Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Cupid

Cupid

Tapit – Pretty ‘n Smart, by Beau Genius

($900,000 purchase by M.V. Magnier at 2014 Keeneland September yearling sale)

Cupid is one of the best-bred 3-year-olds of this class, as evidenced by his purchase price as a yearling. However, the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes winner, who is likely to be favored in the Arkansas Derby on Saturday, has also been outrunning some aspects of his pedigree. Both of the colt’s victories have come at 1 1/16 miles even though he hails from a female family slanted heavily toward speed.

:: DERBY WATCH: Top 20 list | Derby Watch: True to his nature, Lukas accentuates positive over pain

Cupid is out of the Grade 3-placed Beau Genius mare Pretty ‘n Smart, who never won beyond 6 1/2 furlongs. She has fashioned a stellar broodmare career with eight winners from as many starters, including four stakes winners. In addition to Grade 2 winner Cupid, her most prominent offspring are Grade 3 winners Ashley’s Kitty and Heart Ashley and stakes winner Indianapolis. Her foals have followed in her footsteps by excelling at shorter distances. Just three of her runners – including Cupid and his full brother Dream Team – have won at a mile or beyond. Ashley’s Kitty and Heart Ashley’s maximum winning distance was seven furlongs.

Pretty ‘n Smart is a half-sister to Hostess, a Grade 3 winner at route distances, albeit on turf.

:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays

Cupid is by Tapit, who is, of course, North America’s two-time reigning leading sire. The stallion, who has never sired a Derby winner, is also likely to have multiple Grade 2 winner Mohaymen and Group 2 U.A.E. Derby winner Lani in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. He is represented by Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist and Kentucky Oaks winner and champion Untapable.