2006 Older Male Champion and Horse of the Year
Invasor (Spanish for invader), may be an Argentinean bred, but he’s Uruguayan through and through. Originally bought by three brothers, he took the Uruguay’s Triple Crown. He was then sold to Sheik Hamdan’s Shadwell Farm to race in America, but first a short detour to his new owner’s home country of UAE. He was going to be racing in the UAE Derby, as he was technically still a 3yo in the Southern Hemisphere (Although he was considered a 4yo here in the United States). He did not win that day as Discreet Cat who raced for Sheik Hamdan’s family stable, Godolphin, showed why he was highly regarded as a two year old. With Dubai now out of the way, it was time to head to the states, first off was the Pimlico Special where he came out of nowhere to take it. He then conquered the Suburban Handicap and had an thrilling Whitney Handicap where he ran down fan favorite Sun King. After missing the Jockey Club Gold Cup due to a fever, the showdown was set for the Breeder’s Cup. While most of the attention was focused on the UAE vs. USA, NY vs. CA showdown between Bernardini, a regally bred son of AP Indy who won the Preakness and Travers that year, who was owned by Sheik Mohammad, the ruler of Dubai, and the younger brother of Invasor’s owner Sheik Hamdan, and Lava Man, a former claimer by Slew City Slew, who would be come the richest claimer in history, owned by a father and son team, people where overlooking the Uruguayan horse. In the end, Lava Man was nowhere to be found and Invasor upset Bernardini to earn Horse of the Year. His final US win was in the Donn Handicap in 2007, his prep for the world’s richest race. It was the Dubai World Cup, on the only track, he had lost on. It also set up a rematch with Discreet Cat, who had fallen on tough times. The invader got his revenge as you can see in the following video.
Unfortanlly after that win, Invasor had suffered an injury that caused his retirement. While his foals have not hit the track yet, one of the biggest names that he got in his first book was Spun Sugar, a sister of fellow Shadwell stallion Daaher and a fellow G1 winner herself. He stands at Shadwell for $28,000 in 2009.
Next week: I'll let you guys take a guess, here are a few clues
a. He's a Derby winner
b. He went and came out of the Derby undeafted
c. He should have be a Triple Crown winner, but is not
That's all I'll say, sorry no prizes, but if this works out, maybe I'll do it again in the future.
February 10, 2009
Stallion Spotlight: Smart Strike
What is the Stallion Spotlight you may ask? Well once a week (normally on Fridays, although this week it‘s Tuesday), I will spotlight a stallion that I like and tell you a little bit about his foals. This week I will be talking about 2 time leading sire Smart Strike.
Name: Smart Strike
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 1992
Pedigree: Mr. Prospector x Classy n’ Smart by Smarten
Color: Bay
Stands at: Lane’s End Farm
Stakes wins: Philip H. Iselin Handicap [G1], Salvator Mile Handicap [G3].
Earnings: $337,376
Awards: 2008 inductee into the Canadian Hall of Fame
Smart Strike is by Mr. Prospector out of the Smarten mare Classy n’ Smart. When he was racing, Smart Strike was overshadowed by his sister, the great Dance Smartly. Even with that, he won two stakes wins including beating the great filly Serena’s Song in the Iselin when it was a G1, this is the video that is posted below.
The shed is where he shines. His most famous foal is Curlin (out of a Deputy Minister mare), the winner of the 2007 AR Derby, Preakness Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup (He won that race again in 2008) and Breeder’s Cup Classic. Plus he won the 2008 Dubai World Cup, Stephen Foster Handicap, he even finished second on the grass in the Man O War. But he’s not the video I’m going to show you. It’s of another pretty nice horse that Smart Strike sired, and honestly one that I was so excited to see win when he won the 2007 BC Turf. I’m talking about English Channel.
Smart Strike also has G1 winner Square Eddie, G2 winner Tenpins (who was bred on the same cross as Curlin), G1 winner Soaring Free and Japan Cup winner Fleetstreet Dancer among his other foals. Smart Strike finished 2008 #1 in the country with Curlin his leading earner. He is standing for $125,000 this year at Lanes End. Also in 2008 he joined his late sister in the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame.
Next week: Invasor
Name: Smart Strike
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 1992
Pedigree: Mr. Prospector x Classy n’ Smart by Smarten
Color: Bay
Stands at: Lane’s End Farm
Stakes wins: Philip H. Iselin Handicap [G1], Salvator Mile Handicap [G3].
Earnings: $337,376
Awards: 2008 inductee into the Canadian Hall of Fame
Smart Strike is by Mr. Prospector out of the Smarten mare Classy n’ Smart. When he was racing, Smart Strike was overshadowed by his sister, the great Dance Smartly. Even with that, he won two stakes wins including beating the great filly Serena’s Song in the Iselin when it was a G1, this is the video that is posted below.
The shed is where he shines. His most famous foal is Curlin (out of a Deputy Minister mare), the winner of the 2007 AR Derby, Preakness Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup (He won that race again in 2008) and Breeder’s Cup Classic. Plus he won the 2008 Dubai World Cup, Stephen Foster Handicap, he even finished second on the grass in the Man O War. But he’s not the video I’m going to show you. It’s of another pretty nice horse that Smart Strike sired, and honestly one that I was so excited to see win when he won the 2007 BC Turf. I’m talking about English Channel.
Smart Strike also has G1 winner Square Eddie, G2 winner Tenpins (who was bred on the same cross as Curlin), G1 winner Soaring Free and Japan Cup winner Fleetstreet Dancer among his other foals. Smart Strike finished 2008 #1 in the country with Curlin his leading earner. He is standing for $125,000 this year at Lanes End. Also in 2008 he joined his late sister in the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame.
Next week: Invasor
January 30, 2009
Stallion Spotlight: Distorted Humor
What is the Stallion Spotlight you may ask? Well once a week (normally on Fridays), I will spotlight a stallion that I like and tell you a little bit about his foals. This week, I’m going to share my favorite stallion Distorted Humor.
Name: Distorted Humor
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 1993
Pedigree: Forty Niner x Danzig’s Beauty by Danzig
Color: Chestnut
Stands at: WinStar Farm
Stakes Wins: Screen King S, Salvator Mile H. (G3), Commonwealth Breeder's Cup S. (G2), Churchill Downs H. (G2), Ack Ack H. (G3)
Total Career Earnings: $769,964
Distorted Humor is the son of 1988 Kentucky Derby runner-up Forty Niner and the Danzig mare Danzig’s Beauty. He was mainly a sprinter and miler while he was running facing horses like former World Record holder Elusive Quality. He raced until age 5 (1998), and one of those races he won that year is the Ack Ack Handicap, which you can see below.
His first crop of foals hit the ground in 2000. Included in that crop where G1 winning juvenile Awesome Humor and G2 winner Go Rockin Robin, but niether of those two horses where the horse to make Distorted Humor, one of the premer stallions that he is today. That honor belongs to a gelding from the same crop as the above horses, who is out of the Slewacide mare Belle’s Good Cide and broke his maiden in his first try at Belmont Park in 2002. In matter of fact, this horse is my all time favorite race horse. I think you can figure it out who I’m talking about, but I’ll let the video do the talking. Here is the 2003 Kentucky Derby where the winner was Funny Cide!
Along with winning the Derby that year, Funny won the Preakness and finished 3rd in the Belmont. That was enough to give him, the 2003 Eclipse award for 3yo male, plus the New York bred 3yo male championship and NYB Horse of the Year. Funny won the 2004 Jockey Club Gold Cup and was once again named NYB Older Male and Horse of the Year. After going through his only winless season in 2005, he won north of the boarder in the Dominon Day Stakes at Woodbine in 2006. Fitting that he wrapped up his career on July 4,2007 with a resounding victory in the slop at Finger Lakes Racetrack in the Rochester, New York area. He now resides at Kentucky Horse Park with other legends such as Cigar, Alysheba and Da Hoss.
Following that first crop, Distorted Humor took off as a sire. He is also the father of Travelers winner and 2005 BC Classic runner-up Flower Alley, G1 winner Hystericlady (who I have seen in person), 2006 FL Derby runner-up Sharp Humor, Haskell winner Any Given Saturday (who is bred the Distorted Humor/ Seattle Slew cross, which Funny is also a member of) and 2 time Whitney winner Commentator. I’m really looking forward to a filly who will be two next year by him. Ironically, she is out of Funny’s half sister Rockcide (Personal Flag).
He finished 4 nationally in 2008 for earnings, with Hystericalady his highest earner. He’s standing for $150,000 in 2009. Look out for his foal out of the Turkoman mare Turkish Tryst to hit the ground this year. Will be a half sibling to 2007 King’s Bishop Winner, KY Derby, Haskell and BC Classic runner- up Hard Spun (Danzig).
Next week: Smart Strike
I will be doing a recap of all of this weekends race, plus a total of my mythical earnings on Sunday night.
Name: Distorted Humor
Stallion Register: Link
Year of Birth: 1993
Pedigree: Forty Niner x Danzig’s Beauty by Danzig
Color: Chestnut
Stands at: WinStar Farm
Stakes Wins: Screen King S, Salvator Mile H. (G3), Commonwealth Breeder's Cup S. (G2), Churchill Downs H. (G2), Ack Ack H. (G3)
Total Career Earnings: $769,964
Distorted Humor is the son of 1988 Kentucky Derby runner-up Forty Niner and the Danzig mare Danzig’s Beauty. He was mainly a sprinter and miler while he was running facing horses like former World Record holder Elusive Quality. He raced until age 5 (1998), and one of those races he won that year is the Ack Ack Handicap, which you can see below.
His first crop of foals hit the ground in 2000. Included in that crop where G1 winning juvenile Awesome Humor and G2 winner Go Rockin Robin, but niether of those two horses where the horse to make Distorted Humor, one of the premer stallions that he is today. That honor belongs to a gelding from the same crop as the above horses, who is out of the Slewacide mare Belle’s Good Cide and broke his maiden in his first try at Belmont Park in 2002. In matter of fact, this horse is my all time favorite race horse. I think you can figure it out who I’m talking about, but I’ll let the video do the talking. Here is the 2003 Kentucky Derby where the winner was Funny Cide!
Along with winning the Derby that year, Funny won the Preakness and finished 3rd in the Belmont. That was enough to give him, the 2003 Eclipse award for 3yo male, plus the New York bred 3yo male championship and NYB Horse of the Year. Funny won the 2004 Jockey Club Gold Cup and was once again named NYB Older Male and Horse of the Year. After going through his only winless season in 2005, he won north of the boarder in the Dominon Day Stakes at Woodbine in 2006. Fitting that he wrapped up his career on July 4,2007 with a resounding victory in the slop at Finger Lakes Racetrack in the Rochester, New York area. He now resides at Kentucky Horse Park with other legends such as Cigar, Alysheba and Da Hoss.
Following that first crop, Distorted Humor took off as a sire. He is also the father of Travelers winner and 2005 BC Classic runner-up Flower Alley, G1 winner Hystericlady (who I have seen in person), 2006 FL Derby runner-up Sharp Humor, Haskell winner Any Given Saturday (who is bred the Distorted Humor/ Seattle Slew cross, which Funny is also a member of) and 2 time Whitney winner Commentator. I’m really looking forward to a filly who will be two next year by him. Ironically, she is out of Funny’s half sister Rockcide (Personal Flag).
He finished 4 nationally in 2008 for earnings, with Hystericalady his highest earner. He’s standing for $150,000 in 2009. Look out for his foal out of the Turkoman mare Turkish Tryst to hit the ground this year. Will be a half sibling to 2007 King’s Bishop Winner, KY Derby, Haskell and BC Classic runner- up Hard Spun (Danzig).
Next week: Smart Strike
I will be doing a recap of all of this weekends race, plus a total of my mythical earnings on Sunday night.
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