Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Bourbonic

Bourbonic

Bernardini - Dancing Afleet, by Afleet Alex

Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm

The biggest upset during this Kentucky Derby prep season was recorded by Bourbonic, who triggered a $146.50 return when he rallied to win the Wood Memorial. Approaching the Derby, he is likely to again be double-digit odds. However, what wouldn’t be an upset is continued success for the A.P. Indy sireline in classic events.

The late Hall of Famer A.P. Indy, winner of the 1992 Belmont Stakes during his championship campaign, went on to sire a pair of American classic winners in 2006 Preakness Stakes winner Bernardini and 2007 Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches, both Eclipse Award champions. Moreover, A.P. Indy proved to be a prolific sire of sires, and his sons and grandsons have continued to be influences in classic events. The representation includes 2013 Derby winner Orb, by A.P. Indy’s son Malibu Moon; 2014 Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome, by A.P. Indy’s grandson Lucky Pulpit; Belmont winners Tonalist, Creator, and Tapwrit, all by A.P. Indy’s grandson Tapit; and Belmont winner Tiz the Law, by Tapit’s son Constitution.

The sireline appears likely to be well represented in this Derby. Unbeaten juvenile champion and race favorite Essential Quality is by Tapit, and longshot Hidden Stash is by Constitution. Dialed In, by A.P. Indy’s champion son Mineshaft, is represented by Arkansas Derby winner Super Stock and Get Her Number.

The top runners sired by Bernardini include multiple Grade 1 winner Stay Thirsty, who was second in the 2011 Belmont, and additional multiple Grade 1 winners in the U.S. in Alpha, Cavorting, and To Honor and Serve.

Bourbonic’s dam, Dancing Afleet, won the Grade 2 Delaware Oaks. She is also the dam of multiple graded/group stakes-placed Avant Garde.

–Nicole Russo