First-crop sires well represented in Derby, Oaks

Bodemeister and Union Rags were major factors on the 2012 Triple Crown trail, and five years later, both are expected to have starters from their first crops in the Kentucky Derby.

Bodemeister, who finished third on last year’s freshman sire list for WinStar Farm, won the Arkansas Derby before finishing a hard-fought second to I’ll Have Another in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. His first crop is highlighted by Always Dreaming, expected to be among the favorites in the Kentucky Derby after a five-length romp in the Florida Derby.

Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags, meanwhile, is the sire of Louisiana Derby runner-up Patch. The Lane’s End stallion is also expected to be well represented in the Kentucky Oaks. He is the sire of runaway Santa Anita Oaks winner Paradise Woods, a strong favorite for the filly classic, and Gulfstream Park Oaks runner-up Tequilita.

Dialed In outdueled Union Rags for last year’s freshman sire title, and the Darby Dan stallion has Fountain of Youth winner Gunnevera, most recently third in the Florida Derby, in the run for the roses.

Also expected to be represented in the Derby are juvenile champion Hansen, with Spiral Stakes winner Fast and Accurate from his lone U.S. crop, and multiple Grade 1 winner To Honor and Serve, the sire of Florida Derby runner-up State of Honor.