Through the lens: Scenes from Keeneland's spring meet

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

Through the lens: Scenes from Keeneland's spring meet

"Mother Nature has kept the state of Kentucky on its toes this year. Just when spring appears to finally be flourishing, wintry weather strikes again, leaving the Bluegrass State wondering if winter will ever leave. Kentucky weather is notorious for being unpredictable and temperamental; it’s difficult to know what it will throw at you.

But one thing is certain about spring in Kentucky: a wonderful time at Keeneland spent watching excellent racing. . ."

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HRN: Photos from beautiful Keeneland's opening weekend

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

Photos from beautiful Keeneland's opening weekend

"Although it is not my home state, Kentucky has always felt like it, particularly the Lexington area. The rolling green hills lined with wooden fences. The fields dotted with Thoroughbreds grazing and frolicking. The sign of the horse everywhere – on street signs, in ads downtown, in road names.

But one place in particular truly feels like home: Keeneland.

Nestled on the outskirts of Lexington, bordered by Blue Grass Airport and the historic Calumet Farm, and overlooking beautiful Kentucky scenery, Keeneland is certainly in the heart of horse country. Each year – for three weeks in the spring, and three weeks in the fall – thousands of race fans enter the gates surrounded by Keeneland’s idyllic ivy-walled stone walls to witness some of the nation’s highest quality racing. . ."

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HRN: Photo Blog: Keeneland Fall Stars Weekend 2016

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

Photo Blog: Keeneland Fall Stars Weekend 2016

"Nestled in the heart of horse country, Keeneland is the perfect setting for world-class horse racing. Covered in bluegrass, dotted with trees, embellished in stone, and filled with fashionable, enthusiastic fans, the Lexington, Ky. track is somehow simultaneously idyllic and dynamic – making for the perfect racing experience. This previous weekend, Keeneland kicked off its 17-day fall meet with a star-studded lineup over the first three days that has deemed the season opener "Fall Stars Weekend."

Beautiful fall weather attracted large crowds each day, allowing the track to set a new Fall Stars attendance record of 66,437. Over the span of three days, Keeneland hosted nine graded stakes – including five grade ones and a total of seven Breeders' Cup Win and You're In races.

Although these stakes races were the highlight of the weekend, race days at Keeneland provided for an abundance of other great races, unique sights and sounds, and an overall quality experience. . ."

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HRN: Photo Blog: A Visit to the Bluegrass

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

Photo Blog: A Visit to the Bluegrass

"More than 20,000 foals are born each year – more than 7,000 of which breathe their first breaths of life in the Kentucky bluegrass. Spring in the Lexington, Kentucky, area is a magical time – a time when the pastures of green rolling hills are full of mares whose foals nap or romp alongside them.

But just how many of those youngsters go on to be champions? A numbered few. Those who do achieve such greatness on the track or in the breeding shed have their names etched in the books, garnering awe and respect.

While on a brief visit to Kentucky last week, I was able to see Thoroughbreds in each stage of their life – from young foals to retired warriors. The Bluegrass is unlike any other place, and is home to some of the world’s most elite Thoroughbreds – whether they be on a farm or at the track. . ."

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HRN: Ponies of the Track - Slinger: More Than Just an Outrider

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These 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 - Slinger: More Than Just an Outrider

"Sedona Cole is horse-crazy like many little girls, but she also owns a horse that is just as crazy about her as she is about him. That horse – a handsome AQHA palomino gelding named Sixshootingunslinger, or simply, Slinger – has also captured the hearts of many fans in attendance at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, where Sedona’s father, Scott Cole, is an outrider.

“That is her horse,” Scott said. “She just lets me ride him.”

But Sedona is Slinger’s little girl just as much as he is her horse. It was clear from the moment the two crossed paths seven years ago that their partnership was something special – and it all happened by chance. . ."

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HRN: Opening 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 blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Opening Weekend at Keeneland: A Photo Essay

"All elements of the weather were present on opening weekend at Keeneland: rain, wind, sun, and even a wintry mix of snow, sleet and hail. The spring meet was beckoned in with winter-like weather, but signs of springs were present at the Lexington, Kentucky, track nonetheless. The turf course and infield were a deep, bright green and the trees dotting the racecourse were beginning to bloom, boasting their attractive flowers to provide for a beautiful backdrop. . ."

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HRN: Breeders' Cup Friday Selections

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These 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!. . ."

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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 blog. These 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.  . ."

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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 blog. These 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.  . ."

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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

Part Two: 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale

With 18 seven-figure yearlings and a gross that surpassed that of the 2012 sale by the seventh session, it is clear that the Keeneland September Yearling Sale has experienced remarkable gains. Covering this sale in a different manner than I have ever covered a sale, I selected eleven yearlings from three consignments based primarily on conformation, though pedigree was also considered. It is my hope that these athletically built youngsters will blossom into talented racehorses.

Of my eleven selections (each of which was featured in Part One), seven sold, three did not reach their reserves, and one was declared out of the auction. The seven that were purchased totaled $1,375,000 with an average price of $196,429. Listed below are my eleven selections, along with their sale price and buyer.

Hip 17: RNA ($340,000)

Hip 273: Red Wings, $160,000

Hip 595: XIB, Agent, $190,000

Hip 725: Willis Horton, $285,000

Hip 881: Top Racing LLC, $150,000

Hip 896: Niall Brennan, Agent, $80,000

Hip 922: Ben Glass, Agent, $310,000

Hip 1067: Lavin Bloodstock, Agent for Mark Grief, $200,000

Hip 1964: RNA ($120,000)

Hip 1969: OUT

Hip 2664: RNA ($67,000)

Part One: 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale

September marks the winding down of summer, the opening of the door for autumn. It is also home to the world’s largest, most important yearling auction: the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Each year, thousands of yearlings stroll through the sales ring in Lexington, Kentucky as bidders from around the globe place their bids upon the young Thoroughbreds. Although these horses are just a year old, at least two years’ work has been put into this auction. Matings were chosen, mares were bred and prepared to foal, foals were cared for, and yearlings were prepped. Through blood, sweat, tears, rain, snow, and heat, these horses have been meticulously prepared for this significant point in time. Those two years of hard work and dedication all come down to these moments.

Nearly 4,000 yearlings were entered in this year’s September Sale, outnumbering last year’s auction by about 300. Beginning on Monday (September 9) at noon (Eastern time), the auction will last until Saturday, September 21, spanning five books and twelve sessions. Book 1 will cover the first four days of the sale, offering the first 875 hips. Each of these sessions will begin at noon. After a break on Friday, September 13, the sale will resume on Saturday, September 14 and end on September 21, presenting the yearlings in Books 2 through 5, with each book covering two days. Each of these sessions will commence at 10:00 AM.

Prior to this year’s Fasig-Tipton July Sale, I had never attended an auction before. Due to this, I made all of my sale selections based solely off of pedigree – and movement in breeze shows for two-year-old sales – as I lacked the opportunity to study conformation as a result of not being present for the auctions I covered, although I knew it was incredibly important. But now, having attended the July Sale and the Fasig-Tipton Texas Summer Yearlings Sale, I have fully realized the significance of conformation and will no longer make sale selections without being able to analyze sale entrants’ conformation. However, thanks to three sales agencies’ posting of conformation shots of several of their consignments, I was able to study the conformation of numerous yearlings for this renowned auction. Although not the equivalent of analyzing a yearling firsthand, this gave me the opportunity to cover the sale I have yearned to cover all year despite not being able to attend: the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

A big thanks goes out to Denali Stud, Elm Tree Farm, and Three Chimneys Farm for posting conformation shots of several of their Keeneland September consignments. Because of these useful tools, I was able to select yearlings off of not only pedigrees, but my favorite component: conformation. Listed below are the eleven yearlings I selected from these consignments, along with information on when they are selling, their consignor, analyses of their pedigrees and conformation, and links to their conformation photos.

Note: I only selected yearlings from these three consignments, as they are the only sales agencies that posted conformation photos of most of their offerings in time for me to make selections. I chose no yearlings off of pedigree alone, as I used conformation as my most important deciding factor. 

Hip 17 – Consigned by Denali Stud (Craig and Holly Bandoroff), Agent XIII – Book 1, Session 1, Monday, September 9
Gray/roan colt; Tapit – Flock of Doves (Kingmambo)

A son of one of the top sires in the nation in Tapit, hip 17 is out of Flock of Doves – an unraced daughter of Kingmambo. Flock of Doves is a half-sister to the group one-winning highweight Pathfork. His third dam, the stakes-winning, group one-placed Imperfect Circle, is the dam of three black-type horses, including the multiple group one-winning highweight Spinning World.

A rather correct individual, hip 17 may be thick about the neck and slightly post-legged, but he is rather evenly balanced, being solid about the shoulder and topline. View his conformation photo here.

Hip 273 – Consigned by Three Chimneys Sales, Agent – Book 1, Session 2, Tuesday, September 10
Bay colt; Speightstown – Northern Station (Street Cry)

Sired by leading sire Speightstown, hip 273 is out of the black-type-winning mare Northern Station. His third dam produced three black-type horses – including the graded stakes-winning Polonius – and the dam of the graded stakes-winning Advice. This is the same family as the graded stakes-winning mares Ascutney and Words of War, who, between them, have produced the grade one winners Raven’s Pass and No Matter What – the dam of champion Rainbow View.

As a result of a sturdy, rather sloping shoulder, hip 273 boasts a short, durable topline, causing him to be very well-balanced and athletically built. The colt is very short-necked and slightly calf-kneed, but is otherwise breathtakingly correct. A conformation photo of hip 273 can be found on this page.

Hip 595 – Consigned by Elm Tree Farm LLC (Mr. and Mrs. Jody Huckabay), Agent IX – Book 1, Session 3, Wednesday, September 11
Dark bay/brown colt; Giant’s Causeway – Van Lear Rose (Stroll)

A son of the consistently elite sire Giant’s Causeway, hip 595 is the second foal out of Canadian champion Van Lear Rose. The Giant’s Causeway/A.P. Indy sire line cross on which this colt was bred has proven to be quite successful, producing the graded stakes winners Chief Havoc and Worth Repeating to date.

A colt of impressive muscularity, hip 595 displays a rounded, powerful hip that hints of great propulsion from the hind end. A very solid individual, hip 595 exhibits round muscles of great volume, but remains proportional, being short and compact over the topline. He is also very structurally correct when viewed from the side, being straight through the knees and correctly angled about the pasterns. View his conformation photo here.

Hip 725 – Consigned by Elm Tree Farm LLC (Mr. and Mrs. Jody Huckabay), Agent IV – Book 1, Session 4, Thursday, September 12
Bay colt; Tale of the Cat – Buddha Lady (Buddha)

Sharing his sire with the likes of the grade one winners Gio Ponti, Glamour Puss, Lion Heart, and Tale of Ekati, this son of Tale of the Cat is out of the black-type-winning mare Buddha Lady. This makes him a direct descendant of the foundation mare of family 1-n – the stakes-winning Reine De Course mare Chelandry – thus allowing hip 725 to descend from the same tail female line as the dual-classic-winning champion Swale, the grade one-winning, dual classic-placed Bodemeister, and the group one-winning Americain.

A uniquely-marked, flashy bay colt, hip 725 is a compact, balanced yearling who exhibits notable muscling. Perhaps his best feature is his powerful hip, which is long and full, which will likely provide hip 725 with great drive and impulsion from his hindquarters. View his conformation photo here.

Hip 881 – Consigned by Three Chimneys Sales, Agent – Book 2, Session 5, Saturday, September 14
Chestnut colt; Elusive Quality – Fiery Dancer (Atticus)

This colt’s sire, Elusive Quality, is best known for siring the dual-classic winning champion Smarty Jones, the multiple record-breaking grade one winner Quality Road, and the additional grade/group one winners Camarilla, Certify, Elusive City, Elusive Kate, Maryfield, Raven’s Pass, and Sepoy. Hip 881 is out of the black-type-winning mare Fiery Dancer, who is a full sister to the graded stakes-winning Atticus Kristy and a half-sister to the stakes-winning, graded stakes-placed Distorted Reality. This is the same family as 2011 Broodmare of the Year Oatsee, the dam of numerous graded stakes winners, including the grade one winners Lady Joanne and Shackleford.

Evenly balanced, hip 881 boasts a strong shoulder and back. Both proportional and muscular, the chestnut displays a powerful hip and heart girth, which hints at greater body capacity. A conformation photo of hip 881 can be found on this page.

Hip 896 – Consigned by Denali Stud (Craig and Holly Bandoroff), Agent XXVIII – Book 2, Session 5, Saturday, September 14
Dark bay/brown filly; Smart Strike – Giant’s Princess (Giant’s Causeway)

Bred on the same Mr. Prospectors/Giant’s Causeway sire line cross as the grade one-winning Evening Jewel, hip 896 shares her sire – Smart Strike – with numerous champions, including Curlin, English Channel, Lookin At Lucky, My Miss Aurelia, and Soaring Free. Her granddam, the graded stakes-winning Lotta Dancing, produced the graded stakes-winning Fantasticat, as well as Shootforthestars – the unraced dam of the grade one-winning Centralinteligence and three additional black-type runners. Hip 896’s third dam is Lotka, a grade one-winning daughter of Danzig.

Although thick and low-tying about the neck, hip 896 is balanced and proportional, being short about the topline and rather easily divided into thirds. She is quite muscular, having forearms and gaskins of notable volume, as well as a strong shoulder and long hip. View her conformation photo here.

Hip 922 – Consigned by Denali Stud (Craig and Holly Bandoroff), Agent XI – Book 2, Session 5, Saturday, September 14
Bay colt; Mineshaft – Hidden Cat (Storm Cat)

Hip 922 is sired by Mineshaft, Horse of the Year and sire of the grade one winners Dialed In, Discreetly Mine, and It’s Tricky. His dam, the black-type-winning Hidden Cat, has produced two black-type winners: Global Power and Pegasusbystorm. His granddam is the Canadian champion Alywow, who begat not only hip 922’s dam, but also the group stakes-winning Century City.

Although hip 922 possesses some structural flaws, he is well-balanced and athletically built, being both proportional and muscular. His depth of heart girth, length of hip, and volume of shoulder bespeak power. View his conformation photo here.

Hip 1067 – Consigned by Elm Tree Farm LLC (Mr. and Mrs. Jody Huckabay), Agent VI – Book 2, Session 5, Saturday, September 14
Gray/roan colt; More Than Ready – Red Hot Buddha (Buddha)

By elite sire More Than Ready, hip 1067 is a son of the black-type-winning mare Red Hot Buddha, who is a half-sister to a pair of black-type runners, including the graded stakes-placed Cue the Moon. His third dam produced the graded stakes-winning half-sisters Allamerican Bertie and Hurricane Bertie.

A stunning dark gray with a white face, hip 1067 is a breathtaking physical specimen, being not only very muscular, but also impeccably balanced. Having a strong, sloping shoulder that provides him with a short, sturdy topline, hip 1067 can easily be divided into equal thirds. View his conformation photo here.

Hip 1964 – Consigned by Denali Stud (Craig and Holly Bandoroff), Agent XIV – Book 3, Session 7, Monday, September 16
Gray/roan filly; Quality Road – Throbbin’ Heart (Smoke Glacken)

Hip 1964 is a member of Quality Road’s first crop. Quality Road, a multiple grade one winner who set numerous track records, is a son of the outstanding stallion Elusive Quality, who has sired nine grade/group one winners to date. Out of the stakes-winning Smoke Glacken mare Throbbin’ Heart, hip 1964 is a great-granddaughter of the dam of the graded stakes-winning, grade one-placed Count the Time, the stakes-winning granddam of the group one winner Foxwedge, and a pair of graded stakes-placed runners.

An exquisite gray/roan filly, hip 1964 flaunts a sleek, athletic build. She is a very structurally correct individual according to her conformation photo, having appropriately angled pasterns and forming a straight line through her knees. View her conformation photo here.

Hip 1969 – Consigned by Denali Stud (Craig and Holly Bandoroff, Agent – Book 3, Session 7, Monday, September 16
Bay colt; Stormy Atlantic – Toula (Bold Executive)

This colt shares his sire, Stormy Atlantic, with the grade one winners Get Stormy and Stormello, as well as the Canadian champion Leonnatus Anteas. His dam is a half-sister to the Canadian champion Sweetest Thing, in addition to the stakes-winning Medidocihospisurg and the stakes-placed Bold Thing.

Bearing an uncanny resemblance to his sire, hip 1969 is a colt of remarkable muscularity and noteworthy balance. Displaying a long, powerful hip and a heart girth of great depth, hip 1969’s build indicates strength and power. His strong, sloping shoulder allows his topline to be short and sturdy, accentuating his balance. View his conformation photo here.

Hip 2664 – Consigned by Three Chimneys Sales, Agent – Book 4, Session 9, Wednesday, September 18
Bay filly; Big Brown – Nicksappealinglady (Successful Appeal)

A daughter of dual classic winner Big Brown, hip 2664’s sire has also produced the stakes winners Brown Almightly, Bella Castani, and Shades of Sugar since entering stud in 2009. Out of a stakes-placed Successful Appeal mare, hip 2664’s third dam produced the multiple grade one-winning Ladies Din. This Danzig/Valid Appeal sire line cross is the same that produced the multiple grade one-winning Jersey Girl.

A very athletically built filly, hip 2664 is a well-balanced yearling, displaying a solid topline to support her proportional frame. Although leggy and quite dainty, the filly does display power in her shoulder and heart girth. Her conformation photo can be found on this page.

A summary of how these yearlings sell will be posted on Wednesday, September 18 or Thursday, September 19.

Villandry: Full of Potential

Villandry
Photo by Terri Cage

Without a doubt, the most famous chestnut gelding in Charlie Lopresti’s barn is Wise Dan, reigning Horse of the Year and six-time grade one winner. But lurking in the shadows is another stunning chestnut – one that could easily pass as Wise Dan if one didn’t know better. His name is Villandry.

A homebred for Gainesway, Villandry debuted as a juvenile in September of 2011 at Saratoga, facing six rivals in a five and one-half-furlong maiden special weight over a sealed sloppy track. A slow break from the gate compromised his chances and although he pursued the leader, he floundered in the mud, finishing fourth. Encountering an off track yet again in his second start, this time at Belmont, Villandry was bumped at the start and never found his best stride, disappointing with a last-place finish.

Villandry did not race again for ten months, returning in a mile and one-sixteenth maiden special weight on the turf horses for three-year-olds and older horses. Despite his long layoff, he came back better than ever, displaying a remarkable turn of foot as he made a rally along the outside on the far turn. Closing from far off the pace, Villandry exhibited notable determination to prevail by a nose despite traveling widest of all.

A return to Saratoga resulted in yet another fourth-place finish. However, this time he was facing much tougher company in an allowance optional claiming event going a mile and three-sixteenths over the lawn. The winner of the race was Optimizer, whose next start would be a 4 ¼-length victory in the Kent Stakes (GIII). Villandry managed to finish just 4 lengths behind the multiple graded stakes winner and left behind him the likes of the group/graded stakes winners Animal Spirits and Noll Wallop, as well as the stakes-placed runners Devon Rock and Tiz Moe.

Since that respectable Saratoga effort, Villandry has seemed to mature, winning his two most recent starts. Nearly two months after running fourth to Optimizer, Villandry defeated six opponents in a nine-furlong allowance over Keeneland’s synthetic surface, closing from near the rear of the field yet again. Forced to be patient around the far turn when blocked by a wall of horses, Julien Leparoux found room along the inside for his mount, urging Villandry to charge through the opening. The chestnut gelding responded, accelerating effortlessly to draw away to a 2 ½-length triumph as Leparoux ceased any asking in the final yards, gearing down the son of Mr. Greeley.

Villandry working at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Returning to the turf in a nine-furlong allowance at Churchill Downs, Villandry raced mid-pack as two horses opened up an ample lead on the remainder of the field down the backstretch. Gaining ground around the second bend, Villandry posed as a major threat as the turn gave way to the homestretch. Racing wide, Villandry found his best stride at the top of the lane, seizing the lead outside the eighth pole as his powerful strides carried him away from his competitors. The gelding finished 3 lengths clear of the runner-up, Cyber Secret, who would soon win a pair of graded stakes. Also finishing behind Villandry was the stakes winner Unstoppable U. The final time was a noteworthy 1:47.55, with Villandry completing the final furlong in just under 12 seconds.

Villandry has not raced since his impressive win at Churchill Downs and has only had one work in the past sixty days, which took place at Keeneland on July 16. However, having been present for that work, as well as having been able to watch him gallop the two days after that breeze, it is safe to say that Villandry – who seemed to piece together the puzzle last fall – remains a grand-looking athlete.

While I was able to observe Villandry over a span of three mornings at Keeneland, it was clear that the gelding carries himself with class. It will be exciting to see how he returns to the races, where he will hopefully pick up where he left off.

Pedigree Musings

Villandry is a son of Mr. Greeley, who has also sired the likes of the grade/group one winners Aruna, El Corredor, Finsceal Beo, Nonsuch Bay, and Reel Buddy. A son of Gone West, Mr. Greeley shares his sire with several other successful stallions, including Came Home, Elusive Quality, Grand Slam, Johar, Proud Citizen, and Speightstown. This is the prolific Mr. Prospector sire line, which has produced an astounding number of champions, including six Horse of the Year honorees in the United States.

The bottom side of Villandry’s pedigree is abounding with international influences, primarily British and French Thoroughbreds. Although his dam, Al Beedaa was born in the United States, she is by the Irish-bred champion Swain and out of the French-bred mare Histoire. Al Beedaa is a half-sister to Erhaab, winner of the Epsom Derby (GI), as well as the Italian champion Oumaldaaya, the stakes-winning Hispanolia, and the graded stakes-placed Hittias. Though Al Beedaa has yet to produce a stakes horse, her half-sisters have found success in doing so, as they are the dams of the group stakes-winning Chaibia, the graded stakes-winning Haami, and the stakes-winning Wadi Rum. This makes Villandry a direct descendant of the female family of the Reine De Course mares Marchetta, Rose Red, and Rosetta.

Villandry’s maternal grandsire, Swain, is also the broodmare sire of the group stakes winner Akmal and the stakes-placed Rosen Opera. The Mr. Greeley/Blushing Groom sire line cross on which Villandry is bred is the same that produced the multiple stakes winner You Go West Girl and the graded stakes-placed Ketchikan, as well as the additional stakes-placed runners Manyatta, Miss Olivia Rae, and Whispering Hush. 

Villandry working at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Bliss in the Bluegrass

Sometimes I find myself on Google Maps, using Street View to drive along the roads in central Kentucky. I pretend I’m there – in the Bluegrass, watching as the regal Thoroughbred farms and picturesque wooden fences roll by. Occasionally, I’ll catch sight of a beautiful Thoroughbred – perhaps a broodmare, maybe a foal or yearling. Of course, it is nothing like actually being in the Lexington, Kentucky area, but it allows me to imagine myself there.

But for six days, I didn’t have to imagine it. There I was, in the horse capital of the world, riveted yet again by the abundance of Thoroughbred farms nestled in the green, rolling hills of central Kentucky. Overwhelmed in the best way by the beauty of the land, the splendor of the horses, and the hospitality of the people, those six days can only be defined by one word: bliss.

Photo by Terri Cage

Along with my parents, I made my fourth trip to the bluegrass – and my first when the grass was actually green (er, blue). Central Kentucky had just experienced two consecutive weeks of rain, leaving the grass vivid. But during the days I spent there, the only rain that fell was at the very beginning and end of our trip and the days were spent beneath the warm, bright July sun with sometimes suffocating humidity. However, that didn’t matter much. Not when I was in the place I always dream of being in.

I will write more extensively about certain parts of my trip in future articles, both on here and on my Horse Racing Nation blog, but in the meantime, please enjoy the 51 photos (all by my mom, Terri Cage) below, along with descriptions of the various places I visited in central Kentucky.

WINSTAR FARM

My time in Kentucky began with a visit to WinStar Farm. Thanks to Well Armed's owner, Bill Casner, and the broodmare manager of WinStar, Kieran Lalor, I was able to see nearly the whole farm and meet Well Armed’s “family” – his sire, two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) winner Tiznow; his dam, Well Dressed; and his full brother of 2013. These three horses were just few of many spectacular Thoroughbreds I saw at the farm, which – combined with the impressiveness of the farm itself – made the visit to WinStar one of the standouts of my trip.

Tiznow
Photo by Terri Cage

Well Dressed
Photo by Terri Cage

Well Armed's full brother
Photo by Terri Cage

Colonel John
Photo by Terri Cage

Super Saver
Photo by Terri Cage

The view from the top of a barn at WinStar Farm
Photo by Terri Cage

FASIG-TIPTON JULY SALE

Leading up to this trip, I eagerly anticipated the Fasig-Tipton July Sale. Having a great interest in the sales industry, I was enthusiastic about finally attending my first sale where I would both evaluate horses and watch them sell. The day before the first yearling auction of the year, I roamed the barns of Fasig-Tipton’s Newtown Paddocks, analyzing dozens of yearlings by studying their conformation and walk. Viewing several nice horses from some of the nation’s best consignors was an incredible learning experience.

The next day, I finally attended a sale, where I alternated between two locations to see the yearlings and happenings of the sale up close: the auditorium – where I could see the horse in the sales ring and watch the bidding– and the back ring – where yearlings pranced by me just inches away so I could get last-minute impressions of them. Altogether, it was a very unique, educational experience.

Evaluating a yearling the day prior to the sale
Photo by Terri Cage

Hip 51, who topped the sale at $460,000, was one of my selections
Photo by Terri Cage

Hip 58, one of my selections, in the back ring before selling
Photo by Terri Cage

Hip 4, one of my selections, in the sales ring
Photo by Terri Cage

SPENDTHRIFT FARM

After assessing horses on the day prior to the sale, I stopped by the open house Spendthrift Farm was holding, where I not only finally met a “racing friend” of mine in person, but was also able to view numerous quality stallions, including leading sire Malibu Moon, as well as Awesome Patriot, Line of David, Paddy O’ Prado, Tizway, Tiz Wonderful, Warrior’s Reward, and Wilburn.

Into Mischief
Photo by Terri Cage

Malibu Moon
Photo by Terri Cage

Paddy O' Prado
Photo by Terri Cage

Tizway
Photo by Terri Cage

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

Maintaining a tradition, we visited the Kentucky Horse Park, where we stopped by to see Cigar, Funny Cide, and Go for Gin. In addition to seeing these champions, we strolled around the park, seeing an assortment of breeds along the way, and visited the International Museum of the Horse.

Man O' War's grave at the Kentucky Horse Park
Photo by Terri Cage

TIMBER TOWN STABLE

Another standout of the trip was a visit to Timber Town Stable, where the single barn we visited – a small broodmare barn – housed several quality mares, including three whose combined value is nearly $18 million. Those mares were 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace (who sold for $10 million at the 2012 Fasig-Tipton November Sale), 2011 Kentucky Oaks (GI) victress Plum Pretty (who topped the 2012 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale at $4.2 million), and Cry and Catch Me (who sold for $3.5 million at the 2012 Fasig-Tipton November Sale). Among the other mares in the barn was Bethany – the dam of the multiple grade one-winning Tizway – and her 2013 foal.

The assistant broodmare manager of the farm brought out Plum Pretty and Havre de Grace for us, allowing us to take pictures of and visit the mares. Both were incredibly sweet and although we were told Havre de Grace could be cantankerous, she was on her best behavior and showed not even the slightest indication of irritability. After spending several minutes admiring and loving on the mares, we watched as they were turned out in a paddock together, gazing at the sights around them. It was an amazing moment watching these two fine mares together.

Plum Pretty
Photo by Terri Cage

Havre de Grace
Photo by Terri Cage

Havre de Grace (left) and Plum Pretty (right) headed to their paddock
Photo by Terri Cage

The very sweet Plum Pretty
Photo by Terri Cage

Havre de Grace
Photo by Terri Cage

THREE CHIMNEYS FARM

A visit to Three Chimneys Farm allowed me to finally meet Jen Roytz, the marketing and communications director for the farm. Taking us on a tour of the farm, Jen allowed us to see several stallions in their paddocks, visit mares and foals on the broodmare division, and drive around the yearling division as she shared stories with us about horses on the farm. Being able to meet several special horses – including a mare that survived a barn fire and a nurse mare foal that is more like a dog than a horse – was a terrific experience in and of itself, but most of all, my parents and I were amazed by Jen’s kindness. Thank you for showing us around the farm and sharing stories with us, Jen!

A foal at Three Chimneys
Photo by Terri Cage

HILL ‘N’ DALE

Awestruck by the beauty of Hill ‘n’ Dale’s stallion barn, I was able to view three of the farm’s stallions: Stormy Atlantic, Misremembered, and Harlington. But perhaps the most special component of this visit was seeing the grave of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, which – like the rest of the farm – was incredibly elegant.

Seattle Slew's grave
Photo by Terri Cage

CRESTWOOD

On the same farm on which my Miss Fifty was born and raised, I was able to see several stallions, including Country Day, Get Stormy, and Tizdejavu. The latter – a horse with remarkable conformation – and the multiple grade one-winning Get Stormy were both absolutely stunning in person.

Tizdejavu
Photo by Terri Cage

Get Stormy
Photo by Terri Cage

HOLLY OAK FARM

Early last year, I met a horse named Spanky (who is registered with the Jockey Club as Make Me Laugh) at Remember Me Rescue. Among several horses rescued from a farm in Many, Louisiana on which an abundance of Thoroughbreds were starved and neglected, Spanky was adopted by Elizabeth and Dietrich Felgendreher of Holly Oak Farm in central Kentucky. Tagging along with my mom for a photo shoot at the farm while we were in Kentucky, I was stunned to see the transformation in Spanky. The last time I had seen him, the young Thoroughbred had been lethargic and underweight and had the worst case of rain rot I’d ever seen. But now, his coat glimmered with a hint of gold and his energy reflected his happiness. It was incredibly touching to see the change in him.

Spanky
Photo by Terri Cage

Spanky
Photo by Terri Cage

Spanky
Photo by Terri Cage

CLAIBORNE FARM

Each time I visit Claiborne Farm, I feel like I’m stepping into history. These are the grounds that have once been home to a plethora of all-time greats, including Bold Ruler, Mr. Prospector, Round Table, Ruffian, and Secretariat. The farm remains home to top-class Thoroughbreds, including Algorithms, Arch, Blame, Flatter, Seeking the Gold, and War Front. It was a pleasure to see each of these stallions prior to visiting the stallion cemetery, where the great Secretariat and one of my personal favorites, Swale, are buried.

Algorithms
Photo by Terri Cage

Arch
Photo by Terri Cage

Blame
Photo by Terri Cage

War Front
Photo by Terri Cage

Claiborne's "stall of fame"
Photo by Terri Cage

Secretariat's grave
Photo by Terri Cage

ADENA SPRINGS

There is something special about meeting a Kentucky Derby winner and although I have seen numerous Derby winners before, it is always a special moment to actually touch a horse that wore the garland of roses. At the beautiful Adena Springs, I had that opportunity when I met Giacomo – longshot winner of the 2005 Kentucky Derby and a horse with a great personality. At Adena Springs, we were also able to see spectacular sire Awesome Again, as well as his Hall of Fame son Ghostzapper and the versatile Einstein.

Awesome Again
Photo by Terri Cage

Einstein
Photo by Terri Cage

Ghostzapper
Photo by Terri Cage

Giacomo
Photo by Terri Cage

DENALI STUD

On the same farm on which Animal Kingdom was born and raised resides a royal Thoroughbred family: Serena’s Song and two of her daughters, Night and Day and Pure Symmetry. After seeing the Hall of Fame mare’s daughters, we were able to visit with Serena’s Song and feed her peppermints – her favorite treat. A mare I have great respect for due to her astounding success on the track and as a broodmare, it was an honor to meet Serena’s Song.

Serena's Song
Photo by Terri Cage

DARLEY AT JONABELL FARM

Due to the farm’s entire stallion roster being in quarantine in preparation for shuttling to the Southern Hemisphere, the only stallions we had the chance to see at Darley was a trio of pensioned stallions: Cherokee Run, Holy Bull, and Quiet American. Nonetheless, we were able to enjoy the grandeur of the farm, which includes the gravesite of Triple Crown winner Affirmed.

Affirmed's grave
Photo by Terri Cage

GAINESWAY FARM

Home to some of the most elite stallions in the Thoroughbred industry, Gainesway Farm is also a certified arboretum, boasting gorgeous gardens and landscaping. Arriving at the stallion barns, we read the names of famed Gainesway stallions along a long, unique fountain prior to viewing multiple stallions, including one of the top sires in the nation, Tapit, and one of my personal favorites, Afleet Alex. Strolling through the stallion barns, we were left in awe of the unique architecture and the impeccable care the stallions receive.

Gainesway Farm
Photo by Terri Cage

Afleet Alex
Photo by Terri Cage

Tapit
Photo by Terri Cage

The kind eye of Tapizar
Photo by Terri Cage

OLD FRIENDS

One of the most unique farms in central Kentucky, Old Friends houses dozens of ex-racehorses – some champions and some that weren’t so successful. Each of them has their own personality and as a big supporter of the aftercare of these amazing athletes, I just had to make my second visit to Old Friends. The best part of going to the farm again? Seeing my “old friend” Flick, a British-bred stakes winner who was glad to receive several peppermints from me. 

Flick
Photo by Terri Cage

Creator
Photo by Terri Cage

Sunshine Forever (always with his tongue out)
Photo by Terri Cage

KEENELAND

The three mornings we spent at Keeneland Race Course observing morning workouts were magical. Standing along the rail for hours as Thoroughbreds exercised on the track, I was blown away by the beauty of Keeneland and, of course, mesmerized by the horses. Since the news that reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan had left Keeneland for Saratoga had not yet been released, my parents and I went on a wild good chase looking for him, analyzing each chestnut Charlie Lopresti trainee that passed by on the track, hoping it was Wise Dan. We finally thought we found him until, upon further review of a photograph my mom took, I identified the chestnut as Villandry. Although the search for Wise Dan was unsuccessful, it was worth it, as I later met Villandry at the barn. As sweet as he was beautiful, meeting Villandry was the perfect end to my time at Keeneland.

Morning works at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Morning works at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Morning works at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Villandry working at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

The day we left arrived much too quickly and despite waking up before the sun, I stayed awake to catch my final glimpses of the beautiful farms and Keeneland before dozing off. Although I was sad to leave the bluegrass, I will forever cherish the memories my time there has granted me with – the memories made unforgettable thanks to the incredible horses, stunning landscape, and kind people. I hope to see you again soon, Kentucky.