December 2011 Florida Horse

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Congratulations to the connec-tions of Musical Romance, winner of the2011 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint(G1). She became the 24th Florida-bred toachieve greatness on racing’s biggest stage.

Musical Romance(f. Concorde’s Tune – Candlelightdinner, by SlewGin Fizz)

Breeder: Ocala StudOwner: Pinnacle Racing Stable

and William KaplanTrainer: William KaplanJockey: Juan Leyva

There’s no substitute for success.Find your next champion in Florida.

For more information,contact the Florida ThoroughbredBreeders’ and Owners’ Association at(352) 629-2160 or visit us on the

internet at www.ftboa.com.

Florida...the Best State for Business

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

Florida-breds and theBreeders’ Cup...

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4 THE FLORIDA HORSE • DECEMBER 2011

Florida-bred Awesome Feather gallops in Gazellestakes at Aqueduct. By Michael Compton

By Amanda Roxborough

Tampa Bay Downs got underway Dec. 3,marking the Oldsmar oval’s earliest openingin its 86-year history. By Doug McCoy

Stonewall Farm Ocala held its stallionshow in early December in Ocala.Photos by Serita Hult

Adam Lazarus of Pinnacle RacingStable is enjoying the success ofFlorida-bred Musical Romance.By Jo Ann Guidry

Romantic Dinner, granddam ofnumerous stakes winners throughyears, has created a black-typelegacy for Ocala Stud Farm.By Jo Ann Guidry

Turbo Compressor rolls in Carl Rose Classic at Calder’sFlorida Million. By Michael Compton

Kerry Thomas, owner and founder of Thomas HerdingTechnique, studies the mental capabilities of race-horses through his unique approach of emotionalconformation profiling. By Amanda Duckworth

EPA announces new reporting requirements

By Jamie A.Cohen

By Connie Duff Wise

By Paul Moran COVER PHOTO: COURTESY NYRACONTENTS PHOTO OF FIRST DUDE: SERITA HULT

DEPARTMENTS/COLUMNS

FEATURES

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1 V O L 5 4 / I S S U E 1 0

CONTENTS

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FTBOA OFFICERS ANDBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Phil Matthews, PresidentBrent Fernung, First Vice President FrancisVanlangendonck, SecondVice President

Sheila DiMare, Secretary Bonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer

DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVEVICE PRESIDENTRichard E. Hancock

801 SW 60thAvenue • Ocala, Florida 34474(352) 732-8858 • Fax: (352) 867-1979 • www.ftboa.com

American Horse Publications • FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION • MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

© THE FLORIDA HORSE (ISSN 0090-967X) is publishedmonthly except July by THE FLORIDA HORSE, INC., 801SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474, including the annual Sta-tistical Review in February.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors anddo not necessarily reflect those of Florida Equine Publicationsor the Florida Thoroughbred Breedersʼ and Ownersʼ Associa-tion. Publication of any material originating herein is expresslyforbidden without first obtaining written permission from THEFLORIDA HORSE©.

Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing inNorth America are compiled from data generated by Daily Rac-ing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Serv-ices, and The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., thecopyright owners of said data. Reproduction is prohibited.

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Printed by Boyd Brothers, Inc. BOYD

THE FLORIDA HORSE • DECEMBER 2011 5

Joe Barbazon Linda Appleton PotterCraig Bernick George RussellDean DeRenzo Jessica SteinbrennerRoy Lerman Charlotte C. WeberDiane Parks Eddie Woods

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Michael Compton

BUSINESS MANAGER

Patrick Vinzant

ART DIRECTOR

John Filer

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

JoAnn Guidry

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Beverly Kalberkamp

CORRESPONDENTS

Jay Friedman, Doug McCoy, Cynthia McFarland, Mark Shuffitt

PUBLISHERFlorida Equine Publications, Inc.

(A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)

Executive Office - 801 SW 60th Avenue • Ocala, Florida 34474

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPhil Matthews, President/Board Chairman

Brent Fernung, 1st Vice PresidentFrancis Vanlangendonck, 2nd Vice President

Sheila DiMare, SecretaryBonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Richard E. Hancock

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Caroline T. Davis

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OnDec.10, thedayofHartley/DeRenzo’s an-

nual stallion show at the Ocala farm, off-

spring of two Hartley/De Renzo stallions

found themselves in the spotlight aswell.Angelofdis-

tinction, a sonofWithDistinction, andRon theGreek,

a son of FullMandate, notched stakes victories while

Florida breeders watched their sires on parade.

During Cotillion Day presented by Lambholm

South at Tampa Bay Downs, Angelofdistinction

scored the first stakes win of his career taking down

top prize in the $75,000 Inaugural Stakes at six fur-

longs and joined the ranks of DecisiveMoment, For

Oby and Italo as stakes winners sired byHartley/De

Renzo’sWith Distinction.

Bred byValerieAmmirato and owned byBrenda

Tabraue and Andrea’s Farm, Angelofdistinction

rolled through the stretch in awild finish and held on

for a head victory over Wildcat Creek at the wire.

Angelofdistinction covered the distance in 1:11.49.

The $7,500 OBS graduate was acquired by his

owners as a yearling.He had only amaiden victory to

his credit prior to the Inaugural, but was gelded after

a last-place finish in the Jack Price Juvenile Nov. 12.

“I don’t think the operation changed his de-

meanor much, but appar-

ently he wants to run faster

that way, so I’m not going

to complain about it,” said

winning trainer Daniel Pita.

“He was working lights

out—he breezed last week

at Calder with a 135-pound

exercise rider up, and I took

him in :47 4/5 (:48 offi-

cially). We also closed his blinkers a bit. I was al-

ways high on him from the beginning.”

The winner was ridden by Pablo Morales.

“He really grabbed the bit getting near the

stretch,” saidMorales. “And after that it wasmy job

to find him a lane and let him do his stuff. It was

close at the end but he was still trying hard.”

On the same day, less than an hour later, Ron the

Greek broke sharply in the Queens County Stakes at

Aqueduct, assuming command around the first turn

of the 13⁄16-mile test. Under Junior Alvarado, he dic-

tated the pace through fractions of :24.30 and :49.35

for a halfmile,while only slightly pressedby long shot

Fonda RondaWon and race favorite Inherit the Gold.

Rounding the far turn, Ron the Greek was en-

gaged by Inherit the Gold, who cruised up to the

leader’s flank. Ron the Greek had plenty in reserve,

though, and shook loose from that rival in deep

stretchwhen roused byAlvarado.He hit thewire 2¼

lengths clear of Inherit the Gold, and completed the

distance in 1:56.84 over the inner track.

“He broke pretty good and I just let him get

comfortable all the way,” said Alvarado. “He took

the lead nice and easy.When I asked him to pick it

up, he gave it to me. When he felt the horses com-

ing to him on the outside, he just kept going and

going. In the end, he did everything easy.

The Queens County was the second consecutive

stakes win for the Florida-bred, whowon the Sunny

and Mild Stakes by five lengths in his last start on

Nov. 17. He was bred by Jack Hammer and is

owned by his breeder in partnership with Brous Sta-

ble andWachtel Stable.

Conditioned by Bill Mott, Ron the Greek now

has earnings of $239,665. He has won five of 15

lifetime starts.

“We just wanted to let him break and bewhere he

is comfortable,” said Rodolphe Brisset, Mott’s assis-

tant trainer. “He’s an older horse and he knows what

he’s doing, themain thing is to not go against him.”�


editor’s welcome

Michael Compton/JOE DIORIO PHOTO

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Well-TimedSuccess

Florida-breds Angelofdistinction(above) and Ron the Greek

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GoldMark Farm’s Backtalk, a multiple

graded stakes-winning son of dual classic

winner Smarty Jones, has been retired from

racing and will stand the upcoming breed-

ing season at Vinery Florida, it was an-

nounced last month.

“Backtalk possessed a determined accel-

eration which made him a thrilling competi-

tor on the track and we are honored to stand

him at such a quality farm asVinery,” said T.

Paul Buhlman, owner of GoldMark.

Florida-bredBacktalkwas a top 2-year-old

through the summer of 2009.A debut winner

at Churchill Downs by nearly three lengths, he

made his next start in the Grade 3 Bashford

Manor Stakes.After stumbling at the start, he

quickly recovered and went on to win by a

length. His third start came in Saratoga’s

Grade 2 Sanford Stakes and he made it three

wins in a row, defeating eight rivals.

Trained by Tom Amoss, Backtalk won

his first start at age 3, taking the Sports-

man’s Paradise Stakes. He followed up that

victory with a placing in the Grade 3 Illi-

nois Derby. He retired having won or placed

in 11 of 15 starts, eight of them stakes, with

earnings of $405,051.

“We look forward to seeing him pass on

his imposing conformation and precocious

abilities to his offspring,” said Todd Quast,

GoldMark’s general manager.

Bred in the Sunshine State by CloverLeaf

Farms II, Backtalk is out of the stakes-win-

ning Affirmed mare Apasionata Sonata. He

is a half-brother to multiple graded stakes

winner and Grade 1-placed Bsharpsonata, a

winner of nearly $600,000.

Backtalk will stand for $3,500 stands and

nurses. For more information, contact Declan

Doyle at (352) 307-8485.

By MICHAEL COMPTON

Florida-bred Big Drama, the 2010

Breeders’Cup Sprint (G1) and EclipseAward

champion, will stand the upcoming breeding

season at Stonewall Farm Ocala. His stud fee

has been set at $10,000.

“To stand an Eclipse Award champion is

tremendous for the farm,” said Michelle

Hemingway, bloodstock director at Stonewall.

“He fits perfectly into our program here. We

know he’s going to be an important sire.”

By Montbrook out of last year’s Florida

Broodmare of theYear Riveting Drama, Big

Drama is a Harold Queen homebred. Big

Drama concluded his career with 11 wins

from 19 starts and earnings of $2,746,060.

In addition to capturing the 2010 Breed-

ers’ Cup Sprint (G1), Big Drama set a Gulf-

stream Park record for six furlongs earlier this

year when he won the Mr. Prospector Handi-

cap (G3) in 1:08 for trainer David Fawkes.

BigDrama alsowon theWhippleton Stakes at

Calder in September.

“He was a standout sprinter on the dirt,”

said Hemingway, “and we’re excited to be

able to offer Florida’s breeders a stallion like

him.”

Also joining Big Drama at Stonewall is

popular millionaire General Quarters, Burn-

ing Roma and Hull.

By Sky Mesa—Ecology, by Unbridled’s

Song, General Quarters won the Blue Grass

Stakes (G1), the Turf Classic (G1) at

Churchill Downs and the Sam F. Davis

Stakes (G3) atTampa Bay Downs, and retires

with earnings of $1,226,655.

“We’re thrilled and excited to stand Gen-

eral Quarters,” said Hemingway. “He was a

phenomenal racehorse with an exciting story

and he is a multiple Grade 1 winner with a

wonderful pedigree.”

Owned and trained by 77-year-old Tom


Florida-bredBack Talk

Florida-bred Backtalk to Stand at Vinery

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McCarthy, General Quarters proved to be one

of the more chronicled stories of the 2009

Kentucky Derby (G1).

After winning the Blue Grass Stakes at

Keeneland that year, General Quarters and his

75-year-old retired school teacher turned

trainer were popular in Louisville. McCarthy

had claimed General Quarters out of his ca-

reer debut at Churchill Downs, halting the

horse for $20,000.

It didn’t take long for General Quarters to

prove his class. McCarthy took his charge to

Tampa Bay Downs where he promptly fin-

ished second in the Inaugural Stakes and the

Pasco Stakes before winning the Sam F.

Davis Stakes (G3) there.

General Quarters had a troubled trip in the

Kentucky Derby and wound up 10th. He re-

turned as a 3-year-old to finish second in the

Louisiana Handicap (G2) at Fair Grounds,

and second in the Mineshaft Handicap (G3)

and the NewOrleans Handicap (G2). He also

finished third in the Stephen Foster Handi-

cap (G1) behind subsequent Breeders’ Cup

Classic (G1) winner Blame.

“Our goal all along has been to bring

high-pedigreed stallions to the state of

Florida,” said Hemingway. “This is about of-

fering Florida’s breeders fantastic opportuni-

ties to breed to the best sire lines and keep

mares in the state. There’s no reason to go

outside Florida.”

Stonewall also announced the arrival ofHull,

winner of the 2009 Derby Trial Stakes (G3) at

Churchill Downs and Burning Roma.

By Holy Bull out of the Chimes Band

mare Band Queen, Hull won three of seven

lifetime starts and earned $129,530.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Holy Bull line

back to Florida,” said Hemingway. “We be-

lieve this further demonstrates our commit-

ment to Florida’s breeders.”

Trained by Dale Romans and owned by

TeamValor International, Heiligbrodt Stable

and Gary Barber, Hull broke his maiden at

first asking at Fair Grounds, winning a six-

furlong maiden special weight by nearly five

lengths. After taking a Turfway Park al-

lowance contest by nearly eight lengths, Hull

proved four lengths best in the DerbyTrial at

7 ½ furlongs.

Burning Roma won the Futurity Stakes

(G1) as a juvenile. He won five stakes at age

three, including the Sam F. Davis and the

Tampa Bay Derby. He went on to capture

stakes races each year he ran through age six.


Decisive Moment DigsDeep for Delta Mile WinBy MICHAEL COMPTON

Florida-bred Decisive Moment has run some ofhis best races at Delta Downs, finishing second in lastyear’s rich Delta Jackpot Stakes (G3) and winning theJean Lafitte Stakes there in January. Lastmonth,RubenSierra’s 3-year-old homebred son of Hartley/De RenzostallionWith Distinction summoned another impressiveeffort to win the 9th running of the $125,000 DeltaMile.Under Kerwin Clark, Decisive Moment wasted little

time revealing the game plan. Taking advantage of hisinside draw,Decisive Moment assumed command andthe rail heading into the first turn. California shipperHoorayforhollywood pressured him the entire trip downthe backstretch through fractions of :23.28, :48.09 and1:12.45.Clark had Decisive Moment under a drive around

the far turn and the Sunshine State product even lostthe lead for a short time when Hoorayforhollywoodedged about a half-length clear in upper stretch. Deci-sive Moment fought back gamely down the stretch toprevail by a neck on the wire. He covered the mile in1:38.49 for trainer Juan Arias.The $75,000 first-place prize money lifted Decisive

Moment’s career bankroll to $685,630. In addition to lastmonth’s win and his score in the Jean Lafitte, DecisiveMoment also won this year’s El Kaiser Stakes at Calder.

Racing for Sierra’s Just for Fun Stable,DecisiveMo-ment has now won four of 15 starts and placed in sixothers. He finished second behind Animal Kingdom inthis year’s Spiral Stakes (G3) at Turfway Park. Afterprompting the early pace in this year’s Kentucky Derby(G1), also won by Animal Kingdom, he faltered late andwound up 14th.Decisive Moment is produced from the Dehere

mare Lady Samira. With Distinction, a 2001 son ofStorm Cat—Extravagant Woman, by Alydar, is amongthe leading juvenile sires in Florida.

Florida-bred Decisive Moment (blue silks)

New Arrivals

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Vineyard Haven, a three-time Grade 1 winner and multiple

Florida champion, has been retiured from racing and will stand his

first season in 2012 at Brent and Crystal Fernung’s Journeyman Stud.

JoiningVineyard Haven will be J P’s Gusto, a Grade 1-winning juve-

nile and top 3-year-old sprinter.

In 2008,Vineyard Haven was one of the top juveniles in the coun-

try after back-to-back Grade 1 wins in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at

Saratoga and Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. Hewon three

of four starts as a juvenile and also placed in the Sanford Stakes while

bankrolling $419,000 that season. His sensational run earned him the

title of Florida’s champion 2-year-old.

At three, Vineyard Haven defeated older horses in the DeFrancis

Memorial Dash Stakes (G1) at Laurel, stamping himself as one of the

leading sprinters in the country. He also placed in the prestigious Cigar

Mile (G1) and Forego Stakes (G1)

and at season’s end was honored

as Florida’s champion 3-year-old

colt and champion sprinter.

All told,VineyardHaven, a son

of Lido Palace (CHI)—Princess

Aloha, byAloha Prospector, com-

peted in eight Grade 1 races and

earned $772,750 in a stellar career.

“Vineyard Haven is all

Florida, and he embodies the

great tradition of top racehorses

produced here,” said Brent Fer-

nung. “When you look at what

he did while facing top company his entire career, they just don’t

make them much classier than Vineyard Haven. On top of his tal-

ent and class, he’s physically exceptional and a very sound horse.

We’re thankful to Darley for the opportunity to stand him, and we

think he’ll be popular among breeders.”

By champion sire SuccessfulAppeal, J P’s Gusto was one of the

top 2-year-olds in the country in 2010, reeling off four consecutive

stakes victories.

Based in California early in his career, he broke his maiden in the

Willard ProctorMemorial Stakes atHollywoodPark beforewinning the

Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (G3), Best Pal Stakes (G2)

andDelMarFuturity (G1). J P’sGusto also showedhis quality by stretch-

ing out around two turns with a pair of game runner-up finishes at 11⁄16

miles in the Norfolk Stakes (G1) and CashCall Futurity (G1).

As a 3-year-old, J P’s Gusto finished a troubled second beingGrade

1 winner Archarcharch in the Southwest Stakes (G3), and he turned

back to sprinting in June to impressively win the $400,000 Red Leg-

end Stakes by a decisive 6 ¾ lengths, stamping himself as one of the

fastest 3-year-old sprinters in the nation.

“J P’s Gusto represents the quality we’re always looking to get here

to Journeyman, so we’re thrilled to have him,” said Brent Fernung.

“He was a great 2-year-old and a top-class racehorse to the day he re-

tired. On top of the ability, his pedigree makes him a natural for

Florida. SuccessfulAppeal was a fast Florida-bred and has turned out

to be one of the top juvenile sires in the world.”

J P’s Gusto was being pointed for the seven-furlong King’s Bishop

Stakes (G1) at Saratoga before sustaining a career-ending injury

while training up to the race. He retires with an impressive record of

five stakes wins from six starts at sprint distances, and owns three

runner-up finishes in graded stakes around two turns. As a 2-year-

old, he was weighted sixth high-

est on the 2010 Experimental Free

Handicap at 120 pounds.

Owned and campaigned by

Gem Inc., J P’s Gusto hails from

themultiple stakes-winning Caller

I.D. mare Call Her Magic, who is

a half-sister to the dam of cham-

pion Proud Spell. An earner of

$811,760 lifetime, J P’s Gusto

joins a current roster of 13 stal-

lions at Journeyman Stud, which

was the Sunshine State’s leading

stud farm in 2011 by mares bred.

Vineyard Haven and J P’s Gusto to Journeyman Stud

Florida-bred Vineyard Haven (blue silks)

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J Pʼs Gusto

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By MICHAEL COMPTON

Florida-bred Made to Love Her left lit-

tle doubt who was best in last month’s

$100,000 Moccasin Stakes on a rainy after-

noon at Hollywood Park.

Reserved off the pace early, the 2-year-old

daughter of StevieWonderboy angled outside

for clear sailing in the stretch, collared pace-

setter and fellow Florida-bred Woebegon at

the head of the lane and cruised to a four-

length score in the seven-furlong fixture under

jockey Rafael Bejarano. She covered the dis-

tance in 1:23.88 for trainer James Kasparoff.

“I was in perfect position right out of the

gate,” said Bejarano. “She surprised me a lit-

tle bit today. I knew she was going to run

well, but not that well. From the first time I

rode her to the second, she improved, but

today she showed me a really big kick. She

was still running strong at the wire. Seven or

7½ furlongs may be her best distance.”

Bred by Sienna Farm, the chestnut is

owned by Copper Penny Stables. Made to

Love Her was sold by Alfredo Ronso sold at

OBS March for $30,000. Rono acquired her

as a yearling for $20,000.

“I liked her conformation and she is out of

a stakes-placedmare. I’m really excited about

her future,” said Ronso.

The $60,000 winner’s share of the purse

increased her earnings to $113,960.

Evelyn’s Dancer, the longest shot in the

field at 16-1, rallied for second, a head in

front of 8-5 favorite Eva’s Joy.Woebegon and

Lady Hokulea completed the order of finish.

Kasparoff, whowaswinning his first stakes

race at Hollywood Park, said Made to Love

Her could return in the $250,000-guaranteed

Hollywood Starlet Dec. 10. Shewould have to

be supplemented to theGrade 1 –which is run

at 11⁄16 miles over CushionTrack – for $10,000,

plus an additional $10,000 to start.

“There reallyweren’t any (allowance races),

so you either have to run in a stakes or ship

somewhere else,’’saidKasparoff. “This seemed

like an ideal spot. She really likes Hollywood

Park quite a bit, she trains very, very well here.

“I wanted to run her seven furlongs. I

thought it would be an excellent distance for

her and the timingwas perfect. She got an ex-

cellent trip and ran fantastic. We’ll see how

she comes out of the race and we’ll look at

the Hollywood Starlet.’’

Made to Love Her is produced from the

Storm Boot mare Love Boot. She has now

won back-to-back races. She broke her

maiden last time out at SantaAnita in her fifth

lifetime start.


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Made to Love Her Takes Moccasin Stakes at Hollywood Park

Jeranimo Much the Best in CitationBy MICHAEL COMPTON

Florida-bred Jeranimo, seventh in the Breeders’CupMile (G1) at Churchill Downs, re-

turned on just three weeks rest and crushed a competitive field in the Citation Handicap (G2)

Nov. 26 at Hollywood Park.

Sent off as the 17-10 favorite against eight rivals, Jeranimo was reserved off the early

pace set by Bob Black Jack. Jockey Garrett Gomez swung Jeranimowide for the stretch run

and they simply powered home to provemuch the best.Thewinningmargin was 2¾ lengths.

He covered the 11⁄16 miles over the turf in 1:40.87.

“He relaxed realwell and foundhimself in anice little spot,” saidGomez. “Theyweren’t going

very fast and he was real comfortable and traveling well. He settled in beautiful and it was just a

matter of finding somewhere to go.When I showed him somewhere to go he put it all together.’’

Bred in the Sunshine State by Brylynn Farm, the son of Congaree is owned by B. J.Wright

and is conditioned by Mike Pender.

“The doubters and naysayers were saying, ‘coming back with three weeks rest?’ I actu-

ally started believing that stuff,” said Pender. “But you follow your horse, I guess. He’s just

so push button. Everything he does seems so easy for him. He takes everything in stride and

wakes up every morning with a big happy smile on his face and says let’s just go out there

and do it. He’s the epitome of a race horse.

“I promised himwin, lose or draw after the Breeders’Cup (Mile) I was going to give him at

least 60 days, but there I am going back in 21,” he added. “About a week after he got back here

he was bouncing and prancing on the

way to the track. He didn’t blow out a

matchafter I two-minute lickedhim.He

was just screaming breeze me. It was

almost like theBreeders’Cupgavehim

that extra foundation that he needed.’’

Jeranimo has now won seven of

24 starts and earned $810,400.

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Florida-bred Jeranimo

Florida-bred Made to Love Her




Double Diamond Farm has announced a Gold Cup Pass

(lifetime breeding right) to First Dude, a Grade 1-winning son

of Stephen Got Even—Run Sarah Run, by Smart Strike, who

will stand his first season at the Ocala Farm as the property of

Donald Dizney and Taylor Made Stallions.

Each lifetime breeding right (LBR)will entitle the holder to

one percent interest in the horse if sold and will entitle them to

one free season once the terms of the LBRwere fulfilled. Each

LBR requires a non-refundable down payment of $500 to par-

ticipate in the program. Once the down payment is satisfied,

participants in the program will have to pay $15,000 through

breeding two separate qualified mares that end up producing a

live foal, over a maximum

of three breeding seasons.

For more details on

the program, contact

Double Diamond Farm

at (352) 237-3834.

Lifetime Breeding RightsBeing Offered to First Dude

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899 S.W. 85th Ave., Ocala, FL 34481 • (352) 237-3834 Fax: (352) 237-6069 • visit-www.doublediamondfarm.comAlso Standing American Spirit • Wekiva Springs • Contact Roger Brand, Jimmy Alexander or Melissa Anthony for stallion inquiries

First DudeStephen Got Even—Run Sarah Run, by Smart Strike

2012 Fee: $7,500 Live Foal

Standing atDouble Diamond Farm

in Ocala, Florida,with a career bankroll

of $1.4 million.

Winner:(G1) Hollywood Gold Cup (G3) Alysheba Stakes

Placed:(G1) Blue Grass Stakes (G1) Preakness Stakes (G1) Belmont Stakes

(G1) Haskell Invitational (G1) Travers Stakes (G2) Pennsylvania Derby

Call for information on our Gold Cup Pass (lifetime breeding rights)

FIRST DUDE is by the influential A.P. INDY sonSTEPHEN GOT EVEN, sire of BC Juvenile (G1) winner and

promising sire STEVIE WONDERBOY, who has alreadyproduced 2 black-type winners, including recent

Moccasin SW at Hollywood Park inMADE TO LOVE HER.

...a golden opportunity

A history of success begins with attention to the individual.

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“He is the best older horse in the country. He is just beautiful.He’s a big, solid and smart horse. He is very balanced for a bighorse. He had speed and could carry it long. That's what madehim so special.”—Bob BaffertHO

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Property of Donald Dizney and Taylor Made

"The way he carried his speed aroundtwo turns to go with his athleticism and sizemakes him everything I look for in a sire."—Ben Walden Jr.

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Florida-bredAwesome Feather

gallops in Gazelle


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By MICHAEL COMPTON

Florida-bredAwesome Feather remained undefeated

following an emphatic score in the 116th edition

of the Gazelle Stakes (G1) Nov. 26 at Aqueduct.

Last year’s Eclipse champion juvenile filly made it

eight straight victories without a loss. In what figured to

be a stern test for the daughter of Journeyman Stud stal-

lionAwesome of Course, Awesome Feather made short

work of her rivals in only her second start of the season.

Under her regular pilot, Jeffrey Sanchez, Awesome

Feather tracked the early pace of Love and Pride through

fractions of :24.93 and :48.97. She appeared eager to run

down the backstretch against the restraint of Sanchez,

who let her begin to roll approaching the quarter pole.

Awesome Feather put away the pacesetter with ease

and drew clear through the stretch when put to a drive.

She prevailed by 5¼ lengths and completed the 11⁄8

miles in 1:50.01. The $150,000 winner’s share of the

purse boosted her earnings to $1,681,746.

“She is little, but she is unbelievable,” said

Sanchez. “I didn’t go to the lead, I sat there, took back.

At the half-mile pole, I knew I was going to win the

race. I had a lot of confidence in her.”

Awesome Feather was bred by Fred and Jane Brei’s

Jacks or Better Farm, who campaigned her through her

championship season at two last year under the tute-

lage of trainer Stanley Gold. She began her career at

Calder and swept her division of the Florida Stallion

Stake series in 2010.

NYRA

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After winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies

(G1) to cap her perfect season, Awesome Feather was

purchased at auction for $2.3 million by Stronach Sta-

bles and transferred to trainer Chad Brown.A tendon in-

jury delayed her sophomore debut until Oct. 5 when she

captured Belmont Park’s Le Slew overnight stakes by

two lengths.

“She’s got the heart of a champion,” said Brown. “We

just try to stay out of her way in the morning training

her and just try to take care of her, day-to-day. She does

the rest every day. It was a pretty special win.

“She trained so well in the morning, I’m not sur-

prised [she won the Gazelle like that],” added Brown.

“You just never know going to race speed, with every-

thing she has been through, what’s going to happen. But

with the way she’s training, it doesn’t surprise me she’s

capable of uncorking a run like that. She’s so sharp and

strong in the morning – she’s a super talented horse.”

She is tentatively scheduled to make her next start in

the Sunshine Millions Distaff on Jan. 28 at Gulfstream

Park, Brown said.

“We’ve just been taking it day-by-day with her,” said

Brown. “As long as she’s 100 percent healthy, we’ll

probably see her in the Sunshine Millions at Gulfstream.

“That’d be the plan, but we’re going to see how she is

first, but if she’s OK, that’s where I’d go.” �

“She’s got theheart of a cham-

pion. We just try tostay out of her way

in the morningtraining her and

just try to take careof her, day-to-day.She does the rest

every day.”— trainer

Chad Brown

StillPerfect




By AMANDA ROXBOROUGH

November in the north is always an exciting time

for horsemen. With racing meets coming to a

close and theweather getting cold, the prospect

of shifting scenes to Florida, despite the work involved,

is never a challenge.

GulfstreamPark,with its beautiful palm trees andocean

breezes, is always a favorite winter racing destination.

Six years ago the demolition balls were swinging and

up popped the new Gulfstream Park. It was sleek and

innovative with a south Florida Mediterranean flair and

something new to the horsey crowd, a casino.

The newGulfstreamwas immediately hit with protest

by the residents that really mattered, the horses. The new

paddock and saddling features had to be tweaked for the

equine stars and then the owners had their beefs as well.

True tomanagement’s commitment to the racing industry,

these issues have been continuously ad-

dressed and improvements have been

made throughout the plant.

As horsemen and fans grew accus-

tomed to the changes, even more con-

struction and improvements were

implemented. Today, the casino is in

full swing, as is the Village at Gulf-

stream with stores and restaurants.

Gulfstream Park opened Dec. 3 for

the 2011-12 season after finally gain-

ing respect from the masses last year.

Last season’s stand showed positive re-

sults and generated a real buzz about

things getting back to some of the

Gulfstream charm from past years.

One of the key ingredients to the success just might

have been someone who was from the good old days,

Tim Ritvo. Hired as the president and general manager

last year before the start of the season, Ritvo brought

with him a tack room full of experience that was relat-

able and respected by all sides of the game.

A former jockey, getting his start at Suffolk Downs in

1982, he rode for five years and notched more than 500

winners before trading in his silks for a suit and joining

the management side of the industry.

He was a placing judge, patrol judge,

clerk of scales, as well as an assistant

racing secretary at Suffolk downs.

He then moved to Florida and was

a successful trainer on the circuit for 20 years.

“I like to think I bring common sense, like a lot of

horse related things, good surfaces, the fans’needs. I bring

my 30-plus years of experience,” Ritvo said. “The oppor-

tunity towork here forMr. Stronach,who absolutely loves

Thoroughbred racing, enables me to not just look at it

from the business side, but also to look at from the horse

side of it to make sure we have championship racing and

the horsemen are getting what they need.”


A Favorite

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President and General Manager Tim Ritvo continuesto focus on upgrades and incentives for fans and

horsemen at the Hallandale Beach oval

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Last year’s stats are proof positive that Gulfstream

Park is resurfacing as a role model for all sides of the

racing industry and Ritvo couldn’t be happier for the

sport he is intensely devoted to.

“The biggest highlight of last year for me was being

up 15 percent in on-track handle,” he said. “To be up at

all in a tough game is what we were most proud of.”

With the on-track handle up, as well as an increased

nationwide handle and field sizes the highest in the coun-

try, there was definitely a reason for Gulfstream man-

agement and Ritvo to believe they are on the right track.

This year brings even more upgrades and incentives

for fans, handicappers and horsemen. Free seats have

been added east of the tiki bar and patio, as well as new

tiki huts withTVs and picnic tables for fans to bring their

coolers and enjoy the races and a new video screen at

the sixteenth pole in the infield for those fans.

A total of seven new screens and boards have been

added this year, including a new tote board and video

board in the infield at thewire. Speaking of thewire, this

year brings the addition of a second finish line approxi-

mately 100-feet past the sixteenth pole. The placement

Winter Racing Destination

“The biggest highlight of last year for me was being up15 percent in on-track handle. To be up at all in a toughgame is what we were most proud of.”—Tim Ritvo

GulfstreamPark.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/12/11 10:22 AM Page 21

of the new finish linewill allow races at amile and a six-

teenth to be run around two turns.

As a former trainer, Ritvo knows the importance of

getting a two-turn distance race into a young horse, es-

pecially critical if you are pointing to the classic races.

Another key technological advancement at Gulf-

streamPark this year is the newTrackus system.A track-

ing device imbedded in the saddle towel of the horses.

”It is an expensive project, but we are committed to

truly give the handicapper a chance to evaluate the race,

enjoy and see how the horses are moving,” said Ritvo.

“It’s good for the game from the handicapping aspect of

it. It’s the future of the game.”

Gulfstream also has a new mobile betting system,

called M Bets, which allows bet-

tors towager from a cell phone or

iPad while on the track property.

The popular SunshineMillions

Day has changed; this year’s event

will be forFlorida-bredsonly. “The

past years it was California vs.

Florida, but theCalifornia breeders

and horsemen felt it wasn’t work-

ing as well for them, so basically

theywill have one out there on the

West Coast. We took over the six

races, with purse adjustments to

continue the tradition and it was

our third-largest-day of last year’s season.”

“Florida-bredshave alwaysdoneverywell,mywifehas

MuchoMachoMan, a top horse in the country and he’s a

Florida-bred,” he added. “Foryears theFloridaprogramhas

been a great program.Florida’s stallions continue to thrive,

haveBreeders’Cupwinners,Breeders’Cupchampions and

great horses all around the country. There is probably no

better place to break or train than in Florida.”

While Ritvo proudly shows off the new additions at

the facility, he continues to focus on what else his team

can do to keep raising the bar.

“We are throwing a lot of stuff out there in our De-

cember opening week. With Latin festival day and lots

of action we are trying to create awareness that we are

open,” he said. “Yes we are a casino, yes we do have

great food and superb restaurants and high-end shops in

the village but the bottom line is fromDecember toApril

it’s about racing. The pageantry of the horse and top-

class racing are here.”

“The thing is, this is more of what racing is going

to become today, smaller grandstands, more boutique

meets,” Ritvo said. “That’s the vision Mr. Stronach

had. He wanted good restaurants, clean and safe

places for people to come and that’s what we’re trying

to sell with this new venue.”

On a personal note for Rtivo, Gulfstream stands for

so much that is important to him.

“My biggest goal this year is to increase on-track

handle and attendance,” he said. “On a national level,

we want to showcase our program as a full entertain-

ment facility with new crowds, but we never forget the

people who take care of the horses.

“A dormitory facility for the grooms and workers

alsomakes Gulfstream unique and theGulfstreamAfter-

Care program for placement of racehorses post-life on

the track is very important. Mr. Stronach matches the

horsemen’s charity, Florida TRAC Fund, dollar for dol-

lar and it comes right out of his bottom line. He contin-

ues to give back to the sport that he loves. Not everyone

is going to love the idea that he built a building here or

he’s done this there, but the bottom line is that he’s a true

horseman.

“I am honored to be in this seat,” Ritvo added. “For

someone who loves the sport as much as I do this a

chance to make sure things are right for the horsemen,

right for the track and keep the human interest side in

focus. It’s rewarding to continue to contribute and try to

make it an even better sport.” �


“Florida-breds have al-ways done very well, mywife has Mucho MachoMan, a top horse in the

country and he’s a Florida-bred. For years the Floridaprogram has been a great

program. There is probablyno better place to break ortrain than in Florida.”—Tim Ritvo

BILL

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Early WNoah’s Expense

(right) won the firstrace of the Tampa

meet Dec. 3.

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PHOT

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EDITWinter

By DOUG MCCOY

Thereshuffling of racing dates in South Florida that began in

December with the opening of Gulfstream Park a month

earlier than normal has made an impact in Oldsmar.

When Gulfstream Park scheduled its opening for Dec. 3, man-

agement atTampa BayDownsmade some changes as well and also

held its opening card that day, marking the earliest opening in the

track’s 86-year history.

As a result of the early opening in Oldsmar, stables such as those

of Antonio Sano, who topped the trainer standings at the last two

race meetings at Calder, will have stalls at Tampa for the first time.

As will Daniel Pita, whose runners won at a 20-percent clip this

past season while racing primarily at Calder.These stables will join

those of JorgeNavarro, who had a very strongmeeting atTampa last

winter and LeoAzpura Jr., a horseman from a family whose name

has been associated with Florida racing for years.

“By opening earlier we hope to give Florida horsemen an attrac-

tive option as to where to race this winter and in winters to come,”

said Allison Deluca, racing secretary at Tampa Bay Downs. “From

the responsewe’ve had not only from horsemenwho base in Florida

but trainers from other parts of the country, we feel we should have

the strongest and deepest roster of stables in the track’s history.”

A look at the stall list bears out Deluca’s comments. High pro-

file trainers such as H. GrahamMotion andHall of Famer Jonathan

Sheppard will have horses stabled on the grounds for the first time,

alongside trainers Will Phipps and Juan C. Vazquez, who led the

trainer ranks at Delaware Park this season.

It should be noted that the list of “locals” is far from a weak

group, starting with Jamie Ness. Ness had several divisions racing

this past summer and fall, and finished second in the standings to

Vazquez at Delaware. Others returning this season include GeraldCOOL

EYPH

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Tampa Bay Downs got underwayDec. 3, marking the Oldsmar oval’s

earliest opening in its 86-year history.



Bennett, who tied for the top spot with Ness last season,

Tom Proctor, Joan Scott, Jane Cibelli, Derek Ryan, and

Leigh Delacour.

TheTampa BayDowns stakes schedule will again be

topped by the Grade 2, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby on

March 10.TheDerby has emerged in recent years as one

of the more popular prep races for Kentucky Derby and

Triple Crown hopefuls.

Super Saver, who was third in the 2009 running of the

race, cameback later in the spring to take thatyear’sRun for

theRoses,while Street Sense used awin in the 2007Derby

asa stepping-stone tovictory in that year’sKentuckyDerby.

Last season Drosselmeyer, who won the Breeders’

Cup Classic, made his first start of the season over the

local surface.

Of course the Derby isn’t the only stakes race on the

schedule this winter. The $250,000 Grade 3, Sam F.

Davis on Feb. 4 has also been used as a useful prep by

many of the top 3-year-olds in the country. Other top of-

ferings such as the Grade 3 Hillsborough Stakes for fil-

lies andmares on the turf on Festival Daywith the Derby

and the Grade 3 Endeavour Stakes, also for fillies and

mares on the turf on Feb. 4, and the Florida Oaks on the

same program spice up the winter’s offerings.

Florida-breds will be in the spotlight again onApril 7

when six $75,000 stakes will be run with all of those

rich offerings restricted to Florida-breds.

Fans should have a much easier time following their

runners this winter as Tampa has joined Keeneland,

Woodbine, and Churchill as tracks employing the new

TRAKUS tracking system.

TRAKUS uses state-of-the-art technology to track

the runners from the time the gate is opened until the

finish, transmitting that information to both Equibase

and the local video system. The positions of the horses

during the running of the race will be displayed on tel-

evisions throughout the plant in moving blocks like

chicklets, thus giving fans and bettors a bettor idea of

their selections’ running position as the race evolves.

In addition to being better able to follow their run-

ners during the course of the race, fans will also be

able to see how much ground their runners may have

saved or lost during the race as TRAKUS will display

the number of feet the winner covered during the race

along with the distance ran by all of the other runners

in the field. The system will also provide more accu-

rate margins between the runners at the different

points of call which will eventually make past per-

formances more precise and accurate for the bettor.

The backstretch personnel will also find it a little eas-

ier to get food and drink during their working day as

track management has purchased a portable lunch

wagon that will travel throughout the backstretch dur-

ing training hours offering a menu of food and bever-

ages.This will allow backstretchworkers to get food and

drink without having to walk from their respective barns

to the track kitchen, a trip that can take some time to

those stabled in the far reaches of the backstretch.

Despite having ridden more than 2,400 winners in

her career, jockey Rosemary Homeister Jr. felt she had

something to prove on opening day atTampaBayDowns.

Her mount in the $75,000-guaranteed Lightning City

Stakes, Jenny’s So Great, ran as if she felt the same way.

Homeister guided the 4-year-old Canadian-bred filly

through a narrow opening in deep stretch and Jenny’s So

Great responded like a champion, surging to a one-length

victory from late-running Supreme in the five-furlong

turf test in a swift 56.02 seconds, the second-fastest run-

ning in the eight-year history of the Lightning City.

Defending race champion Suzzona and Bounding Bi

dead-heated for third. Jenny’s So Great, who was bred by

former pop star DavidCassidy and is owned byVicki and

Bill Poston, paid $7.80 as the favorite in the 11-horse field.

An Opening Day crowd of 4,869 enjoyed a superb


EarlyWinter

Jenny’s So Great(right) surged to aone-length victory

in the second-fastest running inthe eight-year his-

tory of the LightningCity on opening day.


day of racing and postcardweather asTampaBayDowns

kicked off its 86th season.Total handle of $4,393,254.91

represented an increase of about $200,000 from last

year’s opener; on-track handle was $376,401.30.

Homeister, who also won the 10th race on Florida-

bredVanquisher, was eager to show she has returned to

top strength after giving birth to daughterVictoria Rose

this summer.

“I am delighted and relieved to win this,” Homeister

said. “Delighted, because I am back ‘home’ before my

best fans, and relieved because I know I am fit and

ready. I worked hard all fall to get ready and took eight

mounts today. This was my second win (since returning

to action at Churchill Downs). I am fit and I am ready.”

Servis spread the credit equally betweenHomeister and

Jenny’s SoGreat, a daughter of Stonewall FarmOcala sire

Greatness out of themare Jenny’s Search, byLost Soldier,

whowon theGrade 3Royal North Stakes atWoodbine in

August andwas beaten less than two lengths byBreeders’

Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Musical Romance in a

Grade 2 stakes at Presque Isle Downs two starts back.

“She’s a little runner who can really motor,”

Servis said. “I was feeling good coming up to the

race. If she gets beat she gets beat, but they were not

going to beat her without running their ‘A’ race.”

Perennial leadingTampa BayDowns trainer Jamie

Ness had a perfect opening day, saddling three winners

in three starts for ownerMidwestThoroughbreds. Ness,

who is second in the nation in wins in 2011, won with

Phil’s Tango in the fourth race, Mindy Michelle in the

sixth and Rich Hero in the ninth.

“Pinchme– it’s a great year and todaywas a great day,”

Ness said. “The horses all ran good and got good trips.

Everything worked great. I’ve had many days when my

horseswere all spottedgoodandnothingwent right.Every-

thing fell into place today, and it’s great becausewe’re back

home and I got to see a bunch of my friends today.”

Also feeling right at home was jockey Leandro

Goncalves, who rode four winners. Goncalves is third in

the nation in wins for 2011.

“I’ve had a wonderful day,” said Goncalves, who won

on Why Pretend in the second race; Heiko in the fifth;

MindyMichelle in the sixth, andRichHero in the ninth. “I

had a great season here last year and I hope to do aswell or

better. My agent works so hard—he deserves most of the

credit.We have good relationshipswith the trainers here at

Tampa and everything is getting better every year.”�

—Tampa BayDowns

Publicity contributed to

this report.


“I am delighted and relieved towin this, Delighted, because I am back‘home’before my best fans, and relievedbecause I know I am fit and ready.”—jockey Rosemary Homeister Jr.

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Adam Lazarus(third standing to the left of the

horse) of Pinnacle RacingStable is enjoying the success ofFlorida-bred Musical Romance

By JOANN GUIDRY

Adam Lazarus, the founding and managing partnerof South Florida-based Pinnacle Racing Stable,never gave up on romance. More specifically,

Florida-bred Musical Romance.When the Concorde’s Tune filly, purchased for $22,000 at

the 2009Ocala Breeders’Sales Company’sApril juvenile sale,cracked a pastern on but her second day of training, Lazarusdidn’t walk away from the equine relationship. But he didallow the other partners on the filly to opt out and sell backtheir shares to him. Meanwhile, he paid for the surgery andsubsequent four-month rehab time. Then when she success-fully returned to training, Lazarus once again sold ownershipshares in 50 percent of the filly; trainer Bill Kaplan retained his

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50-percent ownership.The Pinnacle Racing Stable ownershipshare of Musical Romance includes nine partners.

It was a bet on romance that paid off for Lazarus. In 2010,Musical Romance became Pinnacle Racing Stable’s firststakes winner when she captured the SweettrickydancerStakes. On the season, shewould also post two other wins andwas stakes-placed five times on her way to banking $154,751.

And then like all good relationships, the romance movedon to the next level in 2011. Musical Romance racked upfour stakes wins, including the Presque Isle Downs MastersStakes (G2). In addition, she also notched impressive sec-onds in both the Princess Rooney Handicap (G1) andThor-oughbred Club of America Stakes (G2). Her earnings

neared the $700,000 mark. When Kaplan suggested run-ning in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1),Lazarus’ romantic nature was tested again. Not Breeders’Cup nominated as a foal, Musical Romance would have tobe supplemented. The cost?An eyebrow-raising $130,000.Together, Lazarus and Kaplan came up with the money justin time to make the supplement deadline.

Chalk up another one for storybook-romance endings. OnNov. 5 at Churchill Downs, the supplemented Musical Ro-mance won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint and col-lected the $540,000 winner’s share of the $909,000 purse.With the win, Musical Romance became a Breeders’ Cupchampion, a Grade 1 winner and a millionaire all at once.

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The 4-year-old filly, bred by Ocala Stud and out of the

SlewGin Fizz mare Candlelightdinner, has career earn-

ings to date of $1,217,850.

“It was a huge risk and a big bet,” said Lazarus, 44,

a NewYork nativewhomoved to theMiami area in1990.

“But theThoroughbred sport is about risks and dreams.

And it doesn’t get any bigger than the Breeders’Cup and

the risk paid off big time.”

For Lazarus, who attended Appalachian State Uni-

versity on a baseball scholarship, the attraction toThor-

oughbred racingwas love at first sight. Or rather initially

to the statistical side of the sport. After graduating with

a communications degree andmoving to South Florida,

Lazarus ended up at Calder Race Course out of curios-

ity on a free afternoon.

“I’m a sports fanatic and participate in fantasy sports

leagues where statistics are everything,” said Lazarus.

“I was intrigued by all the numbers in racing, everything

from speed figures to percentages and pedigree analysis.

I immediately thought this was an interesting sport that

I wanted to be involved with in some way. ”

While Lazarus began attending the races on a regu-

lar basis, as fate would have it, his father Wayne had a

golf buddy who just happened to be a Thoroughbred

trainer. In fact, Bill Kaplanwas a well-known and highly

successful trainer. Kaplan’s list of outstanding race-

horses includes Seacliff, DreamOnDreamOn, Fortune

Pending, Mr. Livingston, Castlebrook, Goldarama,

Storm in May and I’mawildandcrazyguy.

“I was already a fan of Bill when my dad introduced

us and suggested I get into racehorse ownership,” said

Lazarus, who is a salesmanagerwith theAventura-based

branch of ZENO Office Solutions. “The first horse I

owned a piece of waswith Bill in 2001.That horse never

broke itsmaiden and then had a career-ending injury. But

“I also buy strictly Florida-breds because we are a based

in Miami and want to take advantage of the state-bred pro-

grams. I like to buy two year olds because the partners can

get involved almost immediately in the racing game.”—Adam Lazarus

All for Romance


Lazarus.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/9/11 10:16 AM Page 34

I still wanted to be in the Thoroughbred business.”

Deciding that partnerships were the best way to be in

the sport and bring others in as well, Lazarus formed Pin-

nacle Racing Stable in 2002. He attracted partnership in-

terest by “taking out a small ad in the Daily Racing Form

and putting fliers on car windshields in the parking lot at

Calder and Gulfstream Park.”

Today, Pinnacle Racing Stable includes 30 partners who

havevarious percentages in its horses. Lazarus,who relies on

Kaplan’s expertise in selecting anddevelopingyounghorses,

attends the juvenile saleswith the goal of buying one or two

horses. Once Lazarus makes a purchase, only then does he

offer the horse as part of a Pinnacle Racing Stable partner-

ship. Each horse is set up as a limited liability corporation

and all investors share in the monthly expenses.

“I focus on fillies with a price range of $35,000 and

below,” said Lazarus. “I also buy strictly Florida-breds be-

cause we are a based inMiami andwant to take advantage

of the state-bred programs. I like to buy two year olds be-

cause the partners can get involved almost immediately in

the racing game.”

In addition toMusicalRomance, PinnacleRacingStable

currently has five other horses in training with Kaplan.The

group includes stakes-placedAnotherRomance,whowhile

similarly named is no relation to Musical Romance. By

SaintAnddan out of the Friendly Lover mare LoveTo,An-

otherRomancewas purchased for $23,000 at the 2011OBS

June juvenile sale. She was second n the Cassidy Stakes on

Oct. 1 at Calder and has to date earned $46,165.

“I love bringing people into theThoroughbred business,”

said Lazarus. “And partnerships are a great way for a lot

peoplewhowouldn’t otherwise be able to get into the sport

to do it. Yes, there are risks, And, yes, there are highs and

lows. But that’s true with most investments and it’s hard to

beat the excitement ofThoroughbred racing.”

And, of course, a little romance doesn’t hurt either.�

Musical Romancewinning theBreedersʼ Cup Fillyand Mare Sprint.

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By JO ANN GUIDRY

When Florida-bred Musical Ro-

mance won the 2011 Breeders’

Cup Filly &Mare Sprint (G1), it

was the latest and most rewarding dividend

paid on a deal made 17 years ago. A horse-

men’s trade for services rendered has led to a

broodmare family that has produced four

graded stakes winners, including twoGrade 1

stakes winners, four stakes winners, and two

stakes-placed runners to date.

In actuality, everything was set in motion

in 1985.Mike O’Farrell, owner and president

of Ocala Stud, bought Victorious Meg for

$20,000 at that year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales

Company’s October

mixed sale. By Soy

Numero Uno,Victori-

ous Meg was out of

multiple stakes-producer Cricket Club, by the

legendary Dr. Fager. For Ocala Stud, Victori-

ous Meg produced graded stakes winner

Nome, by Double Sonic. Later bred to Ocala

Stud stallion Who’s for Dinner, Victorious

Meg produced a 1989 dark bay filly. At the

1991OBS February juvenile sale, Ocala Stud

sold theWho’s for Dinner filly for $15,000 to

William Terrill. But it wouldn’t be the last

time that O’Farrell would see the filly named

Romantic Dinner, who was bred by Ocala

Stud, O’Farrell and EdWiest.

“Some time in late 1994, I got a call from

BillyTerrill,” recalled O’Farrell. “He said that

he and his partners had bred Romantic Dinner

to a stallion in New Jersey and he wanted to

make a deal. He wanted to send the mare

down toOcala Stud, have us foal her out, raise

the foal and then we could keep the mare.”

Romantic Dinner had earned her keep as a

racehorse, winning $67,730 in 30 starts.And

having always liked the family, O’Farrell

thought taking the mare in trade was a good

deal.

“It was the Dr. Fager line and Victorious

Meg had produced a graded stakes winner for

us,” said O’Farrell, “And good broodmares

are hard to come by, so I thought it was a good

deal for us.”

O’Farrell was right. Indeed, it was a good

deal. A very, very good deal.

For Ocala Stud, Romantic Dinner would

produce stakes winners Lady Gin and Sea of

Green, as well as stakes-placed Decennial.

Lady Gin, a 1997 filly by Saint Ballado, won

a trio of stakes, including the 2000 Wooden

Star Stakes where she set a Hawthorne Race

Track course record of :56.19 for about five

furlongs. Sea of Green, a 1998 colt by Sea-

cliff, won five stakes and was stakes-placed

11 times on his way to banking $651,797. De-

cennial, a 2008 filly by Trippi, was third in

the 2011QueenTutta Stakes at Belmont Park.

Romantic Dinner died in 2010 andDecennial

was her last foal.

“Romantic Dinner turned out to be just the

kind of broodmare I was hoping for,” said

O’Farrell. “Actually, I guess she turned out to

be even better than I had hoped.”

That’s because not only did Romantic Din-

ner produce stakes winners, she created a

blacktype legacy for Ocala Stud. Romantic

Dinner is the granddam of Grade 1 stakes

winners Musical Romance and Rigoletta,

Grade 2 stakes winnerVuelve Ruben M. and

Grade 3 stakes winner Gour-

met Dinner; stakes winners

QueenAmira (GB) andGastonA; and stakes-

placed Evening Concerto and I’mroyally-

mecke’d.

“It’s a family that has definitely been very

good to us,” said O’Farrell. “We have three of

Romantic Dinner’s stakes-producing daugh-

ters and one of her stakes-winning grand-

daughters.”

PotluckDinner,AlmostApromQueen and

Candlelightdinner are the trio of stakes-pro-

ducing daughters of Romantic Dinner in the

Ocala Stud broodmare band. Also from the

family is stakes winner Queen Amira (GB),

by Forestry and out of the Saint Balladomare

Lady Gin, who was a stakes-winning daugh-

ter of Romantic Dinner. O’Farrell purchased

Queen Amira in foal to Tapit for $85,000 at

the 2009 Keeneland November sale. Queen

Amira has a 2010 Tapit filly, a 2011 Mont-

brook colt and was bred to Montbrook this

season.

Potluck Dinner, a 1996 mare by Pen-

telicus, is the dam of graded stakes winner

Gourmet Dinner, an earner of $989,660,

stakes winner Gaston A. and stakes-placed

I’mroyallymecke’d. She has a 2011 colt by In

Summation and was bred to Montbrook this

season.

Almost Aprom Queen, a 2000 mare by

Montbrook, is the dam of Grade I stakes win-

ner Rigoletta, who won the 2010 Oak Leaf

Stakes (G1), and stakes-placed Evening Con-

certo.AlmostApromQueen has a 2010High


Romantic Dinner, granddam of Musical Romance, Rigoletta,Gourmet Dinner and others, has created a blacktype legacy for Ocala Stud

All inThe FamilyMusicalRomance_AllInFamily.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/12/11 10:37 AM Page 36


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Cotton colt, a 2011 In Summation colt and was bred

to Concerto this season.

Candlelightdinner, a 2002 mare by Slew Gin Fizz,

is the dam of Grade 1 Breeders’Cup champion Musi-

cal Romance and Grade 2 Puerto Rican

champion Vuelve Ruben M. Candlelight-

dinner has a 2010 colt by Montbrook, a

2011 filly by Montbrook and was bred to

Circular Quay this season.

Of course, the current star of the brood-

mare family replete with blacktype is Mu-

sical Romance. Bred by Ocala Stud,

Musical Romance is a 2007 filly by the de-

ceased Ocala Stud stallion Concorde’s

Tune. She was sold by Ocala Stud for

$22,000 toWilliamKaplan, agent for Pinnacle Racing

Stable, at the 2009 OBS April juvenile sale. Cam-

paigned by Pinnacle Racing Stable and Kaplan, Musi-

cal Romance became a stakes winner when she

captured the 2010 Sweettrickydancer Stakes at Calder.

She went on to earn $154,751 on the season. But even

better things were to come in 2011.

After winning the Ema Bovary Stakes and U Can

Do It Stakes, Musical Romance was second to Sassy

Image in the Princess Rooney Handicap (G1) at

Calder. She added a win in the Barb’s Dancer Stakes

before notching her first graded stakes tally in the

Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (G2). The Kaplan

trainee then added a second to Holiday Kitten in the

Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) at

Keeneland.

Next stop was the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill

Downs. Supplemented for $130,000, Musical Ro-

mance made the investment pay off with a victory in

the $909,000 BC Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). To date,

Musical Romance has career earnings of $1,217,850.

“When you’re a small commercial breeder like we

are, these are the kinds of broodmare families you

dream about,” said O’Farrell. “We’re delighted to see

others have success with the horses we breed and sell.

And it doesn’t get much better than breeding and sell-

ing a Breeders’Cup winner.”

All thanks to a horsemen’s trade. �


BENO

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Florida-breds MusicalRomance (above),Rigoletta (center)

and Gourmet Dinner(below)

ROMANTIC DINNER1989 bay mare,

by Who’s for Dinner—Victorious Meg,

by Soy Numero Uno

Breeders:Ocala Stud Farms,

J. M. O’Farrell & EdWiest

DAM OF:

SW Lady GinSW Sea of Green

SP Decennial

GRANDDAM OF:

GR. 1 SW Musical RomanceGR. 1 SW Rigoletta

GR. 2 (PR) SW Vuelve Ruben M.GR. 3 SW Gourmet Dinner

SW Queen Amira (GB)SW Gaston A.

SP Evening ConcertoSP I’mroyallymecke’d

All In The Family

MusicalRomance_AllInFamily.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/12/11 10:37 AM Page 38


www.facebook.com/thefloridahorseFlorida... the Best State for Business

GetOnBoard.qxd:Layout 1 8/10/11 9:41 AM Page 1

No tax on stallion seasons.No personal state income tax.

No individual capital gains tax.National leader in veterinary and equine research.

Ranked third in the U.S. for number of horses and size of horse industry.Feed and animal health items, along with other specific items, are also exempt.

Horses are exempt from sales tax when purchased from their original breeder.Florida’s greenbelt exemption provides property tax breaks for Florida horse farms.

Physical climate allows for year-round training, racing, showing and business opportunities.

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801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • [email protected]

From coast to coast,Florida’s tax-friendly, pro-business

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GetOnBoard.qxd:Layout 1 8/10/11 9:42 AM Page 2


Turbo Compressor rolls in Carl Rose ClassicTurbo Compressor rolls in Carl Rose Classic

FLORIDAMillion

FL_Million.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/9/11 9:11 AM Page 42


By MICHAEL COMPTON

Florida-bred Turbo Compressor made his first start at

Calder Casino and Race Course a memorable one in the

$150,000 Carl Rose Classic (includes $50,000 FTBOA

Funds) during the Miami track’s Florida Million program on Nov. 12.

The 3-year-oldTodd Pletcher charge assumed command at the break

under Luis Saez. He established a clear early lead and simply cruised

down the backstretch while being stalked by race favorite Mad Flatter.

As he led the charge around the far turn, he repelled bids fromMad Flat-

ter and a closingManicero. He bounded away from his rivals through the lane

to hit the wire 10½ lengths clear ofManicero, who finished 1¼ lengths in front

of Mad Flatter in third. He covered the 11⁄8 miles in 1:51.92.

“I’m very happy,” said winning ride Luis Saez. “He broke perfectly and

I put him on an easy lead. Hewas very impressive.When I asked him, he

responded good and drew off. This is my first ride for Todd Pletcher.

I’m glad he won. I hope I can ride for him again.”

Turbo Compressor is a 3-year-old son of Halo’s Image—Dixieland

Event, byWild Event. He was bred by Bridlewood Farm, sold at OBS

April in 2010 and is owned by P and G Stables and Off the Hook Racing.

Winner of the Curlin Stakes at Saratoga over the summer, Turbo Com-

pressor finished fifth in a stakes race at Belmont Park last time out.

“He obviously didn’t like the blinkers (on) last time, so we took them off,”

said Ginny DiPasquale, assistant to Pletcher. “This race was a natural for him with

the distance and the fact that he’s a Florida-bred. He’s won races before going wire-

to-wire like he did today.We’re into PalmMeadows for the winter and something at

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“He broke perfectly and I

put him on an easy lead.

He was very impressive.”—jockey Luis Saez.


Gulfstream Park would probably be next for him.”

LikeTurbo Compressor, Bad Debt made his Calder

debut a winning one, taking down top prize in the

$125,000 Bonnie Heath Turf Cup (includes $50,000

FTBOA Funds).

Ridden by Kendrick Carmouche, Bad Debt rolled

down the center of the track to defeat Picou by three-

quarters of a length, covering the 11⁄8 miles on turf in

1:49.70. Roman Tiger finished third.

“He had a really good trip,” said Carmouche.

“They told me the best part of this turf course is on

the outside and that’s where he wants to be. Once I got

him angled out, I just set my hands down on his neck

and let him settle in. When I asked him, he gave me

his best effort. It didn’t bother him at all getting shuf-

fled back at the start—that’s really where he wants to

be.When I tightened up on him, he knew what he was

there to do. I would like to thank the crew, grooms and

everyone for doing a great job getting him ready.

A 4-year-old gelded son of Grand Reward out of

the Pleasant Tap mare Pleasant Ring, Bad Debt was

bred by Pennston Farms Inc. and is owned by Robert

Leibner. Michael Trombetta is the conditioner.

“All the credit for what this horse has accomplished

goes to Michael,” said Liebner. “I claimed him for

$35,000 on June 18 of 2010 at Monmouth Park on his

recommendation. He said this horse belongs on turf

to do his best. He really started to get good at Gulf-

stream last winter. He’s now had six wins and four sec-

onds in his last 10 starts. He’ll stay here for the winter

at Palm Meadows and Michael will decide what’s

next. It’s been a wonderful day and this (Florida Mil-

lion) is a wonderful program.”

The $150,000 Elmer Heubeck Distaff (includes

$50,000 from FTBOA Funds) appeared to be a match

race between Sweet Repent and Successful Song, but

it was long shot My Pal Chrisy who emerged victori-

ous in the 11⁄16-mile test.

Ridden by Luca Panici for owner and trainer

Padarath Lutchman, My Pal Chrisy defeated race fa-


Florida-bredBad Debt

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vorite Sweet Repent by 3¼ lengths and covered the

distance in 1:45.79, which tied the stakes record set in

2004 by Hopelessly Devoted.

“This was her second time going the distance, so it

was much easier,” said Panici. “She relaxed a lot bet-

ter. She had a good trip and at the three-eighths pole I

started to follow the favorite up the center. I waited

for the stretch and she finished fast.”

My Pal Chrisy is a 3-year-old daughter of Alex’s

Pal—Strike South, by Strike the Anvil. She was bred


Florida-bredsMy Pal Chrisy(above) andGibson (below)

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by Shade Tree Thoroughbreds and provided Lutchman

his first stakes score.

“I bought her privately as a two-year-old before

she raced,” said Lutchman, who races all the horses

he trains under Tonys Investments. “I was running

her short earlier this year and she was closing like

she wanted to go longer and training that way, too.

So that’s when I tried her in the Stage Door Betty

and she won. I was confident she would run good

again today. We’ll see how she comes out of it and

consider the Sunshine Millions (Distaff) and other

options.”

Another long shot, Gibson, posted the upset in the

$125,000 Jack Dudley Sprint (includes $50,000 from

FTBOA Funds) in his first try at Calder. Ridden by

Daniel Centeno for trainer Gerald Bennett, Gibson

defeated race favorite and defending Dudley cham-

pion Pashito the Che and covered six furlongs in

1:10.54. Ribo Bobo finished third. Gibson went off

at odds of 34-1.


Florida-bredItalo

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“He really ran big,” said Centeno. “They did a good

job by keeping him here for a couple of weeks. He had

been on the synthetic track, but handled this (surface)

perfectly. We knew after his last work, he would run

good but he showed much more than we expected. He

went to the lead and never looked back.”

Gibson is a 3-year-old gelded son of Gibson

County—Megan’s Cracker, by Slew the Slewor. He as

bred by Laurie D. Hall and Ron Woody and is owned

by Sundance Thoroughbreds.

“He had been running pretty good races on the syn-

thetic tracks, but I really don’t think he cared for them

that much,” said Bennett. “He’s just gotten so good, I

decided to try this race. We’re getting more involved

in the Florida program. We’ve got seven mares at

Harold Queen’s farm and four two-year-old fillies

(2012) that are Florida-breds.”

The Arthur Appleton Juvenile Turf went to Italo,

who defeated Burning Time by three-quarters of a

length in the 11⁄16-mile turf test. In the tight photo fin-

ish, it was another head back to Twin in third place.

Bred by Harold Plumley, Italo is a 2-year-old son of


Florida-bredsFor Oby (left) andYara (below)

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Hartley/De Renzo stallion With Distinction—Dance

For the Queen, by West by West. The $42,000 OBS

graduate is owned by trainerWesleyWard and IceWin

Stable.

Italo began his career at Longchamp in France.

He won his career debut there and then finished

last in the Coventry Stakes (G2) at Ascot. He was

last in the Saratoga Special (G2) in August and fin-

ished fourth in a Keeneland stake prior to his vic-

tory.

For Oby notched the first stakes win of his young

career in the $125,000 Jack Price Juvenile (includes

$50,000 FTBOA Funds). A Maestre Racing Stable

homebred, For Oby stalked the early pace, took com-

mand in the stretch and repulsed a bid from Rev It Up

late to register a half-length victory in the seven-fur-

long fixture. He covered the distance in 1:24.93 under

Julio Garcia.

Another offspring ofWith Distinction, For Oby is

out of the Mining mare Sexy Seattle. Pedro Maestre

saddled the winner. Prior to the Jack Price, For Oby

had finished third in the Dr. Fager division of the

Florida Stallion Stakes series for his first stakes-

placing.

Yara assumed command early in the $125,000 Joe

O’Farrell Juvenile Fillies (includes $50,000 FTBOA

Funds) and never looked back under Luis Saez to win

the seven-furlong event by 5¼ lengths. Given En-

chantment finished second and Sinner’s Gold was

third. She covered the distance in 1:24.90.

Owned by Peras International, Yara is a daughter

of Bridlewood Farm stallion Put It Back out of the

GildedTime mareAshlee’s Lady. Jose Garoffalo is the

trainer.

Tracy Pinchin’s homebred Sinister Brew rallied in

deep stretch to capture the $100,000 John Franks Ju-

venile Fillies Turf (includes $50,000 FTBOA Funds).

Piloted by Elvis Trujillo, Sinister Brew is trained by

Jose Pinchin, the owner’s husband.

ByMilwaukee Brew out of the Gold Case mareAll

Saint’s Day, Sinister Brew covered the 11⁄16 miles on

turf in 1:44.16. �


Florida-bredSinister Brew

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(ex•cel•lence) nounthe fact or state of excelling;superiority; distinction;

possessing good qualities in high degree.

Get noticed

For the fifth consecutive year,

Publisher: Richard Hancock • Editor in chief: Michael ComptonBusiness manager: Patrick Vinzant • Art director: John FilerAdministrative assistant: Beverly Kalberkamp

The Florida Horse is the official publication of theFlorida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Associationwww.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

352.732.8858

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COUR

TESY

KERR

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Kerry Thomas, owner and founderof Thomas Herding Technique, studies

the mental capabilities of racehorsesthrough his unique approach of emo-

tional conformation profiling.

KerryThomas_USE.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/9/11 10:20 AM Page 50

By AMANDA DUCKWORTH

It is a rare man who looks into the face of long-

standing convention and says, “We can do this

differently.” Kerry Thomas is one of those men.

As the owner and founder of Thomas Herding

Technique, the 43-year-old is seeking to fundamen-

tally enhance howThoroughbreds are bred and raced.

The cornerstone of his philosophy is a technique

called emotional conformation profiling. That is, in-

stead of the traditional way of judging a horse by its

physical conformation, Thomas puts his focus on the

mental capabilities of the equine in question. In

short, he is looking for trainable minds.

“Everybody knows what that horse is; my job is

to identify the ingredients that make up who that

horse is,” explainedThomas. “To me, the mental ca-

pacity controls the physical output. Patterns of be-

havior translate to patterns of motion.”

Although it took decades for Thomas’ focus to

shift to Thoroughbreds, he came by his knowledge

honestly. In 1989, he began independent research to

learn more about the social structures of wild horse

herds in Wyoming and Montana.

“To really understand any species, you need to

research and understand the environment in which

they are geared to live in,” Thomas said. “Just be-

cause we have taken them out of that environment

and domesticated them, the basic instincts of the

horse are still there.”

A quirk of Thomas’ own genetics led him to be-

lieve it was not the physical but the mental that gov-

erned herd dynamics. This came about because he

is color blind and could not depend on traditional

ways of labeling horses.

“I didn’t have a way to identify the horses by their

color types,” said Thomas. “The only way I could

identify individuals of similar size was by personal-

ities, how they communicated and where they were

in the herd.

“I developed emotional conformation profiling

out of pure necessity. I didn’t have any other way to

catalog these horses. Once I began to do that, I real-

ized there is a whole other world. It is a window to

the invisible. It manages their entire life.”

Thomas’ original goal was to take the informa-

tion he gathered in the field and apply it to develop-

ing therapy horses for children in need. Although

that remains a passion, Thomas began turning his at-

tention to sport horses as well.

Then in 2006, the Pennsylvania-based horseman

experienced an epiphany while on a tour of New

Bolton Center. While there, he got to meet Barbaro,

the ill-fated winner of that year’s Kentucky Derby.

“When I laid eyes on him, that was it,” said

Thomas. “I knew right then and there that it was the

racing industry that I loved. It was one of the most

powerful personal moments that directed my career.”

That meeting, combined with a fascination for

TTHHEE FFLLOORRIIDDAA HHOORRSSEE •• DDEECCEEMMBBEERR 22001111 5511


Seabiscuit, causedThomas to focus on racehorses.While

not everything he learned fromwild horses can be trans-

ferred to the racing scene, he believes much of it can.

Now, he is setting out to prove it.

“It is difficult being a new pebble in an old pond, but

my philosophy is you can’t have progress without some

evolution once in a while,” said Thomas. “Our work at

THT has been geared toward identifying the characteris-

tics of classic horseswith temperaments that can get them

there. I amnot trying to usurp anyone’s business.We struc-

ture ourselves to fit into the needs of an existing program.”

THT offers a variety of services to interested clients.

For instance, Thomas and his employees can create a

short list at a sale, or they can shorten the more tradi-

tional short list a client is likely to already have. They

also can help with horses that are in training that are not

living up to their potential.

“You may be hoping to make homemade bread and

you have the ingredients for lasagna,” said Thomas.

“You need to know that.We can’t change who the horse

is. It may not be good news for the owner, but I am going

to be honest. But then we can find innovative ways to

make them the best they can be.

“I don’t look at the horse as a commodity, I look at

the horse as an athlete. They react to things. They are

not machines or robots. We need to take that into con-

sideration when we are developing programs for horses

and when we are buying and breeding these horses.”

Two things potential clients learn early on is that

Thomas does not make any of his decisions based on

pedigree and those at THT will not intentionally help

pick out the next Lost in the Fog. Emotional conforma-

tion profiling is designed to identify classic type run-

ners, not the lightening quick ones.

“If someone wanted to find a champion sprinter, I

would tell them not to hire us,” said Pete Denk, THT’s

sales/racing analyst and representative. “Wewill pass over

sprint horses.Kerry picks high dynamic, high class horses

that have the ability to performat classic distances.That is

what he finds. It can be a great horse, but if it is a sprinter,

he is not going to like it. It’s not what the system does.”

Using what he learned in the wild, Thomas identifies

the running style, class and distance aptitude of a horse

basedon its emotional conformation andherd dynamic.To

do so, he pays attention to how itmanages its space,moves

into new space and reacts to multiple stimuli around it.

This test does not have to be conducted at high rates

of speed, and an initial consultation takes no longer than

one designed to judge a horse’s physical conformation.

“Those observations and thewayKerry is able to read

into a horse that is standing during a basic inspection tells

you a lot aboutwhat that horsewill be like as a racehorse,”

saidDenk. “Distance aptitude and racing class are the two

most practical applications of what Kerry can read.”

Of course, when asking people to change their ways,

most want to see proof. Like everything else in horse

racing, it will take some time for stories of success or

failure to emerge from the programTHT offers.

However, althoughThomas is not a betting man and

his system is not meant for bettors, those who have lis-

tened to him have profited nicely in recent major races.

In a story for Kentucky Confidential, Thomas iden-

tifiedAnimal Kingdom andDialed In as the horses with

the best chance to win the 2011 Kentucky Derby based

off of his profiling of the field. On Twitter, he publicly

selected Drosselmeyer to win this year’s Breeders’Cup

Classic, and amongst friends had picked him to win the

2010 Belmont Stakes.

These predictions were all based off what Thomas

gleaned from photographs and video replays of the

competitors.

Even accounting for the incorrect hypothesis about

Dialed In, if someone had wagered $2 to win on each of

those picks, their $8 investment would have returned a

combined $103.40.

While building his business, allThomas is asking for

is an open mind as he sets up consultations with major

players in the game. One person who has taken note of

what Thomas has to say is trainer Chuck Simon.

“In the back of my mind, I’ve always felt we pay a

lot of attention to the physical aspects but not so much

the mental aspects of horses,” said Simon. “You just

need to talk to Kerry for five minutes to realize how

committed he is and how much he believes in this”

Ideally, Simon and Thomas would like to work to-

gether in an effort to implement some ofTHT’s philoso-

phies on a small stable of horses.


A Different Approach

Kerry Thomas

“The No. 1 question

is how is the mind

going to operate the

body that you make? If

you are making that in-

vestment, you should

have all the informa-

tion in your back

pocket before you make

that decision. That adds

value to your invest-

ment choices.”—Kerry Thomas


“There are amillionways of choosing horses at a sale

and amillion ways to train one, but themental and emo-

tional aspect is definitely something that is almost com-

pletely untouched,” said Simon. “I am not sure how far

we can get with that, but I think it is somewhere we

should definitely explore.Anyway you can learn to bet-

ter understand horses has to be a good thing.”

Beyond the racetrack, Thomas also hopes to apply

his philosophies to the breeding shed. It is accepted that

a stallion andmare should be physically compatible, but

Thomas argues they should also bementally compatible.

“The No. 1 question is how is the mind going to op-

erate the body that youmake?” saidThomas. “If you are

making that investment, you should have all the infor-

mation in your back pocket before you make that deci-

sion. That adds value to your investment choices.”

The year ahead also looks to be a big one for those at

THT. Thomas’ first book, Horse Profiling: The Secret

to Motivating EquineAthletes, is slated to be published

in the spring, and the team will continue trying to make

headway in the Thoroughbred industry.

AsThomasworks on building a racing clientele base,

he is aware that it is an uphill battle.

“I want to be a positive face; I want to show the good

side of what is possible in racing. I won’t give up, and I

won’t quit. I am going to get pushed away in some

places, and that’s just business. It’s just life. I’ll pick up

my cowboy hat and keep going.”�


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The Environmental ProtectionAgency

(EPA) has published a proposed rule con-

cerning reporting requirements for Concen-

tratedAnimal FeedingOperations (CAFOs).

Some large horse facilities, such as race-

tracks, training facilities, stables, shows,

exhibitions, and fairgrounds are consid-

eredCAFOs and could be subject to the pro-

posed reporting requirements. Most horse

farms, ranches, stables and shows are not

considered CAFOs. The proposed rule does

not change current EPA regulations con-

cerning what constitutes a CAFO or permit-

ting requirements, it only involves new

information submission requirements.

EPA regulations concerning the Cleaning

WaterAct are very complex. Nohorse

operation that may be considered a

CAFOshould rely on thisWashington

Update to understand what is being

proposed and what their obligations under

current law and regulations maybe. Owners

and operators of any horse facility, be it a

breeding farm, ranch, training facility, stable,

race track, sale, horse show, fair or exhibition,

should seek competent advice to ensure

their facilities are in compliancewith current

EPA regulations and how any proposed reg-

ulatory changes could impact their operation.

Proposed OptionsThe EPA’s stated purpose for the pro-

posed rule is that it lacks basic information

about most CAFOs. The EPA is proposing

two options for collecting information.

Option one would require all large

and medium CAFOs t o submit the follow-

ing information to the EPA;

The name and contact information of the

owner or authorized representative of the

CAFO.

The location of the CAFOWhether or not the CAFO currently has

a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination

System (NPDES) permit and the permit

number if the CAFO does.

The type and number of animals confined

at the CAFO for the previous 12 months.

Where the CAFO applies manure, litter

and process wastewater and the total num-

ber of acres under the control of the CAFO

available for land application.

CAFOs would submit this

information through a survey form provided

by theEPA. ThisoptionwouldexemptCAFO

located in states that already collect this infor-

mation throughanapprovedNPDESprogram

and chooses to provide the EPA with that in-

formation.

Option two would only require CAFOs

tocomplete asurvey form if theyare located in

focus watersheds that the EPA has de-

termined to have water quality con-

cernsassociatedwith CAFOs.

Equine CAFOsA horse operation could be considered

a CAFO if it keeps or raises horses in “con-

finement” for at least 45 days in a 12-month

period and there is no grass or other vege-

tation in the confinement area during the

normal growing season.

The areas associated with confinement

at horse facilities include the stables and

“production area,” which is the area where

the horses are housed andmanure is stored.

Such area includes stables, stalls, walkers

and walkways; it does not include pastures,

paddocks or similar unconfined areas. Ad-

ditionally, current regulations have a thresh-

old number of horses for determining if a

horse operation is a CAFO.

A facility is considered a large CAFO if

it confines 500 or more horses for 45 days

in a 12-month period.

A facility is a medium CAFO if it con-

fines 150 to 499 horses and (1) the facility

discharges pollutants intoU.S.waters through

a man-made ditch, flushing system or other

similar device; or (2) the horses come into di-

rect contact with surface waters running

through the area where they are confined.

Operations with less than 150 horses are

generally not considered CAFO unless

specifically designated as such on a case by

case basis.

The EPA is seeking comments on the

proposed rule including the preferred op-

tion for reporting information, the ability of

CAFOs to provide the requested informa-

tion,or any other comments. The deadline

to submit comments is Dec. 20, 2011.

HORSE COUNCIL NEWS

EPA Announces New Reporting Requirements

BECOMEA

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorsewww.ftboa.com

HorseCouncilNews.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/12/11 12:48 PM Page 54

Aswe come to the end of 2011, it’s hard to be-

lieve that a whole year is almost complete.

December makes us think of the past year and

reflect upon things that are important now and deter-

mine what should be important for the upcoming years.

So, here are some thoughts that everyone, horseperson

or not, should take a moment to consider as we bring

2011 to a close.

Our springs help support local economies through-

out this great state. Visitation at springs is influenced by

clear water and beautiful and abundant plants and

wildlife. Florida has more artesian springs (700 of

them) than any other place in the world. And annual

visits to the 100 largest springs in Florida are estimated

to have an annual economic value in excess of $300

million. But consider this: the concentration of nitro-

gen is also rising rapidly in many of our springs in re-

sponse to things like agricultural practices and urban

development.

And, more importantly for every living creature is

this: water is the new “oil” in the world, with only 2.5

percent of the earth’s water being fresh and almost two-

thirds of that being locked up as ice. With an ever grow-

ing population and increased use of excess nutrients

being infused daily into our drinkable water, careful

management practices are needed more than ever to

help keep our water pure.

While proper horse manure handling and fertiliza-

tion are only two pieces of a large pie which contribute

to potentially impacting our water, they are still areas

which can make a difference in protecting life’s most

precious resource.

“Best Management Practices” for horse farms are

simple, science-based management practices which will

not adversely affect the springs and aquifer. These prac-

tices will also serve as good guidelines for ways in

which to carefully maintain your farm. Take time to

think about the farm’s manure handling methods, fer-

tilization techniques, whether or not you soil test and

how often, plus all other farm management practices

that might increase nutrients to the springs and aquifer.

And we should also try to think about how farms po-

tentially increase the “carbon footprint.”

There is a lot of talk about “carbon footprint” these

days and how it can be reduced to help the environment.

Your carbon hoof print refers to the environmental im-

pact you have due to your part of the horse industry.

It’s been discussed before, but many everyday farm

related activities inadvertently pollute our environment.

Manure and wastewater management, toxic chemicals

in grooming products, medical wastes and other

garbage, carbon emissions from tractors, trucks, weed

trimmers and other engine machinery are just some

areas which increase our “carbon hoof print.” So, try

and think of all the impacts you and your horse have on

the environment, both for the water and other natural

resources. Look for ways to help everyone keep this

amazing state the great place it is to breed, raise, race

and show horses.

I hope these suggestions give you some things to re-

flect upon and think about as we move into 2012. This

is a beautiful state and home to some of the best and

most successful horses of all breeds and disciplines.

Please contact me if you have any questions or con-

cerns. All of the University of Florida local county Ex-

tension Offices (throughout the state) can help your

farm to improve its management practices. And don’t

forget, anyone having specific problems is always wel-

come to contact me. So, here’s to a Happy Holidays

and a Happy NewYear!

FARM MANAGEMENT

Year-EndThoughts

Schedule a Farm Call:

Jamie A. CohenFarm Outreach CoordinatorUF IFAS/Marion County Extension Service352-671-8792 • [email protected]


Cohen_FarmManagement.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/12/11 10:42 AM Page 1


Mary King, who recently claimed $150,000

after becoming this year’s HSBC FEI Classics™

champion, is celebrating yet again after clinching

a $50,000 bonus as theHSBCRankings leader at

the end of the 2011 season.

King, who celebrated her 50th

birthday in June of this year, will be

presented with her prize at the

British EquestrianWriters’Associ-

ation annual awards lunch on Dec.

15 at the London International

Horse Show in Olympia.

This is the first time King has finished the

season at the top of the rankings since being de-

clared world number one at the end of 1991.

First and second-place finishes in theHSBCFEI

Classics™ in Kentucky (USA), third at both

Badminton and Burghley (GBR), fourth at Pau

(FRA) and eighth at Luhmühlen (GER) gave

King a season-end tally of 601 points. This put

her at the top of the HSBC Rankings with a 15-

point lead over William Fox-Pitt

(GBR), who finished the season in

second place, 73 points ahead of An-

drew Nicholson (NZL).

Fox-Pitt, winner of the HSBC FEI

Classics™ last year, looked set to se-

cure the HSBC Rankings bonus this

season after takingover theworld num-

ber one spot at the beginning of September.How-

ever, the HSBC Rankings are run on a rolling

12-month basis and not a calendar year, with the

best six results for that 12-month period taken

into account. As the latest rankings list is based

on results obtained betweenDecember 2010 and

November 2011, Fox-Pitt’s second-place finish at

Pau in November 2010 have been dropped from

his tally, reducing his points total to 586.

“It’s reallywonderful to be the first winner of

this bonus fromHSBC for finishing at the top of

the rankings,” said Mary King, “and adding that

to my win in the HSBC FEI Classics is a great

earlyChristmas present!Of coursemy top horses

will be aimed at the Olympics next year, but I’m

lucky enough to have plenty of horsepower, so

I’ll be able to compete in theHSBCFEIClassics

series as well. It’s going to be an exciting year!”

Giles Morgan, HSBC Group Head of Spon-

sorship, said: “The HSBC Rankings have been

incredibly hard-fought this seasonwith riders put-

ting in outstanding performances,much to the ex-

citement of Eventing fans around the world.

“It was neck and neck between Mary King

and William Fox-Pitt this season, with both of

them putting in really impressive performances,

demonstrating the strategic, physical and men-

tal abilities necessary to compete in eventing at

this level. But it wasMarywho eventually came

out on top and we are delighted to be able to ac-

knowledge and reward her incredible achieve-

ment as leader of the HSBC Rankings.”

NEWS BITS

FILE

PHOT

O

Mary King Celebrates HSBC Windfall

Mary King

The Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC) last month unanimously adoptedFlorida’s proposed rule for numeric nutrient surface water quality standards for Florida’slakes, streams, springs and many estuaries.

“The unanimous action by the ERC reiterates that Florida knows best how to pro-tect Florida’s water resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.“The rul-ing sends a strong message to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that,based on its strong history in protecting water resources, Florida is prepared to continuedeveloping and implementing water resource protection programs.”

Once ratified by the Florida Legislature, the rules will be submitted to EPA for approval. These rules areintended to replace EPA’s numeric nutrient criteria promulgated in December 2010.

“I urge EPA – upon receipt of Florida’s nutrient standards – to act swiftly in approving them in their en-tirety, restoring Florida’s rightful place in protecting its water resources.”

EPA’s numeric nutrient criteria have been criticized for being inconsistent with its own guidance docu-ments and the advice of its Science Advisory Board.

“The Florida standards reflect the best science of setting effective water quality standards and containdetailed expectations that will assure Florida’s valuable water resources are protected and those that areimpaired are restored.”

EPA has previously acknowledged that Florida has developed and implemented some of the most pro-gressive nutrient management strategies in the nation. Florida has placed substantial emphasis on themonitoring and assessment of its waters and, as a result of this commitment, has collected significantly morewater quality data than any other state.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visitwww.FreshFromFlorida.com or follow Commissioner Putnam on Facebook, www.facebook.com/adamput-nam, and Twitter, @adamputnam.

Putnam Applauds ERC Approvalof Florida’s Water Quality Standards

Florida NativePublishes EquineChildren’s Book

Brittany Bevis loves horses, riding, books

and children.ThePuntaGorda, Florida, native—

now a resident of Aubrey, Texas, puts her aca-

demic background in English and journalism to

work in her career at Equine Chronicle, where

sheworks aswebsite editor. Butwhen she’s not at

her laptop, she’s riding competitively or signing

copies of her new children’s book, Two Foals, a

Dash of Sprinkles and a Cherry onTop!

Bevis’book,writtenwith heart and insight, is

destined to find its way onto bookshelves in

horse-lovinghomes all acrossAmerica.The book

is published byCaballo Press ofAnnArbor, pub-

lisher of equine-themed books for horse-lovers

and readers of all ages.

Bevis found the trip to the literary world by

way of her academic background; her career

and her avocation as a rider of formidable tal-

ent. She majored in English and journalism in

college, and is a 10-timeAmerican Paint Horse

World and ReserveWorld Champion: Western

Riding, Horsemanship, Showmanship, Hunter

Under Saddle, Equitation, andAmateurVersa-

tility are among Bevis’ claims to fame.

NEWSBits_Dec.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/12/11 10:45 AM Page 3


It’s not just a mantra and it’s never been

just a motto – it’s the real deal: at the

Florida Agriculture Center and Horse

Park,YOU make all the difference.

But, really, what does that mean?

Itmeans…YOUhave unique access to 500

acres of green space, trails, outdoor activity

and ecotourism at the Park. Itmeans – if you’d

like to be involved – you can help us in an or-

ganized effort to responsibly continue devel-

oping aworld-classAg/Equine facility like no

other in the Southeastern United States.

It means…you’re part of the family of

people who care about Florida’s agricultural

and equine interests, and it means we’re all

pulling in the same direction of unity, con-

gruity, community.

The 2011 year is one for the record books

at the Park. Not only are we seeing the phys-

ical realities of our $1 million grant from the

Office ofTourism,Trade, and Economic De-

velopment (OTTED) in major infrastructure,

but we’re seeing increased involvement from

local, state and industry interests.

On Nov. 18, the Florida Agriculture Cen-

ter and Horse Park hosted an inaugural Leg-

islative Trail Ride and Cookout – a day de-

signed to introduce Florida’s elected officials

and community leaders to the Park. More

than 130 decision-makers from throughout

the region joined us (or had staff represent-

ing) for riding, tours of the Park and personal

visits. It was a special day with amazing vol-

unteers, diversified sponsors and dignitaries

at the Park listening to our story, our current

and future economic impact, and our solid

plans for the future.

As with so many projects, the success of

the Park continues to depend on your personal

and financial involvement. I can honestly say

that the FloridaAgriculture Center and Horse

Park would not be in existence without you.

We wish you and yours the greatest of Sea-

son’s Greetings and Happy Holidays.

Join us as we continue to count our bless-

ings. Join us on Facebook, visit our website,

send us a text.And if it’s in your heart to help

us continue moving forward, send a tax-de-

ductible contribution to the Foundation for the

Florida Horse Park.

You makeALL the difference.

Sincerely,

Connie DuffWise

Chairman of the Board

FloridaAgricultural Center

and Horse Park

Your2011 Reflecting:YouMakeAll theDifference

FLORIDA HORSE PARK

COUR

TESY

FLOR

IDAH

ORSE

PARK

YourFloridaHorsePark.qx:Florida Horse_template 12/12/11 10:46 AM Page 1


Following are the “FTBOA Chase to the Championship ” Point Standings through November 30, 2011.

Year-end divisional champions will be determined using the “FTBOAChase to the Championship” point system, a ranking that awards points forsuccess in stakes races.

The “FTBOA Chase to the Championship” allocates points for stakes wins ingraded races,open-company stakes and Florida’s signature racing days,with thenumber of points awarded based upon the classification of the race. Internationalstakes race status is governed by the International Cataloguing Standards Com-mittee. The first three finishers in all Group/Graded and listed races appearing inPart I of the International Cataloguing Standards and International Statistics Bookprinted by The Jockey Club receive “black-type” designation.Ten point bonus tobe awarded to any 2-year-old colt or filly sweeping all three legs of the Florida Stal-lion Stakes in determining the Champion 2-year-old Florida-bred.

The Florida-bred with the most points in each division on December 31is deemed champion of that division. Horse of the Year, Broodmare of theYear and Breeder of the Year will be voted on by the FTBOA Board of Di-rectors and announced at the FTBOA’s annual awards dinner.

In the case of a year-end tie in points in any division, earnings will beused to decide the tiebreaker. — Points are assigned as follows:

� World Thoroughbred ChampionshipBreeders’ Cup Race:Win: 20 pointsPlace: 15 pointsShow: 10 points

� Grade 1 Stakes Race:Win: 15 pointsPlace: 10 pointsShow: 5 points

� Grade 2 Stakes Race:Win: 5 pointsPlace: 3 pointsShow: 2 points

� Grade 3 Stakes Race:Win: 3 pointsPlace: 2 pointsShow: 1 point

� Sunshine Millions(equivalent to a Grade 2 Stakes Race):Win: 5 pointsPlace: 3 pointsShow: 2 points

� Other Florida-bredSignature Race Days(equivalent to a Grade 3 Stakes Race):(The Florida Million, Florida Cup,Florida Stallion Stakes Series):Win: 3 pointsPlace: 2 pointsShow: 1 point

� Open-Company Stakes($50,000+Purse) Points for WIN ONLY:Win: 2 points

� Selection Criteria for Florida-bred champions

Two-Year-Old Colt/GeldingFort Loudon (Awesome of Course) - 19 Jacks or Better Farm Inc Jacks or Better Farm Inc Stanley I GoldCurrency Swap (High Cotton) - 15 Stonecliff Farm Klaravich Stables Inc &William H Lawrence Teresa M PompayVexor (Wildcat Heir) - 5 Carlos Rafael & Briggs & Cromartie Bloodstock Gold Mark Farm LLC John C Kimmel

Two-Year-Old FillyCandrea (Trippi) - 12 Ocala Stud Karl Watson, Michael Pegram & Paul Weitman Bob BaffertRedbud Road (Awesome of Course) - 8 Jacks or Better Farm Inc Jacks or Better Farm Inc Stanley I GoldAwesome Belle (Awesome of Course) - 7 Jacks or Better Farm Inc Jacks or Better Farm Inc Stanley I Gold

Three-Year-Old Colt/GeldingBrilliant Speed (Dynaformer) - 43 Live Oak Stud Live Oak Plantation Thomas AlbertraniCoil (Point Given) - 26 Glen Hill Farm Karl Watson, Michael E Pegram & Paul Weitman Bob BaffertToby’s Corner (Bellamy Road) - 18 Dianne D Cotter Dianne D Cotter H Graham Motion

Three-Year-Old FillyTurbulent Descent (Congrats) - 55 Ocala Stud Blinkers On Racing, Dave Aurelio, Robert Butler, Joleen Coons, Lapso, et al Mike PuypePomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy) - 34 Hardacre Farm LLC Hardacre Farm LLC Amy TarrantAwesome Feather (Awesome of Course) - 17 Jacks or Better Farm Inc Stronach Stables Chad C Brown

Older Male (Four-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding)Flat Out (Flatter) - 45 Nikolaus Bock Preston Stables LLC Charles L DickeyTeaks North (Northern Afleet) - 33 Brylynn Farm Inc Jules Boutelle Justin SallustoJackson Bend (Hear No Evil) -32 Jacks or Better Farm Inc Robert V LaPenta & Fred J Brei Nicholas P Zito

Older Female (Four-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare)Musical Romance (Concorde’s Tune) - 44 Ocala Stud Pinnacle Racing Stable &William A Kaplan W KaplanAmen Hallelujah (Montbrook) - 25 Thorobeam Farm IEAH Stables,Whizway Farm, Robert Teel and Pegasus Holding Group Stables Richard E DutrowTrip for A.J. (Trippi) - 14 Peter D Fuller Peter D Fuller Milton WWolfson

Male Sprint (Three-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding, race distances one mile and less)Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) - 30 Jacks or Better Farm Inc Robert V LaPenta & Fred J Brei Nicholas P ZitoAikenite (Yes It’s True) - 17 Brylynn Farm Inc Dogwood Stable Todd A PletcherTrappe Shot (Tapit) - 17 Hobeau Farm Mill House Kiaran McLaughlinApriority (Grand Slam) - 16 Donald R Dizney Donald R Dizney David Fawkes

Female Sprint (Three-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare, race distances one mile and less)Musical Romance (Concorde’s Tune) - 44 Ocala Stud Pinnacle Racing Stable &William A Kaplan W KaplanTurbulent Descent (Congrats) - 40 Ocala Stud Blinkers On Racing, Dave Aurelio, Robert Butler, Joleen Coons, Lapso, et al Mike PuypePomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy) - 34 Hardacre Farm LLC Hardacre Farm LLC Amy Tarrant

Male Turf (Three-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding, races run on the turf)Teaks North (Northern Afleet) - 33 Brylynn Farm Inc Jules Boutelle Justin SallustoJeranimo (Congaree) - 27 Brylynn Farm Inc B JWright Michael PenderBrilliant Speed (Dynaformer) - 23 Live Oak Stud Live Oak Plantation Thomas Albertrani

Female Turf (Three-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare, races run on the turf)Bay to Bay (Sligo Bay) - 13 Adena Springs Robert Smithen Brian A LynchTrip for A.J. (Trippi) - 10 Peter Fuller Peter Fuller Milton WWolfsonRomacaca (Running Stag) - 9 Cashel Stud Inc Frank Carl Calabrese Nick Canani

ChaseToChampionship.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/9/11 10:26 AM Page 35


The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing resultsupdated through December 2, 2011. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

Leading Florida Sires

LEROIDESANIMAUXWILDCAT HEIR GRAEME HALL

NA Stk Gr Leading Leading Yrlg Yrlg 2yo 2yoName Sire Name Farm Name Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW's Wins SW's Earnings Earner Earnings Sold Avg Sold Avg

Wildcat Heir Forest Wildcat Journeyman Stud $4,527,087 176 101 8 13 2 $4,633,320 John Johny Jak $215,061 24 $26,458 16 $39,531

Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) Candy Stripes Stonewall Farm Ocala $3,908,409 86 47 5 7 4 $4,162,815 Animal Kingdom $1,904,900 21 $37,293 3 $53,500

Graeme Hall Dehere Winding Oaks $2,975,856 121 72 3 3 3 $2,982,631 Duke of Mischief $719,881 12 $19,342 5 $17,600

Chapel Royal Montbrook Signature Stallions $2,708,260 205 92 1 2 0 $2,717,275 Navy Chapel $108,855 17 $14,629 11 $19,836

With Distinction Storm Cat Hartley/De Renzo $2,489,033 129 62 3 5 0 $2,513,256 Decisive Moment $409,300 21 $26,200 39 $25,612

Concorde's Tune Concorde Bound deceased $2,343,058 75 37 1 5 1 $2,376,304 Musical Romance $1,040,734 7 $27,214

Strong Hope Grand Slam Winding Oaks $2,141,997 118 63 2 4 0 $2,254,049 Clement Rock $226,494 4 $2,375 4 $16,750

Greatness Mr. Prospector Stonewall Farm Ocala $2,206,186 72 43 3 9 1 $2,209,157 Immortal Eyes $269,215 1 $1,000 1 $2,000

Put It Back Honour and Glory Bridlewood $2,022,990 166 65 7 10 2 $2,174,685 It's Me Mom $157,300 32 $17,556 24 $27,000

Pomeroy Boundary Vinery $2,046,406 77 41 6 10 2 $2,147,603 Pomeroys Pistol $461,188 13 $28,423 17 $78,235

Montbrook Buckaroo Ocala Stud $2,100,446 82 42 3 6 2 $2,113,279 Tackleberry $599,667 4 $16,500 12 $35,142

Halo's Image Halo deceased $2,032,777 78 41 5 8 1 $2,037,249 Atlantic Hurricane $391,033 4 $5,675 4 $12,250

D'wildcat Forest Wildcat Vinery $1,817,720 111 54 1 1 0 $1,970,631 D'wild Ride $115,175 19 $18,142 25 $30,079

Full Mandate A.P. Indy Hartley/De Renzo $1,897,478 115 63 2 2 0 $1,901,494 Full of Gut $124,120 3 $1,400 5 $17,540

Value Plus Unbridled's Song Stonewall Farm Ocala $1,804,302 115 63 1 1 0 $1,833,738 All Due Respect $100,638 21 $10,976 4 $41,250

Concerto Chief's Crown Ocala Stud $1,590,581 74 53 1 3 0 $1,591,245 Vuelve Ruben M . $146,987 1 $2,386 4 $23,375

Roar of the Tiger Storm Cat deceased $1,583,763 111 54 3 4 0 $1,583,763 Tazz $134,691 6 $8,833 9 $14,667

Three Wonders Storm Cat deceased $1,481,962 101 54 1 2 0 $1,495,699 Trelawny $112,741

Suave A.P. Indy Vinery $1,330,441 97 47 1 1 0 $1,488,001 Indy Tune $82,546 16 $6,433 2 $6,500

West Acre Forty Niner Stonehedge South $1,379,026 49 34 4 4 1 $1,379,026 Watch Me Go $258,070 1 $2,500 5 $9,900

LeadingSires_General.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/9/11 11:18 AM Page 1

60 THE FLORIDA HORSE • DECEMBERER 2011

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing resultsupdated through December 2, 2011. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

Leading Florida Juvenile Sires

WITH DISTINCTIONAWESOME OF COURSE CHAPEL ROYAL

NA Stk Gr Leading Leading Yrlg Yrlg 2yo 2yoName Sire Name Farm Name Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW's Wins SW's Earnings Earner Earnings Sold Avg Sold Avg

Awesome of Course Awesome Again Journeyman Stud $779,799 7 3 3 6 0 $779,799 Fort Loudon $333,485 1 $10,000"

With Distinction Storm Cat Hartley/De Renzo $606,746 47 14 2 2 0 $627,503 For Oby $114,712 21 $26,200 39 $25,612"

Chapel Royal Montbrook Signature Stallions $570,470 45 17 1 2 0 $570,470 Navy Chapel $108,855 17 $14,629 11 $19,836"

HHiigghh CCoottttoonn Dixie Union Ocala Stud $537,264 30 12 1 1 1 $563,291 Currency Swap $180,000 9 $26,222 23 $31,518"

Put It Back Honour and Glory Bridlewood Farm $507,919 37 11 3 3 0 $507,919 Yara $103,920 32 $17,556 24 $27,000"

Wildcat Heir Forest Wildcat Journeyman Stud $399,836 25 12 1 1 1 $487,754 Vexor $133,000 24 $26,458 16 $39,531"

SSaaiinntt AAnnddddaann A.P. Indy Journeyman Stud $449,868 32 14 1 1 0 $449,868 Saint D'aroak $78,388 3 $12,667 24 $18,396"

Burning Roma Rubiano Stonewall Farm Ocala $377,714 15 8 2 2 0 $377,714 Queen Drama $126,705 6 $6,833"

MMrr.. SSeekkiigguucchhii Storm Cat Bridlewood Farm $376,367 10 2 1 2 0 $376,367 Rose and Shine $326,573 3 $3,400 8 $21,563"

D'wildcat Forest Wildcat Vinery $364,112 35 9 0 0 0 $364,112 Blue Forty $55,042 19 $18,142 25 $30,079"

EExxcclluussiivvee QQuuaalliittyy Elusive Quality Journeyman Stud $359,197 29 12 1 1 0 $359,197 Exclusively Maria $98,258 14 $8,307 30 $21,550"

Pomeroy Boundary Vinery $277,185 20 6 1 1 0 $277,185 Mel Beach $92,554 13 $28,423 17 $78,235"

SSiimmoonn PPuurree Silver Deputy Hartley/De Renzo $271,180 19 10 1 1 0 $271,180 Aracelis Baby M. $56,820 7 $6,757 22 $13,732"

City Place Storm Cat Hartley/De Renzo $266,004 18 8 0 0 0 $266,004 Bob's Place $55,574 6 $9,583 16 $32,469"

TTeeuufflleessbbeerrgg Johannesburg Journeyman Stud $212,710 17 5 0 0 0 $219,751 Trinniberg $101,300 5 $22,000 7 $44,000"

Black Mambo Kingmambo deceased $211,757 10 5 0 0 0 $211,757 Argentine Tango $109,250 3 $5,000 3 $10,903"

West Acre Forty Niner Stonehdge South $200,010 10 7 0 0 0 $200,010 Melpomene $49,940 1 $2,500 5 $9,900"

A. P. Warrior A.P. Indy Stonewall Farm Ocala $183,955 25 10 0 0 0 $189,990 Race to the Top $37,160 6 $13,083 4 $42,500"

Montbrook Buckaroo Ocala Stud $189,727 12 3 0 0 0 $189,727 Montessa G $69,735 4 $16,500 12 $35,142"

Bring the Heat In Excess (IRE) Ward Ranch $184,832 11 9 0 0 0 $184,832 Firefall $37,843

FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN

LeadingSires_Juvenile.qxd:Florida Horse_template 12/9/11 11:25 AM Page 1

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Formore than three decades every new year has

begun in the racing world where the last ended

– the endless Triple Crown vigil renewed and

though we have been occasionally teased each spring

since 1979 has ended in disappointment that has come

to seem almost inevitable. A person born in the spring

that saw Affirmed turn back Alydar in all three Triple

Crown races is now of age sufficient to have acquired

an education, family and underwater mortgage.

Meanwhile, girls rule.

Rachel Alexandra’s epic 3-year-old Horse of the

Year campaign of 2009 is etched in history as is every

stride of Zenyatta’s storied 19-for-20 career. And the

era of the female was not interrupted during the sea-

son just completed.

Havre de Grace is favored to be the third consecu-

tive female Horse of theYear and will remain in train-

ing for the 2012 season. The most exciting 2-year-old

of 2011 is arguably MyMissAurelia, undefeated win-

ner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and the cer-

tain divisional champion.

And just as the curtain was drawn on 2011, Awe-

some Feather reappeared in the Gazelle Stakes two

days after Thanksgiving atAqueduct, the final Grade 1

race of the year in New York, with a show-stopping

performance that proclaimed loudly: “I’m back!”

The Florida-bred 3-year-old had raced only once

since she won the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at

Churchill Downs, a convincing victory that secured a

divisional championship, that in an overnight stakes at

Belmont Park a month before Breeders’ Cup Day and

stepped directly into Grade 1 company in the 9-fur-

long, $250,000 Gazelle, an unmistakable statement of

confidence by trainer Chad Brown, whose faith was

abundantly rewarded.

The elegantAwesome Feather is a study in both per-

fection and patience. Her Breeders’ Cup victory fol-

lowed domination of the 2010 Florida Stallion Stakes

and the daughter of Awesome of Course and the Gone

West mare Precious Feather was subsequently sold at

the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale, the gavel

falling on a final bid of $2.3 million made by Frank

Stronach, who stands the filly’s grandsire, Breeders’

Cup Classic winnerAwesomeAgain, atAdena Springs

in Kentucky. Stronach would wait almost a year to see

the filly go to the post beneath his colors, however,

after Awesome Feather was diagnosed with a tendon

injury in a foreleg.

The Le Slew Stakes at Belmont, the race chosen for

her return, was little more than a $60,000 workout but

the Gazelle, while not exactly a Breeders’ Cup- qual-

ity contest, was no soft spot.Yet,Awesome Feather won

with unmitigated authority, effortlessly drawing away

with a late flourish to a 5 ¼-length advantage in the

final furlong and is now undefeated in eight career

starts. She left the impression that had she not missed

most of her 3-year-old season,Awesome Feather’s pro-

file would be much higher than it is at the moment.

She has never been worse than second at the eighth

pole and only once finished with another filly within

two lengths at the wire. She has won races at Calder,

Churchill Downs, Belmont Park andAqueduct and has

clearly demonstrated that she is the kind who domi-

nates a field and at the same time leaves the impression

that there is much she has yet to reveal. Had fortune

smiled upon this filly she may by now have been a su-

perstar. Under the circumstances, she is worth the wait.

Genuine stardom, barring the unforeseen, appears

to be within Awesome Feather’s reach and she could

well be the next big thing in the current era of female

dominance. There is a mystique that accompanies per-

fection and Awesome Feather has yet to encounter a

close call. She may, given the opportunity, prove her-

self to be as good as the older filly who is the antici-

pated Horse of the Year. The prospect of a Havre de

Grace versus Awesome Feather at some point of 2012

is indeed exciting even if the anticipation is at this

point premature.

“You just never know, with everything she has been

through, what’s going to happen,” said Brown after the

Gazelle. “She’s a super talented horse.”

The trainer leans toward understatement. The filly,

when turned loose and in full stride, does not.

PLAYER’S PAGE

by Paul Moran

Genuine stardom, barring the unforeseen, appears to

be within Awesome Feather’s reach and she could well be

the next big thing in the current era of female dominance.

StardomWithinReach

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December 2011 Florida Horse

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