Pharoah's Phuture Phoals | Retama Ruffian

Pharoah's Phuture Phoals was original published on Mary Cage's Past the Grandstand (http://pastthegrandstand.blogspot.com/2016/01/guest-blog-contest-sixth-place-pharoahs.html)

With a new year comes new stallions. This is no longer the year of the Pharoah –  at least for racing, that is. 2016 is the year American Pharoah walks into the breeding shed with some of the top mares from around the country and even the world (yes, I'm talking about you, Rags). If American Pharoah fails at stud, it won't be due to a shortage of quality mares. On that note, let's take a look at 'Pharoah's Phuture Phoals.'

American Pharoah/Untouched Talent

Untouched Talent, a Storm Cat mare, sold as a yearling for $310,000 in 2005 before making her way back to the auction ring as a two-year-old in the Barretts March Sale ($500,000) and the Fasig-Tipton November Sale ($850,000). She went on to win the Juan Gonzales Memorial Stakes (5 furlongs) and the Sorrento Stakes (6 1/2 furlongs). Untouched Talent also finished second in both the Del Mar Debutante (7 furlongs) and the Alcibiades Stakes (1 1/16 miles). I thought it was interesting to note the riders she had for each race: Roberto Gonzales, Victor Espinoza, David Flores and Patrick Valenzuela, respectively.

DAM: Parade Queen (A.P. Indy-Spanish Queen) won the grade three Miss Revere Stakes (1 1/16 miles T) and the grade three Joe Namath Handicap (1 1/16 miles T) before finishing her career with a fourth in the grade three Bewitch Stakes (1 1/2 miles T). Her first foal, Peace Officer (by Deputy Minister), was unraced. After being bred to Kingmambo, Parade Queen produced a 2001 colt named Obay (GB) who eventually became a group one winner. In 2006, King Gulch (Gulch), a gelding, became a  blacktype winner. Her most successful recent foal is Top Billing (by Curlin), a grade two-placed five-year old. Top Billing fractured his cannon bone in 2014 and finished fourth in the 2015 grade three Pimlico Special Stakes (1 3/16 miles).

SIRE: Storm Cat (Storm Bird-Terlingua) won the grade one Young American Stakes (1 1/16 miles) and then finished second the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (1 mile). Some of his best mares include Life Is Sweet, winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, and Untouched Talent, dam of Bodemeister.  Arguably, Giant’s Causeway is Storm Cat’s best son. In his only start on U.S. dirt, Giant’s Causeway finished second to Tiznow in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Giant’s Causeway has sired Take Charge Brandi and Carpe Diem, to name a few. From 381 mares, Storm Cat has 669 runners and 313 winners (46%). Of those 313 winners, 25 won a stakes race (8%).

In 2007, Untouched Talent was sold at the Keeneland November sale for $1,200,000 in foal to Unbridled's Song. The resulting colt never started. In 2009, the Storm Cat mare gave birth to an Empire Maker colt. The colt was sent to the Keeneland September Sale and sold for $260,000.  This colt, Bodemeister, went on to win the Arkansas Derby and finish second in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Untouched Talent was not bred in 2010.  In 2011, she produced Fascinating, a Smart Strike filly. The filly sold for $1,300,000 at the Keeneland September Sale and became a multiple graded stakes-placed racer. Untouched Talent foaled a Tiznow filly in 2012. That filly is currently a maiden winner, but is still on the track.

Untouched Talent made it to the sales ring once more. She was sold for $5,000,000 in foal to Unbridled's Song. The final foal from this cross is a chestnut colt who broke his maiden at Pimlico. In 2014 and 2015, Untouched Talent gave birth to Galileo fillies, both of whom are still unnamed.

As for the American Pharoah cross, the resulting foal with have inbreeding to Secretariat (4DX5D), Terlingua (5SX3D), Storm Bird (5SX3D) and Storm Cat (4SX2D).  Not to be a down and outer, but Pioneerof the Nile has not produced much other than American Pharoah. If you ignore all but the best son of the sire, he has only ever produced grade two winners. I don't believe his stud fee will stay above $100,000 for much longer. One thing to note in Pioneerof the Nile's pedigree is his sire, Empire Maker. Untouched Talent's best foal to date (Bodemeister) was based off the Empire Maker/Untouched Talent cross. Ending on that note, the American Pharoah/Untouched Talent foal could be just as good, or better than, Bodemeister. This is one to keep your eye on.

American Pharoah/Charming

Charming, by Seeking the Gold and out of Take Charge Lady, sold for $3,200,000 at Keeneland September. However, she never did much on the track. She won her maiden special weight (6 ½ furlongs) and then finished second in an allowance (one mile), both times under John Velazquez. For her final career start, Charming did not finish in the Serena’s Song Stakes.

DAM: Take Charge Lady (Dehere-Felicita) won the Alcibiades Stakes (1 1/16 miles), Silverbulletday Stakes (1 1/16 miles), Fair Grounds Oaks (1 1/16 miles), Ashland Stakes (1 1/16 miles), Dogwood Stakes (1 1/16 miles), Arlington Matron Handicap (1 ⅛ miles) and the Spinster Stakes (1 ⅛ miles), twice. She also finished second in the Kentucky Oaks (1 ⅛ miles). In 2009, Take Charge Lady produced an A.P. Indy colt named Take Charge Indy. Take Charge Indy went on to win the Florida Derby – defeating Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags – and the Alysheba Stakes. He now stands at WinStar Farm for $17,500. His first crop are yearlings in 2016. After being bred to Unbridled’s Song, Will Take Charge was foaled in 2010. Will Take Charge won the Smarty Jones Stakes, Rebel Stakes, Travers Stakes, Pennsylvania Derby, Clark Handicap and the Oaklawn Handicap. He entered stud in 2015 and is standing for $30,000 in 2016 at Three Chimneys Farm. Take Charge Lady produced a 2012 filly named I’ll Take Charge (by Indian Charlie), a 2013 filly named Conquering (by War Front) and has a 2015 unnamed War Front Filly.

SIRE: Seeking the Gold (Mr. Prospector-Con Game) won the Swale Stakes, Peter Pan Stakes, Dwyer Stakes and Super Derby. He finished second in the Wood Memorial, Haskell Invitational, Travers Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He currently has 29 stallions at stud. He sired Dubai Millennium winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the Dubai World Cup, Jazil – winner of the Belmont Stakes, and Flanders – winner of the Spinaway and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where she defeated Serena’s Song. As a broodmare sire, Seeking the Gold has 228 winners from 490 runners (47%). Sixteen of his winners won a stakes race (7%).

Take Charge Lady was bred to Unbridled’s Song in 2009 and produced a colt, Siete C. He sold at Keeneland September for $210,000. He is still racing as a five-year-old but has yet to win anything other than an allowance optional claiming. Undoubtedly, Charming’s best foal is Take Charge Brandi. She was a product of a Giant’s Causeway cross. As a yearling, she sold for $435,000 at the Keeneland September Sale. Her biggest wins were the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (1 1/16 miles), Delta Downs Princess Stakes (1 mile), Starlet Stakes (1 1/16 miles) and the Martha Washington Stakes (1 mile). Take Charge Brand recently sold for $6,000,000 at the Keeneland November Sale.

Charming produced a War Front filly in 2013. The filly has been named Take Charge Tressa and has yet to start. Charming also has colt by War Front that was foaled in 2014.

Charming seems to be a short distance speed horse. American Pharoah has speed on his dam’s side and stamina on his sire’s. Combined together, the foal should do well around two turns but I’m doubtful the resulting foal will be able to reach 1 ½ miles. However, 1 ¼ and 1 ⅜ miles should be no problem.

American Pharoah/Rags to Riches

Rags to Riches, by A.P. Indy and out of Better Than Honour, is probably one of the most successful racing mares of the 21st century. As a yearling, she sold at the Keeneland September Sale for $1,900,000. She finished fourth in a maiden special weight (5 ½ furlongs) before winning her maiden going 7 furlongs. She then went on to win the Las Virgenes Stakes (1 mile), Santa Anita Oaks (1 1/16 miles), Kentucky Oaks (1 ⅛ miles) and the Belmont Stakes (1 ½ miles). She finished her career with a second in the Gazelle Stakes (1 ⅛ miles).

DAM: Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister-Blush with Pride) finished second in the 1999 grade one Acorn Stakes (1 mile) and third in the Mother Goose Stakes (1 ⅛ miles). Her 2003 foal, Jazil (by Seeking the Gold), won the Belmont Stakes. In 2004, Rags to Riches (by A.P. Indy) was foaled.  Casino Drive (by Mineshaft) is a 2005 grade two winner. Better Than Honour has a 2013 Bernardini filly who is yet to be named.

SIRE: A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew-Weekend Surprise) was sold at Keeneland July for $2,900,000 before he won the Hollywood Futurity (1 1/16 miles), San Rafael Stakes (1 mile), Santa Anita Derby (1 ⅛ miles) and Peter Pan Stakes (1 ⅛ miles). He also won the Belmont Stakes (1 ½ miles) and the Breeders Cup Classic (1 ¼ miles). As a sire, some of A.P. Indy’s foals include Bernardini (2006 Eclipse Champion Three-Year-Old Male), Dreaming of Julia (The Frizette), Friesan Fire (Louisiana Derby), Mineshaft (Jockey Club Gold Cup), Pulpit (sire of Tapit), Rags to Riches (Belmont Stakes), Malibu Moon (sire of Kentucky Derby winner Orb), Majestic Warrior (sire of Kentucky Oaks winner Princess of Sylmar) and Honor Code (2015 Eclipse Champion Older Dirt Male). Mares by A.P. Indy have produced 598 runners, 299 of whom are winners (50%). Of those winners, 29 are stakes winners (9%).

As a broodmare, Rags to Riches produced a 2009 Giant’s Causeway filly. The filly was later named Opulence. In 2010, Rags to Riches foaled a colt by Henrythenavigator. He was also unraced. A 2011 colt and a 2012 gelding – both by Galileo – were named Rhett Butler and Rich and Righteous, respectively, and are unraced as well. Rags to Riches gave birth to a Galileo colt named Never So Few. He is the only foal by Rags to Riches to race; he finished eighth in a maiden special weight (1 1/16 miles) on the turf in his career debut earlier this month. The broodmare also has an unnamed 2014 filly by Galileo.

Both dam and sire won the Belmont Stakes, proving they have the stamina needed for classic distances. Both dam and sire have won at a seven furlong distance. Out of all of the mares that American Pharoah will breed to, I am most excited for this cross. The foal should be able to succeed at all distances.

American Pharoah has been given every chance to succeed as a sire. If he doesn't, we can't blame the broodmares. The pedigrees these broodmares carry are some of the best in the world and while not all of them are proven producers, perhaps they just need the right sire to come along.  

Photo Blog: My Time with Runhappy in Texas | Retama Ruffian

I heard Runhappy was going to Texas after the Malibu and I was hoping I would get to visit him while he was here. Over Christmas break, a friend of mine also visited the colt. I decided to message the Runhappy Facebook page, crossing my fingers. We had agreed on meeting on Saturday but the weather forecast showed that Sunday was a much better day to go. When we arrived, Cordell was just taking Hap back into the barn. I was surprised to see so many people.

When I first got into the barn, Cordell was teaching a young girl how to feed Hap peppermints. It’s easy to see the pure happiness on Cordell’s face as he looks down at Runhappy. I found out Cordell had been working for Gallery Racing for forty plus years and had even walked Hap into the sales ring at Keeneland!

Almost immediately, Madison Scott, intern for Bloodhorse, senior at the University of Kentucky and President of the UK Racing Club (yes, I do think she’s awesome!), introduced herself to me and agreed to a photo.

Laura, Runhappy’s trainer, answered the endless questions that we all had while Happy happily accepted all of the mints he was offered. Fun fact about this colt, he will eat all of the peppermints and apples you give him, but he isn’t a fan of carrots.

Hmm...which one is the Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner again?

With all of his visitors, Runhappy wasn’t able to get his daily nap in on time. He suddenly became YawnHappy. ;)

After thirty minutes or so in the barn, Runhappy was taken back outside to roll and graze. Something happened during this time tho…

Someone’s horse got loose while it was being lunged. And as you can tell, Hap wasn’t too happy to see the horse.

Runhappy was taken back to the barn so he could relax and stay safe. The loose horse was eventually caught and Happy was calmed.

After this episode, everyone began saying their goodbyes and taking their last photos. I didn’t use all of my photos in the photo blog, so I’ve included a few more below.

A HUGE thanks for the Laura and the entire Runhappy team for allowing me to come out and see this amazing beast of an animal we call Hap. And of course, a big thanks to Hap for letting me interrupt his sleep. We love you Hap!

New Stallions For 2016 in the USA | Retama Ruffian

New Kentucky Stallions

American Pharoah (Ashford Stud/$200,000)

Bayern (Hill 'n' Dale Farms/$15,000)

Big Blue Kitten (Calumet Farm/TBA)

Carpe Diem (WinStar Farm/$25,000)

Cigar Street (Sandringham Farm/TBA)

Competitive Edge (Ashford Stud/$12,500)

Commissioner (WinStar Farm/$7,500)

Constitution (WinStar Farm/$25,000)

Conveyance (Buck Pond Farm/$5,000)

Danza (Spendthrift Farm/$4,000)

Daredevil (WinStar Farm/$12,500)

Dramedy (War Horse Place/$7,500)

Fast Anna (Three Chimneys Farm/$7,500)

Hampton Court (Spendthrift Farm/$6,000)

Honor Code (Lane's End Farm/$40,000)

Jack Milton (Crestwood Farm/$6,500)

Karakontie (Gainesway Farm/$15,000)

Lea (Claiborne Farm/$12,500)

Liam's Map (Lane's End Farm/$25,000)

Medal Count (Spendthrift Farm/$5,000)

Mr. Speaker (Lane's End Farm/$10,000)

Palace (Spendthrift Farm/$6,000)

Palace Malice (Three Chimneys Farm/$10,000)

Race Day (Spendthrift Farm/$7,000)

Secret Circle (Hill 'n' Dale Farms/$5,000)

Sky Kingdom (Darby Dan Farm/$5,000)

Summer Front (Airdrie Stud ($10,000)

Tapiture (Darby Dan Farm/$7,500)

Tonalist (Lane's End Farm/$40,000)

Wicked Strong (Spendthrift Farm/$10,000)

US Stallions Outside of Kentucky

Five Iron (Starfish Stallions, AR/$1,000)

Boat Trip (Running Horse Equine Center, CA/$2,500)

Circumference (Milky Way Farm, CA/$3,000)

Curlin to Mischief (Rancho San Miguel, CA/$3,500)

Gallant Son (Daehling Ranch, CA/$2,000)

Govenor Charlie (Lovacres Ranch, CA/$3,000)

Rousing Semon (Rancho San Miguel, CA/$2,000)

Amira's Prince (Pleasant Acres, FL/$5,000)
Bahamian Squall (Double Diamond Farm, FL/$5,000)
Chitu (Bridlewood Farm, FL/$3,000)
Fury Kapcori (Journey Stud, FL/$5,000)
I Spent It (Ocala Stud, FL/$3,000)
Khozan (Journeyman Stud, FL/TBA)
The Big Beast (Ocala Stud, FL/$6,000)
Holding Glory (BRZ) (Nicks Farm, IN/$2,000)
Call Me George (Gulf Coast Equine, LA/$1,500)
Bourbon Courage (Heritage Stallions, MD/$5,000)
Golden Lad (Northview Stallion Station, MD/$5,000)
Hangover Kid (Murmur Farm, MD/$3,000)
Imagining (Heritage Stallions, MD/$7,500)
Al Khali (Keane Stud, NY/$2,500)
Golden Ticket (Questroyal North, NY/$7,500)
Japan (Waldorf Farm, NY/$7,500)
Majestic City (Questroyal North, NY/$3,000)
Major Gain (McMahon of Saratoga, NY/$2,500)
Micromanage (Rockridge Stud, NY/$5,000)
Normandy Invasion (Keane Stud, KY/$5,000)
Zivo (Irish Hill Century Farm, NY/$6,000)
Unbridled's Note (Mighty Acres, OK/$2,500)
Last Gunfighter (Pin Oak Lane Farm, PA/$4,000)
Pants on Fire (Diamond B Farm, PA/$5,000)
Xixixi (Xanthus Farm, PA/$5,000)

Please Note

As this time, due to the recent passing of 2 Year Old Champion Shared Belief, all blog posts will be postponed until further notice.

I Love You, Itsmyluckyday | Retama Ruffian

While every other horse racing blog is posting 'Thank You, American Pharoah's, I figured I would post a thank you to each and every horse who has had an effect on me. After much thought, I have decided to base the order on their effect rather than chronologically based on their racing careers. Without further a due, Itsmyluckyday.

One of the plainest bays in horse racing, it wasn't his beauty that originally caught my eye. It was his sire, Lawyer Ron, that did so. I saw him break his maiden at Monmouth Park and he showed potential. Although it was a small, four horse field, Itsmyluckyday was driving for the finish line. His first stakes start (blacktype) ended in an unexpected third. However, it is important to note the race was five furlongs over turf. After a few blacktype wins and a disappointing sixth in the Delta Downs Jackpot, Itsmyluckyday started to disappear from my radar.

The colt grabbed my attention once more. He had finished first in the Holy Bull Stakes, ahead of Champion 2-Year Old Shanghai Bobby. A few months later, the Derby was finally here. I would finally get to watch my favorite horse take on the best of the crop. I vividly remember looking over to my stack of Bloodhorse magazines. At the top of the stack, February 2, 2013, 'Holy Smokes! Itsmyluckyday's record-breaking Holy Bull'. And then, there he was. The camera was now aimed directly at number 12, a plain bay colt by Lawyer Ron. For the first time, I was nervous about a horse race. I had only been interested in racing since last year and I had already found a horse who, at the time I hadn't know it, would change everything for me.

As they loaded into the gate, my stomach churned and I heard pounding in my ears. It was finally time. Vyjack was the last horse to load. Seconds later, the field broke from the gate. Palace Malice went to the lead and coming around the turn, Itsmyluckyday switched between fifth and sixth position. However, it wasn't his day and he ended up fifteenth. It was only my second Kentucky Derby and I, not going to lie, was pretty disappointed. I wasn't done with him, not even close. Right after the race, I sat down and wrote the colt a letter. I chickened out and never sent it to any of his connections, but the letter has found a home in my dresser. I'm glad I still have it. I look back at it often and chuckle at myself. In it, I called him "a Triple Crown winner in my eyes" and said something along the lines of, "if I could own any horse, it would be you". The things I did as a horse-obsessed, love-struck eleven year old.

Itsmyluckyday, much to my delight, finished second in the Preakness. I was actually sick that day so I just sat on the couch and yelled my encouragement. I was scared that Mylute would actually finish ahead of him and I was so relieved that Itsmyluckyday finished second. When he got hurt in the Pegasus Stakes, it hurt. And it hurt bad. I didn't watch the race, thankfully. But I did hear afterwards that it was a pelvic fracture. It was the first time a horse that I liked had actually been injured. It was weird to see his workout tab empty. When he returned, it was like he never lost his form. By the time the Woodward Handicap had come around, I had complete confidence in him. In fact, I even wrote "Since the Lawyer Ron colt ran in the Holy Bull I have been hooked on him. Itsmyluckyday's best races have been the Preakness (1 3/16 mile) and the Florida Derby (1 1/8 mile), both of which he came second. In his past three races the colt has gone undefeated. Lawyer Ron won the Risen Star (1 1/16 mile), Rebel Stakes (1 1/16 mile) and the Arkansas Derby (1 1/8 mile). He came 12th in the Kentucky Derby before a 2nd in the Super Derby (1 1/8 mile). He ran in the 2006 & 2007 Classic (9th & 7th), the '07 Classic was his final race. Lawyer Ron is by Met Mile winner, Langfuhr. In '96 he won all but one of his grade one stakes, losing to Lit de Justice in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (6 furlongs). The dam of Itsmyluckyday, Viva La Slew, won twice out of twenty tries. Her wins were at two furlongs and one mile. I am very high on this horse and the last time he raced against these horses he came 2nd."

And he beat them. He threw his head in front of Moreno and beat him. It was such a good race; I was so proud of him. In my opinion, the Woodward was the performance of his life. He beat really good horses in that race and honestly, I could not be prouder. When he finished ninth in the Cigar Mile, I knew something was wrong. Itsmyluckyday didn't perform like that unless something happened. For a final career start, it was slightly disappointing. However, I was still proud of all that he had done in his career.

When I started to think about a trip to Kentucky, the first horse I wanted to meet was Itsmyluckyday. I looked around Spendthrift's website and after reading through all the pages, I realized my dreams of meeting him may not come true. I wasn't going to admit defeat trying everything I could. I took a stab in the dark and sent a message through their contact us form. Only minutes later, I received a reply from Mark Toothaker. My dream trip is falling into place and it wouldn't be possible without Mr. Toothaker.

After everything I've been through that involves this horse, it's nice to be able to say, I love you, Itsmyluckday. I'll see you soon, bud.

Smashing the Cup: Las Vegas Dirt Mile | Retama Ruffian

Smashing the Cup is my annual blog series in which I reveal my picks for the Breeders' Cup and help you, Smash the Cup. 

Las Vegas Dirt Mile

With a quick glance at the Dirt Mile, it seems Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song-Miss Macy Sue) is the obvious winner. However, a deeper analysis shows he might not be. Let's break it down, horse by horse, shall we?

1. Red Vine

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Red Vine hasn't accomplished much until recently. It took three attempts for him to break his maiden, which he did at Del Mar, going a mile on the turf at 1:34.22. His next win didn't come for months. It was an allowance at Keeneland on the turf. His biggest win thus far was the Majestic Light Stakes (1 mile 70 yards) in May at Monmouth. After that, his career really started to pick up. He came second in the grade three Salvator Mile to fellow starter, Bradester. Fast forward a month the Pacific Classic (1 1/4 miles) where he lost to Classic starter, Beholder, and Argentina-bred, Catch a Flight. His most recent start brought a 2nd in the Kelso Handicap (1 mile). Appealing Tale won the Kelso. If Red Vine continues to improve, he could be a threat. 

2. Bradester

Bradester kicked off his 2015 campaign with a thirteen in a group two race at Meydan Racecourse. Once he made it back to the US, he finished third in a Churchill Downs one mile allowance race. Next came the Salvator Mile, where he "kicked clear under urging". He didn't disappoint in the Monmouth Cup (1 1/16 miles), beating Dirt Mile starter Valid. His Breeders' Cup prep was the Phillip H. Iselin Stakes (gr. 3) at Monmouth. This time, it was Valid's turn to outrun Bradester, who finished second. His latest work was five furlongs in 58.60.

3. Liam's Map

Raise your hand if you didn't know much about this horse up until recently. Guilty as charged. Liam's Map hasn't had a long 2015 campaign, but Pletcher sure did make the best of it. Starting in an Allowance Optional Claiming (1 mile) in June, Liam's Map brought the field home in 1:34.48. He started in the Whitney Stakes (1 1/8 miles) next, where it was luck that forced his loss to Classic starter, Honor Code. Pletcher, however, didn't have to wait long for his grey colt to earn his grade one win. Less than a month later, the quick turn of foot sealed the deal for Liam's Map in the grade one Woodward Stakes (1 1/8 miles). With a small Keeneland turn, his turn of foot will be one to watch out for.

4. Mr. Z

Ah, the infamous, unfortunate Mr. Z. Had this colt been born a year earlier or a year later, then maybe Mr. Z would still be owned by the real Mr. Z(ayat). Mr. Z is a really good horse and can run with the best of them, but wasn't ready to win his stakes (blacktype) until this year in the Ohio Derby. He had a great effort in the Pennsylvania Derbyshire and without the added 1/8 , I see him pulling a huge upset. After all, D. Wayne Lukas is know for his Breeders' Cup upsets.
5. Lea

It's obvious Lea likes one mile on the dirt races and the Dirt Mile is a perfect fit for him. Sadly though, the First Samurai colt hasn't won in nine months. That maybe be so, but you can't ignore his extravagant record this year. Because, hey, a third in the Dubai World Cup isn't bad at all. His last win was the Hal's Hope Stakes back in January. Since then, Lea hasn't finish worse that 3rd (we will just draw a line through the Whitney Stakes because that isn't the Lea we all know). If I was another horse, I would honestly be worried about Lea in this race. I see him coming second behind Liam's Map or just barely beating him for first. 

6. Street Strategy

Well. Unless a meteor falls from the sky and cherishes the rest of the Dirt Mile field, I don't see Street Strategy winning. But congratulations on being in the Breeders' Cup!

7. War Envoy

This isn't Europe and this definitely isn't the allowance claiming races. So unless you excel in America (which you haven't so far), go back home. 

8. Wicked Strong

I remember when this was the horse. Ah, the good ole days. His last win was the Jim Dandy Stakes in 2014. Don't get me wrong, he is a great horse. However, he really needs a confidence boost and I highly doubt he'll find one in the Breeders' Cup. I do expect Wicked Strong to have a lot of closing speed and, if Liam's Map fails to fire, this horse will clean it up.
9. Tapiture

While he was a great horse last year, Tapiture has just not found the winner's circle as often as he should have this year. He started his 2015 campaign with a fifth in the Razorback Handicap, where he just failed to respond in the stretch. I'm going to draw a line through that race. He stayed at Oaklawn for the Oaklawn Handicap (1 1/8 miles), in which he finished third to Race Day and Carve yet again. He then shipped to Texas for trainer Asmussen and ran third in the Lone Star Park Handicap (1 1/16 miles). Again, I will draw a line through his performance in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (1 1/8 miles). For his Breeders' Cup prep, Tapiture when to the Ack Ack Handicap (1 mile) and established himself as a winner once again. I see him coming in fourth or higher.
10. Valid

What's there to say? Valid has beat some horses in this field. He's lost to some horses in this field. For this reasons, I have a reason to say that Valid is a valid contender.

11. War Story

I remember when War Story was on the Derby trail and wasn't doing to shabby. Those days seem to be long gone now, and I just don't see him getting his form back without a win under his belt.

Contenders

Red Vine

Liam's Map

Mr. Z

Lea

Wicked Strong

Tapiture

Valid

Pretenders

Street Strategy

War Envoy

War Story

It All Depends

Bradester- If he shows up with his best, he has a very good chance. However, if he shows up with anything less, then toss your bet slip in the trash. 

Stallion View: Pioneerof the Nile | Retama Ruffian

Welcome to Stallion View. My thoughts on stallions standing the the 2016 breeding season. All opinions are my own. These in no way represent the thoughts or opinions of the breeding farms where the stallions stand. 

Pioneerof the Nile

(Empire Maker-Star of Goshen, Lord At War (ARG), 2006)

We all know, without a doubt, that Pioneerof the Nile's stud fee (set at $125,000 for 2016) is due to American Pharoah's Triple Crown win and crazy success on the track. Keep in mind, however, this fee is a minimum and will, more than likely, go up after the Breeders' Cup. With that information in mind, is Pioneerof the Nile worth his stud fee?

In 2015 (with a $60,000 stud fee), Pioneerof the Nile had 109 runners, forty-nine (45.7%) of which won races and only fifteen (14%) were repeat winners. To make numbers smaller, four (3%) horses in his crop were stakes runners, although the horses won nine stakes races. Of those four, ONE, yes ONE (0.09%) was a graded stakes winner (as well as a grade one winner). And that one? You guessed it, American Pharoah. Due to his foals earning $8,212,433 (of which $5,538,800, 67% of total earnings, was because of American Pharaoh). 

Yes, I get it. Everyone wants a Triple Crown winner. Yes, I understand it. Pioneerof the Nile was the sire of the first horse to win a Triple Crown in 37 years. However, I will argue that American Pharoah's class comes from Littleprincessemma, who's grandsire is Storm Cat. Storm Cat was a notable damsire and it's obvious that it was passed on through the lines. 

I've look at Pioneerof the Nile from a racing standpoint. Now, let's look at him from a sales point of view. 

Starting with yearlings, the stallion had a total of 65 offered and had 53 (81.5%) sold. The yearlings brought $8,450,000, bringing the average to $166,887 and the median to $150,000. His twenty-seven (50.9%) colts brought a $201,185 average. The 26 (49%) fillies sold for a $131,269 average. These foals were bred with a $15,000 stud fee and a total of 108 were born.

Now on to two-year olds. With a $15,000 stud fee, Pioneerof the Nile only sired 62 foals. Of the twenty-seven offered, nineteen sold (70%). Twelve (63%) were colts and brought an average of $287,333. The seven (36.8%) fillies only brought $58,429.

In conclusion, Pioneerof the Nile's rankings and "success" is all due to American Pharoah. In my opinion*, find another stallion and get more bang for your buck. I don't agree with his stud fee, but it is not my place to input. 

*-Please consult your bloodstock agent or broodmare manager before breeding a mare.