Gun Runner and Arrogate were later-blooming, distance-loving runners who were both expected to sire classic-type horses. Both will be represented with first-crop fillies in Friday's Kentucky Oaks – but the two arrived at the classic via different paths.
The unwavering belief in the long game has brought former Kentucky Gov. Brereton C. Jones, 82, to the brink of breeding a Kentucky Derby winner, at last. Not only was Zandon – one of the Derby favorites off his win in the Blue Grass Stakes – bred, foaled, and raised at Airdrie, so too was Derby hopeful Summer Is Tomorrow. Both are by young farm stallions in Upstart and Summer Front, respectively.
Multiple Grade 1 winner Dortmund died of a bowel torsion on April 18 while at stud in Korea, Great Hill Farm of Jeju posted on its Instagram page.
2022 Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Zandon
The broodmare Lady Samuri has established herself as one of the most noteworthy in production through the first third of 2022. The mare, owned by Stonestreet Farm, is the dam of a pair of stakes winners this season in Last Samurai, winner of the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap over the weekend, and Candy Raid, winner of the Bourbonette Oaks.
A.P. Indy and Curlin are among the most successful sires in the modern history of the American classics, and the two have proven a potent pedigree combination. Last year's Kentucky Oaks heroine, Malathaat, was produced by crossing Curlin over an A.P. Indy mare. Nest, who will attempt to win the Oaks next week, is bred on the same cross.
Indian Miss, the dam of 2019 Eclipse Award champion Mitole and classic-placed Grade 1 winner Hot Rod Charlie, has been honored as Kentucky's Broodmare of the Year.
The young stallion Not This Time has enjoyed a stellar spring with his runners. His leading 3-year-old is Louisiana Derby winner Epicenter, who will be among the favorites in the Kentucky Derby in less than three weeks.
A precious few each year get to say they bred a Kentucky Derby runner. With thousands of Thoroughbreds born each year, it's a longshot – especially for smaller programs outside of Kentucky that raise a relative handful of foals. But for Ohio-based Bruce Ryan, who bred Santa Anita Derby winner Taiba, it's a longshot that he's around to enjoy this spring at all.
Fillies by Street Boss and War Front held the fastest times at their respective breeze distances as the weeklong under-tack preview show for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s spring sale of 2-year-olds in training concluded Saturday.
