Thursday, December 31, 2015

My Favorite Blogs of 2015

As 2015 comes to an end, I would like to share my top 15 favorite blogs that I wrote during the year. It was difficult to rank these and several of them are interchangeable, but it was certainly a special year in racing and I would not trade any of my own personal experiences in the industry in 2015 for anything. I have truly found my passion in telling the stories in horse racing – whether it be through words, photos or both – and this year only reiterated that.

Of course, I wrapped up the year in racing as a whole in my 2015 review on Horse Racing Nation, but let's take a look at my favorite pieces of mine from the year...

(To read the articles, just click on their respective titles. Each link will open in a new window.)


Even before American Pharoah suffered his only loss of the year in the Travers, the Triple Crown winner faced disrespect from many racing fans. But I stood up for the champion, discussing the factors that make him great and advising fans to appreciate him while they had the chance.


As a Texan – and of course a racing fan – it has been frustrating to see the fight between the Texas Racing Commission and Texas legislature. Just days after the legislature forced a one-day shutdown of Texas racing, I wrote this piece about the situation.


Thoroughbred racing is obviously my main focus, but in the fall, my home track (Lone Star Park) hosts a Quarter Horse meet. Quarter Horse racing is like a different world, but I will not pass up a night at the racetrack – especially with camera in hand. Plus, night racing can make for some vibrant colors.


My “Ponies of the Track” series are usually some of my favorites to write, and this one about Danielle Rosier’s Appaloosa pony – Buddy – was no different. As an Appaloosa owner and equestrian myself, I always enjoy shining a spotlight on the breed – especially when I can combine it with horse racing.


It should be no secret that Wise Dan is one of my favorite racehorses of all-time, and I have been very blessed to have spent some time around him and the LoPrestis. While visiting Kentucky in late spring, I visited the LoPresti barn several times – even getting to walk to and back from the barn to the training track with Charlie LoPresti and Wise Dan.


Although I never got to see American Pharoah race, I had the amazing opportunity to watch him train and spend time around him at Churchill Downs while he prepared for the Belmont Stakes. It was the experience of the lifetime and despite one morning in the driving rain, I followed American Pharoah around with my camera in hand to document those special moments forever.


One of the main highlights of my personal racing experiences this year was most certainly my trip to Keeneland in the fall. Due to a time conflict with the Appaloosa World Championship Show, I was unable to attend this year’s Breeders’ Cup, so I decided to fly to Lexington to catch Keeneland’s second biggest weekend of the fall. And it was incredible.


Just days before American Pharoah made his run at history in the Belmont Stakes, thanks to the generosity of Taylor Made Farm, I had the great opportunity to interview John Hall. The yearling manager at the farm, Hall worked with American Pharoah when the colt was a youngster at the farm – and he had high hopes for the colt from the beginning.


Although this piece was short and to the point, it was a big moment for me. On the first of many mornings spent visiting Wise Dan at Keeneland in late May, Charlie LoPresti generously gave me the go-ahead to break the news that his two-time Horse of the Year had been cleared to resume galloping. It was an amazing feeling to be the first to break the big news.


The only piece on this list that was published on this blog rather than my Horse Racing Nation blog, this essay has a special meaning to me. It details the best summer of my life – when I witnessed a Triple Crown winner and achieved some of my biggest goals by winning a pair of National Championships at the Appaloosa National Championship Show.


When American Pharoah drew away to win the Belmont, he left me an emotional mess. He had just become the first Triple Crown winner of my lifetime. But I was not in shock; I had expected him to win. In fact, the majority of this piece was written before the Belmont was even contested.


A portion of this blog post contains some of the paragraphs from “My First Triple Crown Winner,” but after American Pharoah capped off his career with a dominating victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, I could not help but write a thank you letter to him.


One of my most special moments this year was interviewing Charlie LoPresti while standing outside of Wise Dan’s stall. The gelding dozed as we talked about him, but quickly came to the front of his stall when Amy LoPresti showed up with an apple. The time I have spent with Wise Dan and the LoPrestis is something I will always cherish, so this article was a very meaningful one for me to write.


As mentioned under “Ponies of the Track – Buddy: The Spotted Pony,” one of my favorite things to do is combine my passions for Appaloosas and horse racing. This article was particularly special to write, as I had the chance to tell the story of Applesauce. Owned by Monnie Goetz, Applesauce gained national recognition when accompanying Donna Brothers on several NBC horse racing broadcasts – including the Breeders’ Cup. This article became even more special to me when it was reprinted as the feature article in the December 2015 issue of the Appaloosa Journal with my photo of Applesauce on the cover.


The best part of writing this article was talking to her connections to learn more about the story. It was inspiring to hear how much this filly means to them, and how much the connections themselves care for one another. It truly made my heart happy to be able to tell the story of Folded Wings and help the wonderful people associated with her share it.


A big thank you to all the people and horses who helped make 2015 such a great year!

The first time I saw American Pharoah


Wise Dan



Sharing a special moment with Smokey (American Pharoah's pony)
Photo by Terri Cage Photography

























Showing my ApHC gelding, Handy Principles, on the way to a Reserve World Championship
Photo by Larry Williams Photography






























Playing with Wise Dan
Wise Dan and I took several selfies together in 2015
Tepin
My ApHC gelding, Sterling Invitation, and me
Photo by Terri Cage Photography

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

HRN: 2015 Racing Highlights: Month by Month

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2015 Racing Highlights: Month by Month

2015 will go down as one of the most historic years in American horse racing history, as it was the year that marked the end of the 37-year Triple Crown drought. Throughout 2015, we watched as a sports legend was made in American Pharoah – a horse who became a national celebrity, putting horse racing in the spotlight. Although his accomplishments were certainly the main highlights of the year, several other great moments occurred in U.S. horse racing this year, so let’s look at some of those – broken down month by month.

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

HRN: Racing's Future: Matt Dinerman

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .


Racing's Future: Matt Dinerman

“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.


Meet Matt Dinerman

Born and raised in San Diego, California, 23-year-old Matt Dinerman has been a fan of racing since age 11. He is now the racetrack announcer at Emerald Downs. He is also a trip notes analyst on a new website called OptixEQ, and contributes handicapping analysis to TVG’s online newsletter. Follow him on Twitter, @3coltshandicap. . ."


Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Friday, December 18, 2015

HRN: Racing's Future: Cameron Decker

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .


Racing's Future: Cameron Decker

“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.


Meet Cameron Decker


14-year-old Arizona resident Cameron Decker has been a fan of horse racing for six years. He is currently interning for trainer Sharlot Martinez at Turf Paradise on the weekends to get early start and work towards his career as a racehorse trainer. Follow him on Instagram, @cam_deckr. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

HRN: Folded Wings: Giving Hope Flight

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Folded Wings: Giving Hope Flight

"Hope was all but lost. Inspiration was desperately needed – and so was a miracle.

Lacey McDaniel, a letter carrier for the Postal Service, had been suffering from interstitial cystitis – commonly known as IC. A chronic inflammation of the bladder, the condition caused her to persistently suffer from severe pain. She could only hope for relief from the pain, but doctors informed her that there was nothing they could do for her other than continue to manage and treat the condition.

In stepped Dr. Robert F. Jackson, a respected Indiana surgeon. He brought to her attention the possibility of adipose stem cell therapy – a method that has made a name for itself in the equine industry by helping the likes of two-time Californian Horse of the Year Lava Man and Grade 1 winners Ever a Friend and Greg’s Gold.

But as a procedure that was considered experimental, insurance would not cover its extreme cost. Lacey and her husband, Jeremy McDaniel, had already spent large sums of money on her previous medical bills, each of them working an exhausting amount of overtime to pay for them. There appeared no other way to pay for the stem cell therapy. But Jeremy found one. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Friday, December 11, 2015

HRN: Racing's Future: Eric DeCoster

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .


Racing's Future: Eric DeCoster

“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Eric DeCoster

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, 13-year-old Eric DeCoster now resides in Phoenix, Arizona. A fan of racing from a very early age, he promotes horse racing through his Instagram – @mr_ed26 – and Twitter – @hawksnhorses.
"


Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Announcing PTG's Second Guest Blog Contest

Now is your chance to be published on Past the Grandstand! Have an essay/article about anything racing or OTTB-related? Send a message to my Facebook page, my Instagram account or my Twitter account to inform me that you would like to enter the contest and I will give you an email address to which to send the essay.

More than just the "first place" guest blog may be chosen to be published! The last time I hosted a guest blog contest, five essays were published on Past the Grandstand in January 2014. Check them out here!

Any prior participants – aside from the first place winner – are allowed to participate.

You have until Friday, January 8, 2016 at 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) to submit an essay. You may only submit one. The winner will be announced and published on Sunday, January 10. If I decide to publish any additional guest blogs, they will be published on later dates.

NOTE: Any published blog is subject to grammatical, spelling and factual corrections.



If you have any questions about the contest, please do not hesitate to ask.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can the blog include a photo?

Yes! You can include as many photos as you see fit.

2. Is there a minimum or maximum length?

There are no set length specifications.

3. Can the blog already have been published somewhere else?

No, but it may be published elsewhere after the contest has concluded and ALL winning blogs have been published.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Cover Photo and Article for Appaloosa Journal

As an ApHC equestrian with multiple ApHC National Champion and ApHC Reserve World Champion titles to my name and a few beloved Appaloosa horses of my own, it is an honor to have a photo I took - and the corresponding feature article to go along with it - on the cover of the December 2015 issue of the Appaloosa Journal. To make it more special, the photo and article combine Appaloosas with the world of Thoroughbred racing, as they highlight lead pony Applesauce - who has accompanied Donna Brothers on various NBC broadcasts, including the 2015 Breeders' Cup.

To view the magazine cover and article, please visiting the Appaloosa Journal website by clicking here. You must sign up to be able to read the article in the magazine. However, the article is a reprint of my "Ponies of the Track" feature about Applesauce on Horse Racing Nation, which can be accessed here.


HRN: Racing's Future: Danica Cochran

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Danica Cochran

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Danica Cochran

Danica Cochran, 21, is a graduate of the Thoroughbred Equine Racing Program at Morrisville State College, located in upstate New York. She is originally from southeast Massachusetts, but has been living in Lexington, Kentucky for a little over a year now. A fan of racing since 2004, Dani is currently working as a vet assistant and farm hand at Gunston Hall Farm in Lexington. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

HRN: Racing's Future: Delaney Witbrod

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Delaney Witbrod



"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.


Meet Delaney Witbrod

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, 18-year-old Delaney Witbrod currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky, where she attends the University of Kentucky in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Management. She has been actively following horse racing since 2009 and currently promotes horse racing through her Instagram account, @racingthewonders_. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

HRN: Racing's Future: Ashley Mueller

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Ashley Mueller



"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet 
Ashley Mueller


From Texas, 16-year-old Ashley Mueller has been a fan of racing for approximately a year and a half. She currently enjoys taking photos at the track, inviting her friends to the races, trying her hand at handicapping, and connecting with other racing fans on social media. Follow her on Twitter,@PromiseMeSilver, and on Instagram, @promisemesilver. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

HRN: Racing's Future: Jordan Sigmon

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Jordan Sigmon



"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet 
Jordan Sigmon

15-year-old Jordan Sigmon – from Charlotte, North Carolina – has been a fan of racing since 2008. The owner of a Selle Francais gelding, she shows hunter/jumpers and hopes to someday have a career in the Thoroughbred industry. Follow her on Instagram, @pastthewire, and check out her blog, throughthebridle.weebly.com. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

HRN: Racing's Future: Madison Feldhahn

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Madison Feldhahn



"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet 
Madison Feldhahn

Madison Feldhahn is a 13-year-old racing fan from Texas. She has been a fan of racing for three years now and makes regular trips to her local track, Retama Park. She runs a blog, Retama Ruffian, and has a hobby of photographing horse racing. She has possible aspirations to someday become a bloodstock agent. Follow her on Instagram,@retamaruffian. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Applesauce: The TV Star

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Applesauce: The TV Star


"
For the viewers who watched the recent Breeders’ Cup World Championships on NBC or NBC Sports, there was an eye-catching equine star that stood apart from the Thoroughbred athletes like American Pharoah. Seeing former jockey Donna Brothers aboard a stunning horse as she interviews the winning jockey following a prestigious race has become a staple for any horse racing fan who tunes in to these broadcasts and this year’s edition of the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland was no different. This year, she paired up with an eye-catching Appaloosa named Applesauce.


Joining Brothers as she reported from horseback, Applesauce caught his fair share of airtime. Applesauce, owned by longtime pony rider Monnie Goetz, has become a familiar face at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. He is a regular lead pony at these Kentucky tracks, or one of the horses that is used to escort the racehorses in the post parade prior to a race. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Friday, November 6, 2015

HRN: Thank You, American Pharoah

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Thank You, American Pharoah

"Like most horse racing fans, the names of the sport’s all-time greats are engraved in my mind: Secretariat, Man O’ War, Citation, Affirmed, Seattle Slew and various others. Each year, we enjoy a number of brilliant runners but much less often do we witness Thoroughbreds who fall under the distinguished category of “great.” Since I fell in love with horse racing in 2004 when I was eight years old, I have had the pleasure of watching several horses who have earned the honor of being regarded as all-time greats: Zenyatta, Frankel, Black Caviar, Sea the Stars, Wise Dan, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra among them.

But as far as American-based racehorses are concerned, I had not seen a horse that could be considered immortal. I saw this adjective as a thing of the past. I did not believe that I would ever see a horse that would enter this class. Rather, I turned to historical archives of all-time greats like Secretariat, thinking my generation would never see one like him.

I fell in love with horse racing as Smarty Jones was making a Triple Crown bid. Beginning that year, I became enchanted by the Triple Crown. However, also beginning that year, the importance and challenge of the series became increasingly important to me. Year after year, I watched as talented three-year-olds tried and failed to become racing’s twelfth wonder. As the drought that began when Affirmed got his nose in front in the 1978 Belmont grew more extreme, it became progressively unlikely to me that I would ever see a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime.

Then, American Pharoah arrived on the scene.  . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

HRN: Breeders' Cup Saturday Selections

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Breeders' Cup Saturday Selections

"All eyes will be on Keeneland as the second day of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup features the world’s best racehorses. From the promising two-year-olds in the Juvenile Fillies and Juvenile to international star Golden Horn in the Turf and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the Classic, it is certain to be a day of racing that will find itself in the history books. . ."


Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Friday, October 30, 2015

HRN: Breeders' Cup Friday Selections

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Breeders' Cup Friday Selections

"Keeneland’s first Breeders’ Cup kicks off today with four championship races, highlighted by the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Listed below are my top five picks for all four of these races, including a featured longshot. It is sure to be an exciting day in the bluegrass!. . ."


Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

HRN: A Night of Quarter Horse Racing: A Photo Essay

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

A Night of Quarter Horse Racing: A Photo Essay

"Just one week after attending Fall Stars Weekend at Keeneland, I made the much shorter journey to my home track, Lone Star Park. Although a smaller venue, Lone Star hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 2004 – an event Keeneland will be hosting for the first time at the end of the month. However, on Saturday night, I was not attending any Thoroughbred races. Rather, I was there for a big night of Quarter Horse racing.

Thoroughbred racing has a much larger following, due to its long history and many traditions. But, like Thoroughbred racing, Quarter Horse racing features speedy equine athletes – the fastest in the world, in fact.  . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

HRN: Fall Stars Weekend at Keeneland: A Photo Essay

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Fall Stars Weekend at Keeneland: A Photo Essay

"I had left behind warm, sunny weather in Texas to arrive somewhere where it was chilly and rainy. Anyone other than a fellow racing enthusiast would have called me crazy. But I was Keeneland bound.

By the time my plane touched down at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky., I could barely contain my excitement. I had visited Keeneland before, but only during its off-season. Nonetheless, its timeless beauty had captured my heart and stamped itself as my favorite racetrack. At last, I would be attending the races there.  . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.


Tuesday, October 6, 2015

HRN: The End of an Era: Wise Dan and Charlie LoPresti

Note of thanks: Thank you, Mr. LoPresti for being so kind to me throughout Wise Dan's career. From the time I spent at the barn during the 2013 Breeders' Cup and standing in the winner's circle after Wise Dan's win to the time I spent around your barn at Keeneland both times I was there this year, I have memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

The End of an Era: Wise Dan and Charlie LoPresti

"A chestnut gelding hung his head over the stall door, his bright eyes enamored by the sight of another Thoroughbred. This other horse, with a rider aboard, made its way towards the training track for its morning exercise. The chestnut extended his neck, intently staring at the other horse as if he was jealous. And he probably was.

But this was by no means an ordinary gelding. He was the recipient of six Eclipse Awards, including two Horse of the Year titles, the earner of $7,552,920 million, the winner of two Breeders’ Cup Miles, and the heartthrob of American turf racing. His name: Wise Dan.

The nameplate of his halter read “LoPresti Stable.” Now eight years old, the Morton Fink homebred has spent his life under the care of trainer Charlie LoPresti, who has also conditioned a number of Wise Dan’s siblings – other offspring of his dam, Lisa Danielle.

Standing outside his stall on a chilly, rainy morning in early October, LoPresti gazed at the now-retired racehorse that has taken him on the journey of a lifetime. It was opening weekend at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., LoPresti’s home base and the track at which Wise Dan captured seven of his lifetime wins – including four Grade 1s.  . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.


Monday, September 14, 2015

2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale: Session One

Updated Sept. 15, 2015 (the day following session one) with sales results


Sales have always fascinated me, and I have always enjoyed selecting my favorite horses from auction catalogs, seeing how much they bring at the sale, and following them throughout their racing career. I have been able to follow many successful horses because of this hobby, including the Grade 1 winners Strong Mandate and Streaming, in addition to a multitude of other graded stakes winners - including Barbados, Hebbronville, Onlyforyou, She's Not Here, and Tower of Texas. Of course, a catalog page is not every thing and, when given the chance, I much prefer to also view the sales prospects in person. However, I have only been able to do that at one major yearling auction - the 2013 Fasig-Tipton July Sale, which is where I found eventual Grade 3 Jersey Shore Stakes winner Hebbronville.

Having been very busy with school and horses, I have not had much time to go through sales catalogs as of late, but set aside some time to at least sort through part of Book 1 for this year's Keeneland September Sale - the largest yearling sale in the world - to choose my favorite horses from the first session, which will begin on Monday at 11 a.m. From 241 yearlings, I was able to narrow down my selections to 18 yearlings, in addition to three sentimental favorites:

Hip 23 - Medaglia d'Oro-Weekend Whim, by Distorted Humor
Bay filly - Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency
$450,000 - Mike Ryan, Agent

This filly is by top sire Medaglia d'Oro, who has been an outstanding sire of female runners. Her dam, who has also produced the stakes-placed Coconut Shrimp, is a full sister to Grade 1 winner and sire Any Given Saturday, as well as a half sister to the graded stakes winner Bohemian Lady.

Hip 34 - Street Cry-Winter Memories, by El Prado
Chestnut colt - Consigned by Gainesway
OUT

This is the first foal out of the multiple Grade 1-winning mare Winter Memories, who herself is a daughter of a multiple Grade 1-winning mare, Memories of Silver. Being a son of the late, great sire Street Cry is certainly an advantage, as well.

Hip 38 - Fastnet Rock-Wonder of Wonders, by Kingmambo
Bay colt - Consigned by Eaton Sales
$350,000 - Al Shahania Stud

A son of top Australian sire Fastnet Rock, this colt is the second foal out of the stakes-winning, multiple Group 1-placed mare Wonder of Wonders. That mare is out of the group stakes-winning mare All Too Beautiful, who is a daughter of the legendary Urban Sea. This makes this colt's granddam a full sister to the tremendous sire Galileo and highweight champion Black Sam Bellamy, as well as a half-sister to the great Sea the Stars and many other outstanding runners and producers.

Hip 42 - Hard Spun-Zoftig, by Cozzene
Gray/roan colt - Consigned by Hunter Valley Farm
$60,000 - L&N Racing, LLC

By Hard Spun and out of the Grade 1-winning mare Zoftig, this colt is a full brother to the Grade 1 winner Zo Impressive and a half-brother to the Grade 1 winner Zaftig.

Hip 47 - Distorted Humor-Achieving, by Bernardini
Bay filly - Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency
$550,000 - John Ferguson

By leading sire Distorted Humor, this filly is out of a half-sister to the grade one winner Streaming. Her third dam is the great broodmare Better Than Honour, the dam of Grade 1 Belmont Stakes winners Jazil and Rags to Riches (the latter of which is an Eclipse Award Champion), highweight Man of Iron, and the graded stakes winner Casino Drive.

Hip 48 - Bernardini-Acoma, by Empire Maker
Bay colt - Consigned by Gainesway
$400,000 - China Horse Club

A son of Bernardini, this colt is the third foal out of the Grade 1 winner Acoma. That mare, a daughter of tremendous sire Empire Maker, is a half-sister to UAE Horse of the Year Festival of Light, as well as Grade 1 winner and sire Arch and several other stakes horses.

Hip 49 - Medaglia d'Oro-Afleeting Lady, by Afleet Alex
Bay colt - Consigned by Mill Ridge Sales
$875,000 - John Ferguson

It would be difficult for a pedigree to be more impressive than this colt's. A son of leading sire Medaglia d'Oro, this colt is out of the graded stakes-winning mare Afleeting Lady. That mare is a daughter of one of the best broodmares in recent years, Oatsee - the dam of Grade 1 winners Shackleford and Lady Joanne, as well as graded stakes winner Baghdaria and stakes winner Stephanoatsee.

Hip 72 - Giant's Causeway-Amber Grace, by Elusive Quality
Chestnut colt - Consigned by Paramount Sales
RNA ($150,000)

By top sire Giant's Causeway, this colt is out of a half-sister European champion Russian Rhythm and from the same family as an abundance of other champions and highweights, including Park Appeal, Alydaress, and Nashamaa.

Hip 73 - Tapit-Amelia, by Dixieland Band
Chestnut filly - Consigned by Gainesway
$750,000 - Shadai Farm

Being a daughter of Tapit is noteworthy enough, but this filly's female family is also impressive. His stakes-winning dam - a half-sister to group stakes winner Bertolini and stakes winner Alchemilla - is also the dam of three graded stakes winners and the Grade 1-placed He's Had Enough.

Hip 85 - Speightstown-Arania, by Dynaformer
Chestnut filly - Consigned by Gainesway
$700,000 - Joseph Allen

By one of the top sires in the nation, Speightstown, this filly is from the same female family as the aforementioned hip 48, with her dam a full sister to Japanese champion Yamanin Paradise and two other stakes winners, as well as a half-sister to UAE Horse of the Year Festival of Light and grade one winners Acoma and Arch.

Hip 96 - Giant's Causeway-Ava Knowsthecode, by Cryptoclearance
Chestnut colt - Consigned by Valkyre Stud
$300,000 - Rigney Racing

Not only is this colt a son of top sire Giant's Causeway, but his dam has produced a multitude of successful runners, including Grade 1 winner Justin Phillip and additional graded stakes winners Keyed Entry, Successful Mission, and Algorithms.

Hip 116 - War Front-Betterbetterbetter, by Galileo
Bay filly - Consigned by Timber Town
$1,450,000 - Shadwell Estate Company, LLC

A daughter of one of the country's top sires, War Front, this filly is the first foal out of the group stakes-placed mare Betterbetterbetter. That mare, a daughter of the outstanding Galileo, is a half-sister to three highweights, including the Group 1 winners Yesterday and Quarter Moon.

Hip 144 - Medaglia d'Oro-Cambiocorsa, by Avenue of Flags
Gray/roan colt - Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency
$350,000 - Todd A. Pletcher, Agent

This colt is by outstanding sire Medaglia d'Oro and out of the graded stakes-winning full sister to California Flag, Cambiocorsa - who has foaled four stakes runners. Of those four stakes horses, two are graded stakes winners, one is a stakes winner, and the other is Grade 1-placed.

Hip 160 - Galileo-Charge of Angels, by Distorted Humor
Chestnut colt - Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency
RNA ($485,000)

One couldn't ask for a better pedigree than this colt's. A son of the world's best sire, Galileo, hip 160 comes from one of America's best female families. His second dam, She's A Winner, is the dam of five stakes runners - including Grade 1 winner Bluegrass Cat. Additionally, She's A Winner is a full sister to the Grade 1 winner Girolamo and the graded stakes winners Daydreaming and Accelerator.

Hip 196 - More Than Ready-Dalmiya, by Kalanisi
Gray/roan filly - Consigned by Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services
RNA ($140,000)

This filly is a full sister to group stakes winner Dalwari. Her granddam is the dam of two French Horse of the Years - Daylami and Dalakhani - as well as another group stakes winner and stakes winner.

Hip 200 - Medaglia d'Oro-Dance Quietly, by A.P. Indy
Dark bay/brown filly - Consigned by Four Star Sales
$400,000 - Rio Dois Irmaos, LLC

Another Medaglia d'Oro yearling, this filly is out of the stakes-winning A.P. Indy mare Dance Quietly, who is a half-sister to Horse of the Year Saint Liam, two other graded stakes winners, and a Grade 1-placed runner - as well as a full sister to the graded stakes-placed American Dance.

Hip 224 - Smart Strike-Distinctively, by Awesome Again
Dark bay/brown filly - Consigned by KatieRich Farms
RNA ($50,000)

By two-time leading sire Smart Strike, this filly's stakes-placed dam is a daughter of champion Heavenly Prize, who is also the dam of Grade 1 winner Good Reward, graded stakes winner Pure Prize, and stakes winner Cosmic.

Hip 227 - Bernardini-Divalarious, by Distorted Humor
Bay colt - Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency
$375,000 - John Ferguson

By Bernardini, this colt's dam is a daughter of Irish and Italian Broodmare of the Year Alidiva. That fantastic mare is the dam of three highweights and an additional graded stakes winner.

Sentimental Favorites:

Hip 21 - Malibu Moon-Wasted Tears, by Najran
Dark bay/brown colt - Consigned by Stonehaven Standings and Bart Evans
RNA ($300,000)

This colt is the second foal of one of my favorite mares. His dam, Wasted Tears, won three editions of the now-extinct Grade 3 Ouija Board Distaff at my home track, Lone Star Park, and was always one of my favorite horses to watch.

Hip 51 - Tapit-Agave Kiss, by Lion Heart
Chestnut filly - Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency
RNA ($435,000)

This filly is out of another one of my favorite racemares, Agave Kiss, who I followed throughout her entire racing career - which included a six-race win streak and four stakes wins (one of which was graded).

Hip 181 - Creative Cause-Comfort Zone, by Rubiano
Gray/roan colt - Consigned by Clarkland Farm
$155,000 - John Kelly

I had the chance to meet this colt - a half-brother to graded stakes winner The Pamplemousse - in May while visiting the great people and horses of Clarkland Farm.

The eye of hip 181 - May 28, 2015