Perennial leading sire Tapit's stud fee rose to $300,000 at Gainesway Farm in 2015, making him the most expensive stallion in North America. The first foals conceived on that fee are juveniles of 2018, and Tapit recorded his fourth winner from this crop when Nitrous posted an impressive maiden victory on the first Saturday card of the Saratoga meet.
Brill was a seven-figure purchase as a yearling last summer, and indicated that she is prepared to live up to high expectations with an impressive debut victory on opening day at Del Mar.
Into Mischief was among the leading juvenile sires of 2017 by a number of measures, and is again establishing a stellar season with his young runners, standing out on both coasts as Del Mar and Saratoga opened their boutique summer meetings over the past week.
Lady Aurelia, champion 2-year-old in Europe for 2016, has been retired from racing, leaving trainer Wesley Ward’s barn at Keeneland late Wednesday morning to begin life as a broodmare at Stonestreet Farm.
Honour and Glory, a Grade 1 winner by Relaunch who has stood the last five years in Uruguay, died on Tuesday at Haras Rapetti stud farm in Uruguay after fracturing his femur, according to South American news reports.
Sparkman: Elate carries banner for private breeders
Sparkman: Man o' War line coming to an end
Multiple Grade 1 winner Oscar Performance will retire to his birthplace, Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Ky., at the end of this racing season to begin his stud career in 2019.
Queen's Plate heroine Wonder Gadot added another feather to sire Medaglia d'Oro's cap, and her classic victory did so in fitting style. Not only is she the latest standout filly for the Darley stallion, but she also displays his hallmark versatility.
The turn of the calendar to July means the rapid approach of the boutique summer meetings at Del Mar and Saratoga, which annually unveil some of the nation's best-bred 2-year-olds. This year, a half-sister to a Triple Crown winner will be based at each track, adding extra anticipation.
