Caldera — our Lukas Legacy - Returns Today at Gulfstream Park

This DRF article sums up our heartfelt feelings about our Liam’s Map colt formerly trained by D. Wayne Lukas. Caldera was his Derby hopeful last year, but didn’t earn the points due to an unfortunate series of mishaps in the Louisiana Derby. He is now in the very capable hands of amazing trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr.

Caldera Carries Lukas’s Legacy into 4-Year-Old Debut

https://www.drf.com/news/caldera-carries-lukass-legacy-4-year-old-debut

Site Notice

We’ve been unable to keep up with this site for the last several months, as is obvious by the lack of posts and updates. The inability to post photos here due to some unknown blogger issue has also created issues for us.

We’re going to change things up a bit and move toward recording individual horse info — such as works and starts —on their pages (shown above) and only create news posts when there are special achievements, articles or notable events. 

We may also revamp our Upcoming Races system by deleting the box at the top of the posts (which hasn’t been updated since last August), and simply create posts with upcoming race details for each week or selected time frame. 

Thanks for your patience. 

Seize The Grey Sires Colt

Seize The Grey had another foal arrive Sunday night (Feb 22, 2026). He’s a big bay out of Community Adjusted (Summer Front x Dynaformer). He was up within the hour, and both mare and foal are doing well. Nice shoulder on this guy and lots of leg. He’s special because we (the partnership) are owners/breeders of this guy. Looks like a keeper! 

(We regret we can no longer post photos here for some unknown reason.)

Introducing COMMUNITY ADJUSTED '26!

Our broodmare, Community Adjusted, foaled a big bay colt last night, February 22, 2026. He stood and nursed within the hour, and both mare and foal are doing well, so far.

"Dad" is our own Preakness winner, Seize The Grey (owned by a large partnership, now with Gainesway Farm as primary owner for his stallion career). He is a 2X Grade 1 winner (Preakness and Pennsylvania Derby), a Grade 2 winner (Pat Day Mile on the 2024 Kentucky Derby undercard), stakes placed, and the top earning son of the late, great Arrogate.

Mom is by Summer Front (War Front) out of a Dynaformer mare, and she is stakes placed, earning over $222K in her career. She was once trained by Christophe Clement (rest in peace). 

This boy looks to be sizable. We're not sure yet if he's showing indicators of going grey, but we'll keep watch for them. 

We'll post further updates as we receive them. 

Introducing CIRCE

Here's another recent addition to our partnership stable. We invested into this promising filly on 1/25/2026, and she has since SOLD OUT!

Circe is sired by GOOD MAGIC (Curlin x Glinda The Good by Hard Spun), who also sired DORNOCH, MAGE, and our own "Puca '24, as well as BLAZING SEVENS, MIXTO and many other stakes horses. 

Her dam is Carpe Fortuna by Carpe Diem (Giant's Causeway x Rebridled Dreams) out of Seeking Luck (Seeking The Gold x Lucky Soph). Her family has produced a number of stakes winners/placers including LUCKY PULPIT, TIME FOR GOLD, THETRAILERGUY and LUCKY SPELL (4th dam). LUCKY SPELL was also the granddam of UNBRIDLED'S SONG. 

Circe is currently in early training at Silverleaf Hills Training Center in Florida by the team of top trainer Kenny McPeek. She made a recent appearance at the MRH Ocala Showcase event, where a large group of partners got to view and "meet" her and several other youngsters. She is currently galloping daily and building the fitness prior to beginning her speed works later this spring.

[We apologize that Blogspot no longer allows us to post photos on our blog page so we can't share a photo of Circe at this time.]

Introducing START THE PARTY

 We've had some new additions in the last couple of weeks, so time to start the INTRODUCTIONS! 

First up: START THE PARTY. 

This 2YO son of Constitution (out of Confetti by Mendelssohn) is a handsome chestnut who is well started in his early training. 

He will be going to Wesley Ward, who also trains our Bacio who had a brilliant start as a 2YO last year (3 starts, 2 wins and 2nd in a stakes). 

Confetti is unraced but from the family of COVFEFE, FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, ACOMA and ARCH. Start The Party is anticipated to start in the Fall 2026 time frame.

We'll start a page for him above and flesh it out as time goes on. 

Caldera is going to Saffie Joseph Jr.

We're extremely pleased to announce that Caldera will soon come off his break and go to trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. in Florida.

Formerly trained by the late, great D. Wayne Lukas, we lost the "Coach" suddenly in June of this year and with the subsequent upending of his training schedule, Caldera was sent to Highlander Training Center for a rest and a reset.

Now back training and approaching a return to speed drills and workouts, he has found a home with the outstanding talent who also trains White Abarrio and other big name horses. 

We look forward to a successful new partnership for the 2026 season as Caldera becomes a 4YO. 

PLEASE STAND BY

We've had a hard time keeping up with this blog since September, due to all the news, changes, big races and sales that have been happening and did happen. Plus we now have a Kentucky stallion in Seize The Grey. And a band of broodmares and their foals. There's a TON to keep track of and it got a bit overwhelming. 

We'll now attempt to resume regular posts, though they won't be as long or in depth, and catch up some of the former news by posting recaps or backdating posts, when possible. 

We also may be disabling comments (which have been very few and far between anyway!) to avoid any potential spam or otherwise unsuitable content. 

Sadly, Blogger is STILL not allowing us to post photos on our blog, as it has for some months, so we won't be able to include images, but we will link to videos, other social media or articles when we are able.

We have some VERY exciting young horses in our stable now, as well as a veteran or two and a returning hero who made headlines earlier this year.

For those still following our Adventures in Thoroughbreds, thanks for sticking with us. 

Catalyst's Race Canceled After Technical Glitch at Remington Park

 Catalyst, unfortunately, did not make her next start Saturday night, August 30, 2025, at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, after the track canceled its card for Race 2 and after due to a technical malfunction, possibly an issue with the satellites, according to one source. 

The race should be offered again in the near future, and hopefully she'll be re-entered soon. 

Misstrial Much Improved in Second Start

Misstrial ran her second race on the Pacific Classic undercard Saturday (August 30, 2025), and turned in a much improved performance from her initial debut.

With Juan Hernandez up, she broke well, went right to the lead, gave it up but remained with the front runners, and then gained back the lead and was ahead into the stretch when the race's fast fractions seemed to take a toll on her and she faded to third. The other two front runners both faded in the stretch when caught by two fast closers, so all-in-all, a very promising performance from a filly who is expected to do some of her best running later. She is trained by Bob Baffert, who has done outstanding job in bringing her along.

Others did note she exhibited some nerves prior to the race, so a little more experience and confidence will hopefully also cure any future pre-race jitters. 

We'll be looking forward to her next start with much anticipation. 

Another Exciting Addition! Slam Dunk '23

Edit to add: SLAM DUNK is now named ELEVATED

We are extremely happy to announce we have joined the partnership of a first crop filly sired by the previous "Best Racehorse in the World," Flightline!

We'll be building a page and introducing her in the very near future. Meanwhile, if you aren't aware of the accomplishments of her sire and would like to know more, you can check the sidebar for "The Story of Flightline" featuring a video on his career. 

New Addition! Restless Rider '23

Edited to add: Restless Rider '23 is now named STEEL THE MOMENT

We've jointed the partnership of a promising grey daughter of Gun Runner, currently tagged as Restless Rider '23. Her page is under construction (see tabs above), but currently has some pedigree information on this 2YO filly.

The process is currently underway to select a name for this filly, and once chosen, all references on this site will be changed to her permanent registered name. 

Blue Devil Runs 3rd at Remington Park

Blue Devil ran 3rd in his allowance race at Remington Park on Thursday evening, August 28, 2025. 

The team will review his performance and decide what's next for our stakes winning son of Uncle Mo.

Instant Impact Scores 2nd in Second Start

Very tough, gritty performance by Instant Impact in his second start in the 11th at Ellis Park on Sunday, August 24, 2025, where he overcame adversity and kept running, to finish a closing 2nd with Brian Hernandez up. 

Great experience for him and he really showed some talent. Looking forward to his next start. 

He earned an 83 E-speed figure for this run, a big jump up from the 71 he earned on debut on July 27th at Saratoga.

Celebration of Life: D. Wayne Lukas

The Coach's Celebration of Life ceremony was held a few days ago in Louisville, KY. We are sharing the full ceremony as captured on YouTube below. 

We've often tried to explain the impact of D. Wayne Lukas has had on our lives, and every time, fallen far short. Maybe all these amazing stories and recollections by those who knew him best--and longest--will do a better job of showing why this man was such a force in our industry who touched the lives of so many in such a powerful and positive way.

The testimony of former jockey Pat Day was particularly touching, and we treasure our Winner's Circle photo of Coach, with Pat Day, and our G2 Pat Day Mile stakes winner on Kentucky Derby Day 2024. Two weeks later, our son of Arrogate would go on to win the Second Jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness.

We were thrilled to see the horse we owned in partnership with many, many others in several special cameos highlighting D. Wayne Lukas's career. Seize The Grey was Coach's last Triple Crown race winner, who bestowed upon Mr. Lukas the title of the Oldest Trainer Ever to Win a Triple Crown race -- at age 88. I'm not sure that will--or can--ever be surpassed. 

We also had three more promising youngsters in his barn--Caldera (Liam's Map) and Munny Problem (Munnings) who will find a home with new trainers, and Trust But Verify (Into Mischief), who has already been sent to the Coach's good friend, Kenny McPeak. 

We miss you, Coach. We will always miss you, as will the people, the sport, the horses, and the entire industry. As many here said in different ways, there was only one D. Wayne Lukas. There was only one legend who changed the game forever. May his memory never fade from the sport he loved and ever strived to make better. He must have had a huge herd of champions running to greet him in Heaven. 

D. Wayne Lukas Celebration of Life Ceremony

Sirius Pursuit Debut Announcement!

And away she goes! Our daughter of Horse of the Year, Knicks Go, has been entered for her debut next weekend. More details...

Sirius Pursuit has been entered for August 23, 2025, Ellis Park 

Race 4 - 6F Dirt Maiden Special Weight. 

Post 4 (of 14 current entries) 

Jockey Adam Beschizza up. 

Time 1:16 CST or 12:16 MST. 

This race features an attractive purse for 2YO fillies and has drawn an extremely well-bred field of juveniles.

Blue Devil Works at Remington Park

Blue Devil (Uncle Mo x Apologize by Lemon Drop Kid) has moved to Remington Park, and ran a nice work this morning covering 5 furlongs in 1:01.65 for the 3rd fastest time. Considering the bullet came in at 1:01.40 in this group, it was a notable effort. 

We hope our G2 stakes winner will be back in form soon, after a couple of off-performances in his recent outs. We're hoping to close in on that half million dollar mark in earnings soon. Go, Blue Devil!

Catching Up on Updates - 2YOs and 3YOs

TWO YEAR OLDS

Black Tie Optional (Not This Time colt)

• Black Tie Optional has remained on a work schedule at Los Alamitos, where he is breezing well, including a 4F in :48 flat in company with his usual mate, Cherokee Nation, in July prompting assistant trainer Mike Marlow to report, “He worked great. Probably his best work to date.” His most recent work was from the gate on August 1st (three furlongs in :37.20). His team is bringing him along slowly and no immediate start date is expected. 

Instant Impact (Upstart colt)

• Instant Impact debuted on July 27th at Saratoga. After his race came off the turf course due to rain, trainer Kenny McPeek opted to keep him in. He ran fourth, notably handled the loading process and broke well—a good sign after some of his gate issues in the mornings. Jockey Kendrick Carmouche allowed Instant Impact to find his rhythm though he did seem to be spinning his wheels a bit on the wet track. He did show good fight when the horse coming up behind him tried to run by, and he galloped out well. Instant Impact departed Saratoga for Churchill Downs last week, and ran a bullet work at Churchill on August 11th going 4F in 47.20. He is expected to make his next start at Ellis Park in approximately 9-10 days.  

Misstrial (Constitution filly)

• Misstrial had her first start at Del Mar (the same day Seismic Beauty won the G1 Clement L. Hirsch), but stumbled badly out of the gate, almost going to her nose, and then colliding with the horse to her inside. In spite of her troubles, she still made a valiant effort, but was tiring by the time she hit the stretch. She was back on the work tab on August 11th at Del Mar, covering 5F in 1:00.60 while on the inside of stablemate Falcon Jet (2nd on debut on 8/3). We were glad to see Misstrial no worse for the wear after her debut and expect to see her get one more run at Del Mar before the summer meet ends. There are two maiden special weight options remaining at the meet, on August 30th and September 6th.

Munny Problem  (Munnings colt)

• Sadly, Munny Problem was being trained by D. Wayne Lukas who's sudden passing on June 28th left him trainerless. He was sent to Highlander training center with the Coach's two other trainees, Caldera (stakes placed 3YO) and Trust But Verify (unstarted 2YO). Munny Problem is doing well at Highlander during his R&R period. He should be started back in training in approximately 60 days.

Native Brew (Yaupon colt)

• Native Brew made his first start and ran 5th. Unfortunately, the race took a toll on this first time starter, and he will need time off before running again. 

Sirius Pursuit (Knicks Go filly)

• Upcoming possible debut dates - Saturday, August 23 at Ellis Park or a later date at Saratoga. Her workmate, Amended Dreamer, will make her debut at Saratoga on Saturday, August 16th, in the 4th race. This will give a better indication of Sirius Pursuit's standing among 2YOs. Her trainer is Jena Antonucci.

Trust But Verify (Into Mischief colt)

• Trust But Verify was transferred to Highlander Training Center after the death of D. Wayne Lukas, who had been training this promising colt. A decision was made to send Trust But Verify to "Coach's" good friend Kenny McPeek. Trust But Verify had his final breeze at Highlander Training Center where he covered 3F from the gate in :37.72. Highlander’s Jeff Hooper reported “Everything went smoothly and [he] worked a nice 3/8ths from the gate in company, outworking his work mate comfortably.” Trust But Verify was sent to the McPeek barn at Keeneland and is currently awaiting the next van to join his string at Saratoga.

THREE YEAR OLDS

Good Cop (Tiz The Law colt)

• Has transferred from Fair Hill to Todd Pletcher's barn at Belmont Park (open for training during renovations) and has been putting in a works there. 

Isle Blue (Speightstown filly)

• After the death of Christophe Clement earlier this year, she is now being trained by his son, Miguel Clement who has done much of her hands-on training to this point. Isle Blue ran a stunning bullet work on 8/9/25, running 4F in 47.40 for the fastest work of 76 that morning.

Nakoma (Vekoma filly)

• Currently turned out. Expected to return to racing later this year. Trained by Jena Antonucci.

OTHER HORSES

Caldera (Liam's Map colt)

• Since losing his trainer (D. Wayne Lukas -- "Coach"), Caldera was sent to Highlander where he has been cooling his heels. After a valiant run at qualifying for the Kentucky Derby which didn't pan out due to stumbling and grabbing a quarter out of the gate in the Louisiana Derby (a Kentucky Derby qualifier), Caldera ran back 2nd in a minor stakes at Oaklawn hoping for a Preakness berth, then went through a growth spurt/weight loss period and other issues that required a rest. No new trainer has yet been selected.

Here's The Kicker (Liam's Map filly)

• After her last start in the G1 Ruffian Stakes, which didn't go well for her, she was transferred to Saratoga to try her hand at the spa. While her first work there was an eye-opening bullet running 35.03 for 3F on June 30th, her next three works were not as impressive. Unfortunately, the deep surface at Saratoga does not seem to be to her liking. Trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. has opted to send her back to Florida where she has done her best running, so her next start will most likely be at Gulfstream Park. 

Seismic Beauty Named Fastest Horse of the Week

Long may she reign! 

Seismic Beauty named Fastest Horse of the Week on Thoroughbred Daily News! 

(Okay, we already knew that. In fact, she's the fastest horse in North America so far this year, according to her Beyer speed rating of 110 in the Hirsch, which is faster than Sierra Leone, Thorpedo Anna or any other two-turn horse has been rated this year, of any age and of either sex!)

Stay sound and healthy, and keeping "making the ground shake," Beauty!

EDITED IN NOVEMBER TO ADD: 

Seismic Beauty's 110 Beyer was de-throned by Sovereighty in winning the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, and by other males later in the summer, but she remained the top Beyer of 110 run by a female classic/routing distance in North America in 2025. 

This later drew a lot of attention when she was sold in the F/T Night of Stars Sale on November 3, 2025 for $2,500,000. 

Seismic Beauty Dominates the G1 Clement Hirsch

Seismic Beauty once again “made the ground shake” as she outkicked a talented field of fillies in her first Grade 1 effort yesterday (Saturday, August 2, 2025). Breaking from the 1 hole, her devastating speed resulted in a wire-to-wire victory over top female competitors, notably a fast closing Kopion, who ran 2nd, and stablemate Richi. 

The effort earned her a guaranteed entry into this year’s Breeders Cup at Del Mar, the same track where she just triumphed. That path just might lead her into a showdown with the undisputed Queen of the female division — “the grizzly,” last year’s champion, Thorpedo Anna.  

The speed figures computed for the race were nothing short of dazzling:

E-speed figure: 113 - her third speed figure in a row over 100

Beyer speed figure: 110 - highest non-sprint speed figure of the year, male or female!

Horseracing Nation speed figure: 134! 

The partnership is understandably ecstatic about her performance and looking forward to a bright future, if all goes well in the months to come.