Seize The Grey is a Stand Out

Seize The Grey (formerly Smart Shopping '21)  

Gr/Roan Colt  (Arrogate x Smart Shopping - Smart Strike) - Going to D. Wayne Lukas - KY/NY  Foaled April 20, 2021

MOST LIKELY TO BE A LATE BLOOMER 

Seize The Grey. Even though his pedigree speaks volumes, our Arrogate son at first seemed to be a bit of a Baby Huey compared to others in the training ranks, and a bit on the smaller side. He had blinkers employed in his initial training to help keep him focused and was identified as a 2YO who needed to work on building more strength. He reminded us very much of this scene from the movie, Secretariat.

But...

Since taking his break around the holidays, his trainer mentioned he's been growing a lot and advancing well in his training. We observed a video of his first speed work and were very impressed with what we saw once he was asked to run. He appears to be a colt who will need a bit more time to mature and prosper--not unlike his legendary sire, Arrogate. This guy is headed to the GOAT (Greatest of all Time) trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, who trained another Arrogate offspring --the filly Secret Oath -- to win the 2022 Kentucky Oaks last year (the Kentucky Derby for fillies held the day before the Derby). We anticipate that he, like his sire, will show his full potential later in his career...but he could totally surprise us. 

Our Take

This guy was a bit of a clown, playing with the lead chain and making faces for most of the time in the walking ring. He was calm, cool and collected, and didn't exhibit any of the pinned ears or bared teeth behavior that a couple of his stablemates did, and seemed perfectly happy just to doze quietly. He was, in a phrase, a joy to watch. He's grown a lot and caught up to most of the other 2YOs, and his lovely rose grey coat and blaze really made him stand out. Along with a couple of the others, he's developed into a bit of a buzz horse. A lot of people were there to see him in the flesh. We think he may be a late starter, but he has been rapidly advancing in his recent training, and trainer Ciaran Dunne truly surprised us when he identified Seize The Grey as one of his favorites.

Below are photos taken by us or one of the other partners and credited if known.

Seize The Grey being a clown
(Photo by Jennifer Reed)

Seize The Grey in the Ocala OBS walking ring

Seize The Grey in walking ring

Seize The Grey in OBS walking ring

Seize The Grey napping in his stall

Seize The Grey saying hello
(Photo by Shelley Wing)

Seize The Grey in Ocala
(Photo by Cheryl Denton)

Seize The Grey exercising on the OBS training track
(Photo by Cheryl Denton)

Seize The Grey head and shoulders
(Photo by Jennifer Reed)