Harness: Deo Volente Farms announces Captain Optimistic stud fee and syndication terms
Deo Volente Farms is pleased to announce that Captain Optimistic will stand for a stud fee of $5,000 in 2026 in New Jersey.
Shares are available for $20,000 with terms of 4 payments at $5,000 each or discounted to $17,500 if the share is paid up front. Shareholders will share in proceeds of frozen semen sales on a net, pro-rata basis.
For the 1st 4 years (2026, 2027, 2028, 2029), the first 40 purchasers of shares will be entitled to breed 2 for 1. The first live foal will be applied to the share and if there is a 2nd live foal, the stud fee is payable at the advertised rate.
Captain Optimistic will be the first son of Captaintreacherous to stand in New Jersey and is extremely well bred on both his paternal and maternal lines. He is out of the stakes-winning mare Cinamony (by Art Official), who has a mark of 1:49 3/5, earnings of $532,404, and is the sister to $1.5 million-winning Fear The Dragon. Cinamony's 2nd dam is Mattaroni, P, 3, 1:52 3/5, $744,481.
Throughout his racing career, Captain Optimistic campaigned at the highest levels and produced multiple, eye-catching performances. He has a 2-year-old mark of 1:49, carrying that speed into a 3-year-old mark of 1:48 and earnings of $939,790.
In 2024, at 2, he won the New Jersey Classic Final in 1:50 1/5 (a personal best at the time); set a track record mile of 1:49 in a Breeders Crown elimination at The Meadowlands; and captured the prestigious Governor's Cup in a sharp 1:49 3/5 mile, securing half of the $382,200 purse.
In 2025, he won a leg of the 3-year-old Triple Crown (Cane Pace) in 1:48 1/5 and the 3-year-old Bluegrass stake in 1:48.
Captain Optimistic's arrival at Deo Volente Farms dovetails with upcoming racing incentives designed to bolster New Jersey-sired horses. Beginning in 2026, the New Jersey Sire Stakes Board will launch a Silver Series, adding to the existing Platinum (formerly Premier) Series, to expand racing opportunities for NJ-sired 2- and 3-year-olds.
“Deo Volente Farms is very excited to add a stallion of Captain Optimistic’s caliber to our New Jersey pacing stallion ranks. The New Jersey program is getting stronger and stronger, and we are confident that Jeff Gural will be successful in his pursuit of a casino at the Meadowlands. Now is the time to breed in New Jersey and purchase New Jersey sired and bred horses,” said Mike Gulotta, CEO of Deo Volente Farms.
For more information about Captain Optimistic’s stallion career, contact Linda Petrenko, Deo Volente Farms at (908) 782-4848 or email linda@deovolentefarms.com.
-edited release (Deo Volente Farms)