Caldera Article: We Could do the Preakness

An informative article with reference to Caldera bypassing the Blue Grass Stakes to run in the Bathhouse Row at Oaklawn.

Paulick Report:  We Could do the Preakness

Blue Devil Runs 4th in the Sunland Park Handicap

Race Recap

Blue Devil ran fourth in the $200k Sunland Park Handicap.

He raced a bit keenly in the early stages just behind the pacesetters, and found a tiny bit of trouble into the first turn. Blue Devil continued to stalk along the inside down the backside, and came under a busy ride heading for home. We were hopeful he’d keep grinding along from there and show off his stamina, but the winner re-broke and pulled away convincingly while Blue Devil grew leg-weary and was then out-kicked by a couple other foes in the lane.

Blue Devil might have fared a bit better if he’d been a bit less sharp early and farther off the pace, but all in all he seemed to fit in with that group and was well spotted. 

The Sunland meet is wrapping up now, so we’ll look elsewhere for his next try.

Seismic Beauty Workout Report

Seismic Beauty breeze a half-mile in :48 flat this morning at Santa Anita Park. 

Per usual, our daughter of Uncle Mo worked by herself and did it handily. We hope to get Seismic Beauty stretched out around two turns next go around. The new condition book at Santa Anita is offering a first-level allowance going one mile on April 18th, but if that was not to go, trainer Bob Baffert is strongly considering shipping her to Churchill, if needed.

Isle Blue Update

Isle Blue transitioned to galloping this week at Two Springs. Admittedly, it’s been quite the journey to get to this point, but we are very pleased to see her back in training. Nellie Breeden reported, “She’s moving well and looks great.” Our fingers are crossed our Speightstown daughter only moves forward from here on out.

Secret Crush Back with a Work

Secret Crush had his first breeze back this morning, working a quarter-mile in :25.02 at Highlander Training Center. Most importantly, his rider reported that he felt good when breezing. 

Of course, we are going to keep close eyes on him as the intensity of his training continues to increase, but it was great to see him back in action today.

Blue Devil has been Entered in the Sunland Park Handicap

Blue Devil is officially in for next Sunday’s $200K Sunland Park Handicap, on April 6t, 2025. 

He’ll be the #5 among a field of 9 carded as the day’s 11th race. Post time is 4:35 p.m. MT.

Catalyst Update and Non-Entry

Catalyst was not entered in that previously mentioned Sam Houston allowance race that drew today. Trainer Steve Asmussen reports that he has not been happy with her appetite in recent days, and would like to make sure she's 100% before taking on winners. This definitely doesn't sound like anything major, but we'll have to just let Team Asmussen get her sorted out before proceeding.

Misstrial's Half-Sibling Wins the Rushaway Stakes

Misstrial got a nice pedigree update Saturday when her previously mentioned 3YO half-brother, Banks, scored a convincing victory in Turfway's $240K Rushaway Stakes on Jeff Ruby day. 

That adds a nice up-close and current stakes horse to Misstrial's pedigree page and ups her breeding value. It'll be interesting to see where they head with Banks next--he's only raced on conventional dirt once, but will likely need to return to the dirt or try turf next out and for the balance of the year. The main track at Turfway Park is synthetic.

The dam to both horses is Blip Says Bye. 

Misstrial's sire is Constitution. 

Banks' sire is Outwork.

Coexist's Half-Brother Competes, Runs 2ND in the Louisiana Derby

Coexist's half-brother, Chunk of Gold, both being out of Play For Gold by Cairo Prince, ran 2nd yesterday in the Louisiana Derby G2 prep race. This awards him 50 points, and he will most likely be a starter in this year's Kentucky Derby. Keeping our fingers crossed for Coexist that he is and runs well. It would certainly help her broodmare page! 

Coexist is one of our former horses. We lost her in a claiming race at Churchill Downs some time ago. 

Caldera: Louisiana Derby and After Race Update

Caldera ran 8th in the Louisiana Derby yesterday, after a bad stumble at the start.

The Lukas barn reports that Caldera appears thus far to have exited yesterday’s race in pretty good order. He did grab a quarter (when a horse’s back foot clips the heel area of their front foot)—most likely coming out of the gate—but scoped clean and jogged sound. He is on his way back to Oaklawn now.

Consensus among both Team Lukas and our racing team is that Caldera is still a somewhat immature horse mentally and the rough start was just more than he could overcome. He also didn’t seem to handle the track particularly well.

We’ll let him get back to Arkansas and see how he returns to training. We wouldn’t necessarily be in a rush to bring him back in another Derby prep, but will let The Coach make that determination after observing him for a bit.

A Day To Remember is Back with a Bullet

A Day to Remember recorded a bullet half-mile work yesterday morning at San Luis Rey Downs. He stopped the clock in :47.20 and is reportedly doing exceptionally well according to trainer Mark Glatt. 

A Day to Remember to likely have another two works at San Luis Rey before transitioning back to Santa Anita. 

Assuming all continues well, a return to the races in late April seems well in range.

Joke Sisi Should Foal Soon

Joke Sisi(CHI) began waxing for the first time late last week. Waxing is when a pregnant mare begins to have colostrum drip from the teats, forming a dry, waxy material. This is a common indication that she will deliver her foal very soon, which is to be expected as we are a bit past her March 10 due date. 

It seems that most mares this year are foaling a week or two late— likely due to the cold winter we had in Kentucky. 

We expect a foal on the ground within the next week or so, and will pass along any updates as they come to us.

Caldera: Looking Ahead to the Louisiana Derby

Caldera will be in the middle of the field of ten horses in this start in his first graded stakes win, and his bid to add to his Kentucky Derby points. 

His workout times have been looking really good among the Derby contenders. We know he has the talent and the monster stride to do big things, but in only his sixth start it's yet to be determined if he possesses the "killer instinct" to drive him to the line first over a group of top 3YOs. 

His record, to date, is looking pretty darn good, with only his debut being off the board, but he arguably had his shot to beat Getaway Car in his last start and only stake race, the Sunland Derby, but after overtaking him off the 2nd turn, he relaxed and let his rival nearly overtake him. Getaway Car got the nose bob on that one, but was subsequently soundly beaten in the Virginia Derby, with that Derby prep victory going to Caldera's stablemate, the D. Wayne Lukas-trained American Promise (Justify).

His next start in the Louisiana Derby will tell us if we have the fierce kind of competitor who can summon all his strengths and hit the wire first to capture 50 Kentucky Derby points, and a shoe-in to the Run for the Roses. If anyone can get him there, it's the Coach. 

Fingers crossed and holding our breaths until Saturday, hoping for a huge step up in the Grade 2 $1 million Louisiana Derby. I guess St. Patrick's Day is a good day to muse about big dreams. :)

Fancy Quality Sells

Fancy Quality sold today in the Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale for $22K to Indiana-based owner/breeder Chris Nolan.

That was in the range the team expected, particularly given the tricky timing of this sale with breeding season having already begun.

While MRH did bid up to a certain amount with the plan to put her in foal and re-offer her in November, she ultimately reached what we felt was a fair price. Breeding her ourselves would have obviously come with additional expenses and risk—particularly if she weren’t able to get in foal.

We’ll continue to keep an eye on her in new career and our accounting team will get working on her series closure.

Natural Beauty/Violence Foal Turn Out

Natural Beauty and her Violence filly are doing well and have begun enjoying some turnout time. We were sent a video of the two enjoying a nice day in the paddock. 

In other news, Natural Beauty's 2YO half-sister by Charlatan (hip #30) sold well last week at the OBS March Sale, going for a very strong $335K, which can only help the value of our mare and her produce—particularly if she goes on to back up her sales price at the races. 

West Point Thoroughbreds purchased her. 

Caldera: Two Successive Bullet Works and Louisiana Derby Draw

Caldera update. Two bullet works in a row...

Oaklawn Park 3/14/2025 Dirt 5F 59.60 Breezing 1/23

Oaklawn Park 3/6/2025     Dirt 5F 59.20 Breezing 1/18

And he drew post #5 for the Louisiana Derby next weekend with Tyler Gaffaleone up.

In other news, his stablemate, American Promise (Justify) just tied up a berth in the Kentucky Derby with a decisive, 8(ish) length win after Getaway Car led the first half.

Things are heating up on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Sirius Pursuit Getting Closer to Shipping Out

The team was on hand to watch Sirius Pursuit breeze 3/8 this morning (3/12/2025) at trainer Jena Antonucci’s farm in Ocala, Florida, and were very pleased with how she looked. Her rider also seemed very impressed by her.

She continues to progress quickly, so the plan will be for her to ship up to Keeneland when Jena’s string heads that way in late March/early April.

From there we’ll let her come to hand at her own pace, but we wouldn’t be surprised at all to see her ready to run some time this spring/early summer either in Kentucky or possibly New York.

In other exciting news, Sirius Pursuit’s 3-year-old half-sister Paula’s a Star is entered on Saturday against the boys in the Jimmy Winkfield S., which only attracted a field of six. Paula’s a Star has the best last-out Beyer Speed Figure in the race, so this might be a nice chance for her to pick up some black-type and add to our filly’s pedigree as well.

Note that the horse on the rail in that spot, T Kraft, is a half to none other than MRH's champion sprinter Straight No Chaser.

Welcome to our Stable, Native Brew

David added a second 2YO to our stable recently who originally went by Perfect Impression '23 but has now been named Native Brew. He was on hand at the Ocala Showcase last month for owners' inspection. Native Brew will be trained by Steven Asmussen, who according to reports approached the MRH team immediately after they purchased Native Brew asking to train the colt because he loved him so much. Steve also trained his sire, Yaupon, along with champions Gun Runner, Curlin, Jackie's Warrior, and Epicenter—demonstrating his unmatched ability to develop world-class talent.

Steve Asmussen also trains Blue Devil, Catalyst and Fireball Birdie for us.

You can check further info on the colt by clicking on his page -- NATIVE BREW -- above.

Welcome to our Stable, Instant Impact

David added a 2YO to our stable recently that is looking good! 

Instant Impact (registered name) made quite a splash at the Ocala Showcase last month. 

According to the report: "Instant Impact was spotted at our MRH 2025 Ocala Showcase event last weekend, Trainer Kenny McPeek's assistant Steven notes that our colt is very forward and intelligent and is a standout among the many 2-year-olds." Instant Impact is a son of Upstart (Flatter) out of Perfect Impression by Shackleford. 

We've started a page for Instant Impact above, and will be adding more info to it shortly. 

Tiffany's Mo Foals a Liam's Map Colt

Tiffany’s Mo foaled a healthy colt by Liam’s Map at 11:30 PM last night (3/11/2025) at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky. He is a big, dark foal (looks like he might possibly go grey) with a blaze. Does not appear to have any leg markings, but the straw was deep so he could possibly have some low white on his legs. He was scampering around the big foaling stall like he was ready to go run right now!

This guy is our third Liam's Map, the others being our possible Triple Crown contender this year, Caldera, and Here's The Kicker, a filly who won big at Gulfstream Park last week.

Tiffany's Mo (by Uncle Mo) Foaled a Colt by Liam's Map.

Tiffany's Mo foaled a lovely big colt by Liam's Map at around 11:30 PM last night, barn time. 

We were sent photos and video and were very impressed with this gorgeous little boy. (Sadly, we can no longer post photos here due to an unknown issue with the site.)

Update 3/12/2025:

Tiffany’s Mo presented with colic symptoms this morning and was taken to the clinic as a precaution. The cause of her colic is nephrospleenic entrapment, which is not an uncommon occurrence for mares after they foal. The hope is to avoid surgery, and so far they have been able to do that. She remains stable at this time. We will stay in contact with the clinic and with Gainesway and pass along any updates as they come to us.

Update 3/13/2025:

Tiffany's Mo worked through the nephrospleenic entrapment with medical support at the clinic and did not require surgical intervention. She and her foal have returned to Gainesway this morning.

Seismic Beauty Entered

Seismic Beauty is entered on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Santa Anita, going 6-1/2 furlongs. Juan Hernandez Jr. will be in the irons. She'll be running in an Allowance Optional Claiming race with no tag and will be in Post #1. 

It's race 2 on the card scheduled for 1:33 PM Pacific / 2:33 PM Mountain.

Seize The Grey's Tally So Far

We were sent a video of the stallion director at Gainesway Farm in front of Seize The Grey's stall, where our boy looked happy and magnificent.

He read off a couple of the names of talented mares who were/would be bred to him, and also said that Seize The Grey had now bred around 40 mares and seemed to "like his job." (I'll bet! :D )

We're very excited to have two of our partnership mares who have now foaled -- Natural Beauty and Community Adjusted. 

Natural Beauty has a Violence Filly!

Natural Beauty foaled a lovely bay filly sired by Violence late last night at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky. We were sent a video of the new arrival shortly after she took her first steps, and she's a pretty little girl with two back stockings and a big star.  

Two down....two to go!

Natural Beauty is expected to be bred back to Seize The Grey in the coming weeks. 

(Sorry this site no longer lets us post photos. If we get a shareable video, I'll post it.)

Here's The Kicker...SCOOOOOOOOORE!!!

Here's The Kicker wins big in Race #7 at Gulfstream Park. We're so thrilled at her excellent showing. 

Our Liam's Map kids are having one heck of a year! (The other being Caldera who is currently on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.) 

She can add this decisive victory to her 10-length win at Gulfstream earlier in her career. She may be looking for some black type in one of her next outs. :D

Here's the video:  

Follow-up:

When Here's the Kicker joined Saffie Joseph Jr.'s barn, he told us he believed our Liam's Map daughter could earn some black-type (wins or placings in listed or graded stakes races) and he reaffirmed that thought following this victory. We can't wait to see what type of ride she'll take us on. Congratulations, Here's the Kicker and the partnership!

Black Tie Optional Update

Black Tie Optional was a participant in the MRH 2025 Ocala Showcase event in February, where he trained for owners in attendance. 

Farm trainer Ciaran Dunne notes that your son of Not This Time can be "a bit quirky," but we hope that with time and additional experience he will become more professional. 

He will continue to train at Wavertree in the coming weeks, and will likely ship to his trainer Bob Baffert following the OBS March Sale.

Seize The Grey's First Two Mares Confirmed In Foal

We are excited to report that first two mares bred to Seize the Grey have checked in foal (pregnant)! Those two mares are Above the Sun (by Bernardini) and Queen of God (by Paynter). 

We also received a video update from Ryan Norton, the stallion director at Gainesway Farm this week, taken from the aisle in front of "Ceasar's" stall where he was milling around inside and looking magnificent. 

Mr. Norton related just a few of the mares who have been or are slated to be bred to Seize The Grey, and all had impressive breeding, race records or both. 

So far, so good for our very rare, multiple G1 winning son of Arrogate! 

SIMPLY ENCHANTING to be Retired/Bred to Curlin

So...big change of plans for our girl "Ella"!

After weighing options and discussion with trainer Phil D’Amato and the other partner on the filly, the decision was made to send Simply Enchanting to the breeding shed with a plan to sell her at the November breeding stock sales later this year.

This decision was due to several factors. While she came out of her last race in fine order, it is clear that she just hasn’t stepped up after showing early promise. At this point, it’s hard to envision her being competitive at the allowance level (or better) on one of the top circuits, and she is simply worth too much as a broodmare to run for a claiming tag. To allow her any chance to return to top form we would likely have to give her significant time to reset, probably pushing us past the 2025 breeding stock sales in the process.

Given she has significant breeding value, we believe the best plan for her is to take advantage of beginning her broodmare career now.

An opportunity has arisen to breed Simply Enchanting to Curlin and since her female family is so deep, and her sireline (Nyquist/Uncle Mo) has crossed exceptionally well on Curlin, this could result in a sales price of $500k or more for Simply Enchanting in foal to Curlin. He currently stands for  $225k.

While we are somewhat disappointed by the decision to call it quits on Simply Enchanting’s racing career, we look forward to experience the excitement of the breeding and auction process. The nice thing about a filly of this quality is that we have this opportunity for her—even when one avenue hasn’t panned out perfectly.

First Mares Confirmed in Foal to Seize The Grey!

Exciting times. The first two mares have been confirmed in foal to our boy at Gainesway Farm. Read more here:  

Seize The Grey: First Mares Checked in Foal

Fancy Quality to be Sold

 After conferring with trainer Kenny McPeek and the other partner, a decision was made to enter Fancy Quality in Fasig-Tipton’s March Digital Sale. The catalogue for that online auction will be released, and bidding opened, on March 13th. It closes on March 18th.

Fancy Quality definitely has some broodmare value given she’s by top European sire Wootton Bassett (GB) (who is commanding a €300,000 stud fee in 2025) and from a deep female family, however there is probably not significant upside in attempting to get her in foal to sell later in the year due to the added expenses/carrying costs. There is also not much point in holding her until the fall and then selling her open (without being bred).

We expect to get a follow-up report once bidding has opened for the sale.

Simply Enchanting Result

Simply Enchanting has once again left us scratching our heads.

She could only manage 8th place Friday at Oaklawn Park. Off a step slowly (we thought we saw a stumble in the footage), she found herself a bit farther back than we would have hoped for. Hung slightly wide, she didn’t seem to be loving the racing surface down the backside, but tried to mount a bid into the far turn. Asked hard from there, she never got going.

This was a disappointing showing for sure. Despite training well over the Oaklawn surface in the mornings, we have reason to believe she might not love that track—it was tough to determine that from previously as that race came in the slop. With that being said, it’s also fair to say that she just hasn’t realized the early promise that she displayed in her first few starts.

The team will weigh options for a path forward. We'll share the game plan as soon as we have it.

Blue Devil Update and Possible Next Stakes Race (in NM!)

The team chatted with Steve Asmussen about what could be next for your son of Uncle Mo. Steve has his eyes on the $200,000 Sunland Park Handicap for Blue Devil, which is to be run on April 6th. 

We'll keep an eye out for opportunities in between should something pop up, but Steve is comfortable training up to the race if need be.

Tiffany's Mo and Natural Beauty Approach Foaling Dates

Our next two broodmares are "up at bat."

Both Tiffany's Mo (in foal to Liam's Map) and Natural Beauty (in foal to Violence) have anticipated foaling dates of 2/28/2025, though word is out that many mares seem to be foaling late this spring.

Both have been moved to the Foaling Barn at Gaineway Farm where they will be closely monitored over the coming days. 

Community Adjusted/Quality Road Filly Update

We stopped by to see Community Adjusted and her Quality Road filly at Chanteclair Farm this afternoon. The duo had just been brought into the barn after a lovely spring-like day out in their paddock. Plans are to move them to the back barn on the property where they keep the mares and foals once it has been a month’s time since birth. Here they will be paired up with another mare and foal with whom they will share a larger paddock for the time being.

Misstrial Update

Misstrial was spotted at the 2025 Ocala Showcase event last weekend, where she trained for MyRacehorse owners in attendance. 

Farm trainer Ciaran Dunne has been very pleased with her progress. She will continue to train at Wavertree for the time being, and will most likely ship to her trainer Bob Baffert following the OBS April Sale.

Her half-brother Banks was fourth in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes on Saturday evening at Turfway Park. We’ll see if he pops back up in the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks next month.

Sirius Pursuit Work

Sirius Pursuit returned home to the farm following the Ocala Showcase event, and quickly got back to work, putting in her first three-furlong breeze in :36.76. (This was an unofficial farm work.)

Katie and Jena were very pleased with the move, noting that she settled nicely. She got a bit tired late, but that's to be expected with this being her first time being asked to go a longer distance. 

Fireball Birdie Race Result and Claim

Fireball Birdie finished off the board today (7th) in the last race at Oaklawn Park and was claimed for the $40K tag by trainer Tom Amoss.

He sat in a good spot early while saving ground, but was bottled up pretty badly around the turn for home and had to hit the brakes. A seam opened up down on the fence, but Fireball Birdie just didn’t have enough kick in the lane.

This was, of course, a disappointing outcome, but even with tough trips in his last two it seems as though he had lost form since his races at Remington. 

Fireball Birdie wrapped up his time with us with the following record:

Starts	Firsts	Seconds	Thirds	Earnings
13	2	3	0	$72,364

His best Equibase speed figure was a 98 which he earned at Remington Park in September 2024.

We will of course keep close tabs on him moving forward, and our accounting team will begin working on his series closure.

As with all horses who leave our stable, we'll be marking his page (above) as CLAIMED and moving him to the bottom with our other previous horses. We will report back when we get any additional updates.

New Acquisition is a Daughter of Constitution Named Misstrial!

Introducing Misstrial --  a daughter of Constitution out of Blip Says Bye by Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway).

Interest purchased February 23, 2025 (Happy Birthday to Laurie).

Read more on her page here >>  Misstrial

Here's The Kicker Update

Here’s the Kicker worked the bullet three furlongs in :35.90 this morning at Palm Meadows. 

For her next start there are two first-level-allowance conditions coming up for our daughter of Liam’s Map—a route option on Mar 8 and a sprint Mar. 15. We will discuss with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. in the coming days, but the logical plan is to enter the route and should that not go use the latter option as a backup.

Fireball Birdie has been Re-entered After Canceled Race

Fireball Birdie has been re-entered at Oaklawn Park on Monday, February 24th 5:23 CT / 4:23 MT. All other conditions are believed to remain in effect. UPCOMING information will be updated above.

Fancy Quality has been RETIRED!

 Our Wootton Bassett filly has been retired following a series of setbacks. We'll update with more news on where she'll be headed once it's decided.

Seize The Grey NEWS

The shed at Gainesway Farm has opened for the 2025 breeding season this past week and Seize The Grey has reportedly already bred his first mare.

In other news, AI apparently wrote a song and created a video about Seize The Grey's Preakness win. I'm not sure how long this will be available, since AI apparently plucked copyrighted photos from Bloodhorse for the images, but enjoy it while it lasts...

CALDERA - Big Write Up from Steve Haskin at Secretariat . com

Caldera has been generating some major buzz after his battle to the line with Bob Baffert's Getaway Car in the Sunland Derby. 

Read what horseracing sports writer Steve Haskin has to say about him in this article on Derby prep updates.

Look under "Knocking at the Door" for info on the Sunland Derby. 

Kentucky Derby Rankings-Week 4-Secretariat.com

by Steve Haskin

Simply Enchanting Update After Last Week's Race Cancelation

With the cancellation of racing last Saturday at Oaklawn, Simply Enchanting returned to the work tab on Monday. She breezed five furlongs and was credited with a final time of 1:01.80. 

Surprisingly, the allowance race for her has not returned as an extra to this point, but the racing office has told trainer Phil D’Amato that it’s a top priority to get it back on the board. 

We are hopeful that it will be re-offered some time next week/weekend.

Caldera: The Buzz Starts to Build!

It's exciting to hear all the positive things being said about our boy, Caldera, after his near miss in the Sunland Derby. This one is by a major writer in the sports community, Steve Haskins, posted on the Secretariat.com site. 

Kentucky Derby Rankings Week 4

Here's The Kicker Update

Here’s the Kicker was entered in the aforementioned race for Feb. 23rd (Gulfstream Park), but unfortunately that race did not fill. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has been happy with how your daughter of Liam’s Map has trained since her most recent race at Tampa. 

We will await the release of the next condition book before picking a new race to target and will also keep an eye out for any suitable extras.

Fireball Birdie Race Updated - Race Moved to 2/24/2025

Due to freezing weather this week in Arkansas, Oaklawn has shifted its racing schedule for the week and will now run Saturday, Sunday and Monday instead of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Fireball Birdie's race will now take place Monday the 24th. We'll update the "Upcoming" schedule on this site. (We expect to hear the same for Simply Enchanting, but will post separately when we do.)

Nakoma on Rest

Definitely not what we anticipated, but Nakoma exited her breeze last week with some swelling in her front fetlock and will require some time off from training. X-rays revealed a troubling area, but at this time it does not require surgery or further treatment other than 30 days of stall rest at the farm in Ocala. She will then be X-rayed a second time to ensure all is well. We'll report back after the check-up.

This is, of course, disappointing, because she was doing so well in her training, but the welfare of the horse must ALWAYS be the first concern. Also, as we've seen so often, a little time-out from training can often be a blessing in disguise. 

Have a great "vacation," Nakoma. 

Congratulations from MRH on Blue Devil's Win

With everything going on in horseracing this week, MRH was a bit slow to send this update, but we were happy to get it none-the-less. 

We witnessed the Sunland Derby referred to in the update below last February, where Alotaluck came in second, as mentioned. Ironically, our Preakness Champion, Seize The Grey, went on to face the winner, Stronghold, and 3rd place, Lucky Jeremy, in other stakes over the course of his 3YO campaign last year. 

Here's the memo from MRH:

What a performance! Blue Devil got the job done in style last Friday, cruising to victory in the Winsham Lad Stakes at Sunland Park. Breaking alertly, he put himself right in the mix early, pressing the pace while sitting confidently in the clear. As they turned for home, he edged his way to the front, showing his grit and determination to put away the pacesetter by midstretch and drawing off to win convincingly.

This was a strong showing, especially against a game runner-up who was hammered late in the betting and previously finished second in last year’s G3 Sunland Derby. This win is a testament to Blue Devil’s talent and heart, and we can't wait to see how his career progresses from here.

UPDATE/FOLLOW-UP:

Blue Devil continues to do well coming out of his win and is back at Sam Houston for the time being. We'll report back with next plans once we have them, but are in no rush at this stage. 

(An accompanying clip of Blue Devil jogging at Sam Houston (muddy track conditions) was included. )

Secret Crush Update

It's been awhile since we posted an update on this guy, but we're very pleased to have some good news. Secret Crush was one of two horses (the other being Seize The Grey) who was nominated to the Triple Crown series in 2024. He was showing huge promise under trainer Todd Pletcher, however he was apparently injured in a race at Keeneland last spring, when he ran a game 3rd in spite of the injury that most likely happened during the race. 

Since then, the MRH team gave him a lot of time off to recover and retrain, and made the decision to geld him for his own benefit as he was starting to put on bulk that could potentially stress his joints. This was a very tough choice to make due him being a son of top sire Candy Ride (sire of Gunrunner), and out of a daughter of Storm Cat and the phenomenal broodmare, Take Charge Lady, but the best interests of the horse had to be the first priority.

Later last year, he was sent to Highlander Training Center in Texas, the same farm responsible for Seize The Grey's freshening prior to his Triple Crown participation and win in the Preakness. 

The team checked in on Secret Crush yesterday at Highlander Training Center and was very pleased with the progress they saw. The gelding procedure appears to have been a benefit to him, keeping his weight under control. The Highlander team has had no issues since ramping up the intensity of his gallops and reported he is ready to breeze. The team recommended that they do a follow-up scan of his previous injury before beginning speed work, simply to check all the boxes, given the cautious path we have already taken. This information will only be beneficial to us as he continues on in his training, as well as helping to monitor any changes on the road ahead.

Catalyst Post Race Update

Catalyst has exited Saturday’s race in good order. She earned a 56 Beyer Speed Figure—one point above what she received on seasonal debut. It’s pretty fair to say that the class relief moving from Oaklawn to Sam Houston was as big a factor in her improved finish position as anything, but at least we now know that she’ll handle multiple surfaces. 

The current Sam Houston book only goes through Feb. 23 and the next running of the turf route MSW comes up very quick on Feb. 15, but we’ll let Steve tell us when she’s ready to go again.

Seismic Beauty Entered

We are thrilled to report Seismic Beauty has officially been entered for her return in Saturday's 8th race at Santa Anita Park. Our daughter of Uncle Mo drew post 7 (of 7) with Juan Hernandez returning to the irons. 

This looks like a great spot for Seismic Beauty and we can't wait to see her back in action. Post time is approximately 4:00 PM PT (5:00 PM MT).

Seize The Grey AND Broodmare Band Update

Seize the Grey is gearing up for his first year at stud at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky. Our dual Grade 1 winner does not yet have a completely full book of mares, but that is definitely not unusual at this point. He is expected to book full as the breeding season goes on.

Our son of Arrogate has attracted some very solid and intriguing mares, and we thought it would be fun to share some of the highlights of who he is confirmed to cover this year.

Goodnight Olive: Dual Eclipse champion, she was never off the board in 12 career starts. She won four Grade 1 races, including two editions of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, and retired with career earnings of over $2.1 million. What an honor and a boon it will be to have her foal in "Ceasar's" first crop

Lady Pewitt: Although she only ran one race, she produced a 2016 foal named Jaywalk. That grey filly, by a son of Unbridled's Song in Cross Traffic, was named champion 2-year-old filly of 2018 off of romps in the G1 Frizette and G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Quickest: This influential Phipps Stable-bred mare is already the dam of Grade 1 winner Callback. She is also a half-sibling to Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, as well as graded stakes winners Cyrus Alexander (PA Derby champion, et al) and Brethren (Sam F. Davis Stakes, et al!).

Reachfortheheavens: Dam of multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Real Solution.

Accomplished: Half-sibling to a champion 2-year-old in Canada by the name of Cairo Consort, who sold for $820K last June.

La Fee Verte: Her racing career saw her win just under $100,000 in purse money. However her half-sibling is D. Wayne Lukas-trained daughter of Arrogate, Secret Oath, winner of the 2022 G1 Kentucky Oaks before later selling for $3 million.

Lakeside: Half-sibling to brilliant dual Grade 1 winner Cave Rock (Arrogate), who in 2022 was victorious in both the G1 Del Mar Futurity and G1 American Pharoah S.

Madison Square: This unraced daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is a half-sibling to Classic winner and champion 3-year-old Arcangelo, the "other" promising young son of Arrogate at Stud.

Unrivaled Princess: This unraced filly is a full-sibling to two-time Eclipse winner Unique Bella. She's by Tapit, meaning her prospective foal by Seize the Grey will be bred on the same cross as the aforementioned Arcangelo.

And, of course, included in his first book are the four mares in the Seize The Grey Broodmare Band of which we are partners, which includes Community Assisted, who on January 21st already foaled a lovely filly by top sire Quality Road, as well as Chilean Champion and multiple graded winner, Joke Sisi, and two other nicely bred mares. 

We are looking forward with great excitement to see "Ceasar's" foals next year, which will be his first crop.

Caldera May be Coming to New Mexico Seeking Derby Points

We were quite shocked to read a recent BloodHorse article on D. Wayne Lukas's various Derby hopefuls, that our Liam's Map son, Caldera may be coming to New Mexico in a quest for points. The Coach indicated in the article that this was one possible path for him. Being based in New Mexico, we have mixed feelings on this, in that we'd love to see our colt run in person, but we also have a lot of doubts about the state of racing and the track conditions at Sunland, which tends to be a deeper, slower track. 

We're also concerned that the Sunland Park Derby was "demoted" last year and now awards only 20 points to the winner, unlike most of the other preps at this point which are awarding 50 (and pretty much a shoe-in to the Derby). On top of that, it will require quite an extensive transport to bring Caldera from Arkansas to southern New Mexico, which may not be the best scenario prior to a Derby prep.

On the flip side, over the years Bob Baffert, Steve Asmussen, Phil D'Amato and other top trainers have often shipped in to Sunland for a go at the sole Derby prep race based there, but most were back in the heydays when the Sunland Park Derby awarded 50 points. Phil D'Amato did bring Stronghold last year (with our filly Simply Enchanting in tow -- she placed in the Sunland Park Oaks the same day), and I believe Steve Asmussen also brought one of his hopefuls. 

We know Mr. Lukas always has a plan, and often his decisions are contrary to what he puts out in the press, so we'll wait to see if Caldera will indeed run at Sunland Park on February 16th. As we've said many times over the last 19 months (which produced a Preakness champion, multi-G1 winner and new Kentucky stallion for us), "In Coach we trust."

Broodmare Band - Community Adjusted and Foal Update

Seize the Grey Broodmare Band members Community Adjusted and her Quality Road filly foal have completed their round pen phase and ventured for the first time today into a small paddock, where the foal was able to stretch her legs and do some running. They will remain in this paddock until they are ready to be around other mares and foals, at which time they will be relocated to a larger paddock and paired up.

Both mare and foal have handled the foaling process well and come out of it in good order. The farm estimates that Community Adjusted should be ready to be bred back to Seize the Grey about a month from her prior foaling date, around the third week in February.

Sirius Pursuit Runs Her First Breeze

Our newly named daughter of Horse of the Year Knicks Go had her first opportunity to put in a work at GoldMark in Florida, and we have to say we were extremely impressed with the effort.

She clicked out a quarter mile (2F) in 23.57!

Her trainer's (Jena Antonucci) business partner and farm manager commented: "Speedy, but really did it with ease and just has a big, pretty stride."

She looked incredibly good in the video we were sent. Our just turned 2YO has impressed all the way around. Here's to great starts!

Blue Devil Update

Blue Devil has moved to Sam Houston to prepare for a next start. He breezed yesterday morning (inside in the video), but it looks like works for the day were never published. We hope to get him back in the entries in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.

Seeking A Star 23 has been Named!

 The naming selection process is complete and Seeking A Star 23 will now be registered as:

Sirius Pursuit

It was a difficult choice with many excellent name suggestions submitted for this very first foal of Knicks Go, but we're very happy with the results of this solid name for our lovely young filly.  

As with all name changes, this sites' posts, pages and tabs will all be updated in the coming days to reflect her permanent name.

Catalyst - Race Entry and Update

Catalyst makes her turf debut in Saturday’s 5th race at Sam Houston, a 1 mile maiden special weight event. She’ll be #3 among a field of 10 plus one main-track-only entrant, and has been quoted at odds of 3-1 on the morning line. Post time is 3:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM MT. This is the first time she will compete at this track. Stewart Elliott, who has often got the mount on Fireball Birdie, is in the irons for this race.

Catalyst recently breezed :51.80 at Louisiana Downs on Saturday and definitely fits with this group on figures. She should appreciate the class relief. 

The turf surface is a question mark, but there’s reason to believe she’ll take to it. Physically, she’s a lighter-framed horse should appreciate the grass. On pedigree, her dam—who turned out to be a much better producer than runner—switched to the grass at the end of her career and ran some of her best races, hitting the board in all four turf tries. Most of Catalyst’s siblings have excelled on dirt, but Dolder Grand—an $800K 3/4-brother, was G1SP on turf and also did well on synthetic.

Review of other entrants:

#1 Magnolia Princess - Oklahoma-bred showed nothing in dirt sprint debut. Some turf in pedigree but not enough to bank on a dramatic turnaround.

#2 Global Allure (MTO) - Forecast looks pretty dry as of now. Interesting that she’s an MTO as her best prior race for previous connections was on the turf.

[#3 Catalyst]

#4 Wandering Kirby - Favored on the morning line at 9-5 due to a debut third in New York while trained by Chad Brown. Changed hands after RNA’ing for $47K in November and was distanced on the dirt for new connections at Oaklawn. Wouldn’t be banking on turf turning things around that drastically.

#5 Legacy Defined - Well-bred filly showed speed and filled out the trifecta in a similar spot last time. Logical and looks loose on the lead.

#6 Airo Dinero - Beaten a head on the grass in July. Needs to get faster, but she’s more mature now and will appreciate the return to turf. Live longshot.

#7 Over Doer - Hasn’t shown much in two dirt sprints with more than a year gap in between them. Turf doesn’t look like the answer on paper, though this barn does win a lot locally.

#8 Ziah Y G - $1400 yearlings two prior performances in maiden claimers leave much to be desired.

#9 Sugarcoat - Finished one slot ahead of Legacy Defined last out after stalking and putting in a wide bid. Makes plenty of sense.

#10 Royal Subject - Has done no running at all in three prior tries, with the last one having come for a $20K claiming tag.

#11 Tiz a Knockout - 19-time maiden was fifth last time in the race Legacy Defined and Sugarcoat also come out of. No looking like 20’s going to be a magic number.

More on Community Adjusted

More info on Community Adjusted, the mare in the Seize The Grey broodmare band that just foaled a lovely filly:

 "Community Adjusted (Summer Front), I/F to Quality Road - This big, beautiful mare might just be the one who could give Seize the Grey a Classic-type horse. She was a consistent runner who broke her maiden going 10 furlongs on the grass and was stakes-placed over nine panels. She displayed plenty of durability as well, racing from ages two to six. 

A huge draw for this mare is the cover–she’s in foal to one of the top stallions in America in Quality Road, who commanded a $200K stud fee this past breeding season when her foal was conceived. Quality Road has sired $425K and $375K weanlings during this year’s breeding stock sales, and he had yearlings bred on a version of the same cross that Community Adjusted’s foal will be bred on fetch $750K, $550K and $485K during the 2024 yearling sales season. The mating with Quality Road yields an A+ Nick rating." 

So that's our new filly born on January 21st! Community Adjusted should hopefully be bred to Seize The Grey for an early 2026 foal. 

Fireball Birdie Update

Fireball Birdie received a little bit of a break following his last race due to the frozen track and frigid conditions much of the South has experienced these past two weeks. Your son of Uncle Mo returned to training yesterday, jogging over the track at Oaklawn’s Ten Mile Creek Training Center. 

Though trainer Steve Asmussen has yet to set a concrete target race, the $35,000 non-winners-of-three condition has been written in Oaklawn’s new book for Feb. 14 and Mar. 8, so we expect his next start to come in either of those two spots depending on when the barn feels he is ready to go again.

Seize The Grey's Stallion Video Ad

So glad I can finally share Seize The Grey's wonderful ad that the great people at Gainesway did to help launch his stallion career. Love how they captured his career highlights and accentuated his strengths so beautifully. 

What a great ad to launch him on his first year at stud. 

Nakoma Update

Nakoma galloped "energetically" this morning at Gulfstream Park. She was originally scheduled to breeze this morning, but spiked a fever yesterday. She was fine today--clearly feeling well enough to gallop--and should breeze back some time this coming week.

Vekoma sired the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner on Thursday. That colt was also an OBS grad last year and cost very similar money to Nakoma.

We've Acquired a Broodmare Band for Seize The Grey!

MRH contacted us with a very special offering of four broodmares -- all currently in foal -- to be bred back to Seize The Grey this spring. Of the four, the plan is to retain at least one of the foals by Seize The Grey to race. These foals will be born in 2026 and will become 2YOs in "Ceasar's" first crop in 2028!

Here's a brief introduction to each of the four. (Actually, we're introducing five, as you'll see.)

____________________________

Community Adjusted

Community Adjusted is a daughter of Summer Front (by War Front out of an El Prado(IRE) mare). Summer Front was a multiple graded stakes winner and multiple G1 placed, and earned $1,077,140 in his eight career wins. He was trained by Christophe Clemente. Her dam is Rimini Road by Dynaformer out of a Devil's Bag mare, Evangelical. She was bred by Brereton C. Jones of Airdrie Stud (and former governor of Kentucky) who was also the breeder of Coexist. Community Adjusted herself earned over $222k on the track with three wins. Her highest E-speed figure was 101.

Community Adjusted delivered a Quality Road foal, a filly, just before midnight on January 21st at Chanteclair Farm. It’s been absolutely frigid in the Lexington area, and the temperature was near the 0-degree mark when the filly was born, but both mom and baby are doing great. The farm reports that the filly is good size for a first foal and has plenty of leg. We can’t wait to watch her grow up!

Since purchasing Community Adjusted at the Keeneland November sale, Quality Road—the top sire whose foal Community Adjusted is currently carrying—sired a pair of graded stakes winners in late November and was recently represented by the winner of a strong Santa Anita opening day 2-year-old maiden special weight for the powerful “Avengers” ownership group. That graduate, Madaket Road, was second in the G3 Bob Hope on debut.

_________________________________

Joke Sisi(CHI)

She's sired by Practical Joke out of Lucky Sisi (CHI), by Lookin At Lucky. Joke Sisi had 6 wins and was on the board in 12 of 16 starts, earning $193k +. She has multiple graded stakes wins -- including Grade 1 wins -- in Chile and was reported to be a Chilean champion (we're researching). She had 6 starts in Chile with 5 wins and one 2nd place! Racing in the US she had a win at Churchill Downs, and multiple placings at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Colonial, and Laurel Park.

Joke Sisi is in foal to Arcangelo! (The 2023 Belmont and Travers winner by Arrogate). Her foal will be in his first crop and is expected in early March.

The mare’s sire, Practical Joke, was represented recently by two other Chilean-bred standouts who have taken their talents to the U.S. Mufasa annexed the G3 Mr. Prospector S. Dec. 28 at Gulfstream, while Richi scored in the G3 Las Flores Jan. 4. Romanesque, also by Practical Joke, was second in the G2 San Vicente on that same Jan. 4 card at Santa Anita. Practical Joke was also represented by a pair of 2-year-old filly stakes winners at Fair Grounds Dec. 21, and a new ‘TDN Rising Star’ a week later in New York.

_________________________________

Natural Beauty

Natural Beauty’s sire Blame has had two new stakes winners and three additional stakes-placed runners as a broodmare sire since the November sales—three of which were juveniles. 

Violence, meanwhile—her covering sire—sired a new ‘TDN Rising Star’ in 12 1/4-length Aqueduct optional claiming winner Sand Devil.

Natural Beauty is living at Gainesway Farm and is expected to deliver her first foal around early March.

_________________________________

Tiffany's Mo

Tiffany’s Mo’s sire, Uncle Mo, sadly passed away recently, which will of course impact the future supply of mares by the emerging broodmare super sire. Uncle Mo mares recently represented by stakes standouts include G2 Los Alamitos Futurity winner Journalism on December 14th and Ginger Brew Stakes winner Nitrogen—already Grade 1-placed--on January 4th.

Tiffany Mo's dam is Cruelmore by Forestry (Storm Cat x Shared Interest by Pleasant Colony) out of  Intensify (Unbridled's Song x Her She Shawklit by Air Forbes Won). She is at Gainesway Farm and is expected to foal around early March.

Tiffany’s Mo is living at Gainesway Farm and is expected to deliver her first foal around early March.

Fancy Quality Entered for January 25th

Fancy Quality has been entered to run Saturday Jan. 25 at Fair Grounds. She’ll be the #9 in race 7, a maiden special weight event going 1 1/16 miles on the lawn. 

There is no precipitation in the forecast for New Orleans next weekend—fingers crossed it remains that way so we will not have to worry about another off-the-turf event. 

Best wishes for a safe and productive race to our daughter of Wootton Bassett this week.

FOLLOW UP: The race came off the turf due to weather, and Fancy Quality was scratched. Hopefully she'll be pointed to another race with better weather conditions soon.

Seeking A Star 23 Breeze Report

Our Knicks Go filly had her first unofficial breeze this morning in Ocala. The just-turned-2YO was clocked in :12.40 for the furlong work and galloped out the quarter-mile in :26.57. Although we don't focus too much on times for works at farms as track speeds can vary greatly--that was a solid time for the GoldMark training track. 

The team was very pleased with the move, noting that the filly did it well within herself and was very game.

Great start, girl. (We're working on the process to come up with a registered name for her soon.)

Seismic Beauty Update

Seismic Beauty transitioned to Santa Anita Park last week and is doing well despite not breezing back this past Sunday. Trainer Bob Baffert is giving her time to acclimate to the Santa Anita surface again and we expect to see her breeze later this week.

Here's The Kicker Update

The extra for Here’s the Kicker failed to fill for next Sunday and did NOT return on the overnight for Wednesday, Jan. 29. 

We’ll keep our eye out for any new extras on the coming overnights, but we will likely have to wait for the next condition book option on Feb. 16 going seven furlongs on the dirt. 

Caldera Shows Huge Promise in his 3rd Start!

Caldera had his third start at Oaklawn today, and it couldn't have gone any better. He went straight to the front, held off one challenger heading into the turn and cruised home to a 5-1/2 length win under a hand ride by Rafael Bejerano. What a dream outcome! 

This was over a mile and a sixteenth and against 3YOs and older horses, to boot. A nice contingent of partners were on hand to watch the race and ring the famous Oaklawn bell in the Winner's Circle. He was given an E-speed figure of 96, and I believe an 82 Beyer.

We'll see how he comes out of the race, and where The Coach (D. Wayne Lukas) decides to point him next. 

Seeking A Star '23 - First Update

This one's so new we haven't even added her page yet, but Seeking A Star '23 is a daughter of superhorse Knicks Go out of Seeking A Star by Pioneerof the Nile. She just turned 2. We'll try to get her page with more info up soon. The partnership has also just started the process of selecting a name for her, so she won't be going by the "Seeking a Star '23" tag for long!

This girl is literally the first foal sired by Horse of the Year Knicks Go. Here's an article about it from Bloodhorse:  

First Foal a Filly for 2021 Horse of the Year Knicks Go

Here's the first report on her progress:

Sailing has remained smooth for Seeking a Star '23, and she's already up to galloping two laps at GoldMark Farm all by herself. The team was very pleased with how professional she was going on her own without company--that's not always the case with a youngster at this stage of their training. Your filly should have a first breeze in the next couple of weeks.

Nakoma Work Out Info

Nakoma (3-Year-Old Filly)

Your comments for this horse were: Vekoma out of Rylee's Song

Date: January 15, 2025
Track: GULFSTREAM PARK
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 48:98 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt

Rank: 10/19 

Catalyst Move and Update

Catalyst has moved to Louisiana Downs for the time being as we wait for a next race for her, and she breezed this morning there (outside), but it looks like the clockers missed it.

The nice thing about Louisiana Downs is that it’s positioned in between Sam Houston, Oaklawn Park and Fair Grounds, so we can keep an eye on races at all three venues and have more options for entries. Our preference is still probably Sam Houston, but in the current condition book the one logical spot is on the grass (1 1/16 miles on Jan. 25). 

A surface switch might be worth a shot (plus there’s always a chance for an off-the-turfer), so for now we’ll keep that race in mind and also consider options at the other two nearby tracks (there’s a turf route at Fair Grounds, also on Jan. 25; and a dirt route MSW one day later at Oaklawn). Catalyst's pedigree skews mostly towards dirt, but one 3/4-brother was G1SP on the lawn.

Fancy Quality Workout Report

Fancy Quality returned to the work tab on Sunday morning, covering a half mile in :50.80 at the Fair Grounds. This work was delayed a few days due to the weather and track conditions. No workouts were permitted on Friday, Jan. 10, and track conditions were still listed as good on Saturday, Jan. 11.

The newest condition book was recently released, and we have a new race target on Jan. 25. The maiden special weight will be for fillies and mares three years old and upward and will be contested over a mile and one-sixteenth on the turf. There is plenty of rain in the forecast next week, but the 14-day weather report looks positive for her race.

Seismic Beauty Work Report

Seismic Beauty worked another nice half-mile this morning at Los Alamitos, this one in :49.80 by herself and without much encouragement. She was clocked in 1:02 1/5 for the five-furlong gallop out. Her breeze next week should come at five furlongs as she progresses towards a return to the races.

Seismic Beauty (4-Year-Old Filly)

Date: January 12, 2025
Track: LOS ALAMITOS
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 49:80 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 10/15

Here's The Kicker Back on the Work Tab After Illness

Here’s the Kicker returned to the work tab at Palm Meadows training center on Friday morning. Coming off a brief illness, she only went a solo three-eighths in :37.85 for her first work back, but she should pick things up fairly quickly from here.

Munny Problem Back from Break - Status

We got some fresh Munny Problem content today with commentary from Wavertree’s Ciaran Dunne. Our colt is doing well and picking things back up after the standard easy period that most horses in Ocala get around the holidays.

Ciaran did note that Munny Problem had a bit of a splint flare up (localized swelling on the lateral or medial aspect of the metacarpals or metatarsals—a very common issue in young horses at this stage of their development and rarely a long-term concern), but it didn’t really impact his training schedule as it timed out well with the holiday break.

At this stage, it appears Munny Problem should have no trouble picking up the pace on schedule and eventually starting to do some speed work. He looks to be carrying some good muscle at the moment and we’re happy with his development.

From MRH's Year End Summary

MRH had a lot to say about what a wonderful year 2024 was, with commentary on some of their top horses including Straight No Chaser, Rosie's Alibi, and of course, their first 100% MRH owned classic champion, SEIZE THE GREY!

Here's an excerpt that focused on our boy's achievements:

Another incredible 2024 moment for the MyRacehorse stable was Seize the Grey's glorious Preakness victory! Our son of Arrogate quite simply had a whirlwind year. Leading up to the Preakness, Seize the Grey had been just outside of the conversation for the Triple Crown. Although putting in good effort in the Jeff Ruby, Seize the Grey opted for the G2 Pat Day Mile instead of being an also-eligible for the Kentucky Derby. He won the Pat Day Mile rather impressively, but it was not enough to gain much attention on his own merit heading into the Preakness. He would make everyone regret not paying much attention to him though.

"Coach" D. Wayne Lukas had always been high on our son of Arrogate. On May 18th, Seize the Grey proved that he was absolutely deserving of the Coach's continual high praise when he romped home to a 2 1/4 length victory over Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan. With this win, not only was D. Wayne Lukas officially the oldest trainer to ever win the Preakness Stakes, but Seize the Grey himself made history as the first ever fully-crowdfunded horse to win a triple crown race- truly the people's horse taking back the sport of kings! But the Seize the Grey story didn't stop there...

Thanks to his flashy victories in the G2 Pat Day Mile and of course the G1 Preakness Stakes, Seize the Grey captured the interest of many of the elite stallion farms in Kentucky, including historic Gainesway Farm. Gainesway's role in the American Thoroughbred can't be ignored. Housed on the old C.V Whitney Farm, Gainesway stood legendary sires such as Lyphard, Blushing Groom, Vaguely Noble, among many others.

Seize the Grey is one of two sons of Arrogate at stud and a very attractive option for many breeders due to being out of an exceptional Smart Strike mare, his racy physical, and his durability. Even though he hasn't begun his first season at stud, Seize the Grey is already well on his way to filling his book up. Seize the Grey's owners have retained 10% of his ownership and we couldn't be more excited for them to embark on this journey of owning one of the hottest new stallions of the year!

Horses That Left our Stable in 2024

Adaay in Asia - claimed

Our talented import never faired well on our eastern tracks (Keeneland, Aqueduct, etc.) and was later sent West, where she didn't improve at Santa Anita or Del Mar. She was claimed out of a race, but has since been sent to Tampa Bay Downs where she has scored a 1st and a close 2nd in consecutive races in 2024.

English Jubilee - claimed

Our daughter of English Channel out of a Kitten's Joy mare never seemed to be able to put a solid race together until she won a claiming race at Woodbine on Halloween night and was claimed. She had eight starts with one 1st, one 2nd, and one 3rd and $34,000+ in earnings. In her only stakes entry, the Cup and Saucer at Woodbine, she ran 4th. She has not worked or run back since being claimed, but may have been sent south for the winter, as she was by us the previous year.

Guinevere - sold at Keeneland November / race or broodmare 

Our stunning daughter of Justify only had 5 starts, but won both of her starts on the dirt, and came in 3rd on the tapeta at Turfway Park in her debut. Purchased as a possibly top turf contender, she finished her only two races on turf dead last. She was put through the Keeneland November sale as a racing or broodmare prospect in early November and brought $90,000, purchased by one of the participating partners. She has since been entered into a race at Mahoning Valley, possibly pending her broodmare career in the spring. 

Lady Blitz - retired / sport horse or broodmare project

After showing a ton of talent and ramping up the hopes of many of her owners early on, and finishing 3rd in her debut at Saratoga with Irad Ortiz in the irons, Lady Blitz could never seem to put together a career. She was sent back to Wavertree Farm to retrain in early 2024, and during the process a flap issue was found in her throat. After two unsuccessful surgeries she was retired and sent back to her consignor as a broodmare or sport horse project. 

Lane Way - retired / at Old Friends in Kentucky

After a wonderful career where our son of Into Mischief frequently won or placed in graded stakes, set a new track record on the downhill turf course at Santa Anita, and finished 2023 as 1st alternate to the Breeders Cup Sprint, a decision was made to retire him at age 7. He was sent to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Kentucky in late Fall, where he can now rub elbows with other famous retired horses such as Silver Charm, Big Brown and Cozmic One.  

Legitify - claimed, has raced

Our chestnut son of Justify was claimed on May 24th. Legitify continued his career in shorter sprint races at Los Alamitos and got a win by 2-2/3 lengths at Santa Anita on October 5, 2024 going one mile on dirt. He ran back on 11/22 in a 1 mile claiming race at Del Mar, ran 7th and was subsequently claimed again. He has not run back since the end of November. 

Magical Ways - claimed and has been racing

Our son of Maclean's Music, Magical Ways, continued his career after being claimed in 2023 at Aqueduct, and has registered some wins and strong performances increasing his current bankroll to $262,000+ with 5 wins, 3 2nds and 4 3rds from 24 lifetime starts. His last two Equibase speed figures at Aqueduct were 104 for 3rd and 108 for 2nd!

Mo Temptation - retired / broodmare in California 

Our promising daughter of Mo Town was retired from racing on May 19th with only one race under her belt. Frequent setbacks led to the decision to retire her from racing in her best interest. She'll be a broodmare in California, with a date with a talented California stallion, Brickyard. 

Pioneer Prince - claimed, has raced

Our gelded son of Pioneerof the Nile was claimed in August by top trainer, Doug O'Neill. He ran back on August 17th with a win, and on September 1, where he finished 7th. 

Straight to Glory - retired / hunter/jumper in Texas

Our son of top UK freshman sire Cotai Glory struggled with a series of setbacks including bulking up which led to the decision to geld him in an attempt to reduce stress due to weight on his joints but he never made it to a debut. As part of the Royal Duet with Guinevere, they were simultaneously retired on October 29th. Straight to Glory has found a home with a young equestrian in Texas who will train him as a hunter/jumper.  

2024 Year In Review - Seize The Grey and MRH

Seize The Grey and MRH are two of the subjects of this article summing up 2024.

ABRS Year In Review: Memorable Stories of 2024

What a fantastic year in racing it was for us!

Munny Problem Update

Newly named MUNNY PROBLEM continues to train well at Wavertree Stables, where he is expected to have his first breeze sometime towards the end of January. 

His sire Munnings had two impressive juvenile stakes winners in December— Poster was victorious in the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes and Muhimma won the Grade 2 Demoiselle. Both of these two-year-olds by Munnings are undefeated and poised for exciting campaigns in 2025.