Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Gormley

Gormley

Malibu Moon–Race to Urga, by Bernstein

(Bred in Kentucky by Castleton Lyons and Kilboy Estate; $150,000 buyback at 2015 Keeneland September yearling sale; private purchase by Jerry and Ann Moss)

The pedigree question with Gormley was never how far he would run or how good his genetics suggested he could be but rather what surface he would prefer. The colt’s female family is laden with class and stamina but has found the majority of its success on turf. However, with proven classic sire Malibu Moon on top of the page to provide both dirt ability and additional stamina, Gormley has found his footing as one of California’s leading Kentucky Derby contenders, winning a pair of graded stakes at route distances on dirt.

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Gormley is the first foal out of the Bernstein mare Race to Urga, who scored all her victories at 1 1/16 miles on turf, including the Wait a While Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Race to Urga is out of the Kingmambo mare Miss Mambo, who was third in the French 1000 Guineas.

Gormley’s third dam is the champion Estrapade, whose five Grade 1 victories included the Arlington Million. She also was third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Estrapade’s foals included Rice, who set or equaled course records at the Meadowlands and Gulfstream for 1 3/8 miles. Estrapade is a half-sister to 1990 Horse of the Year Criminal Type and to Italian Group 1 winner Isopach. Criminal Type is the most accomplished dirt runner in this family, with victories in the Pimlico Special, Hollywood Gold Cup, Whitney Handicap, and Metropolitan Handicap.

Gormley is the third Grade 1-winning colt or gelding by Malibu Moon, joining 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb and juvenile champion Declan’s Moon. Malibu Moon is known as an outstanding filly sire and is alive on this year’s Kentucky Oaks trail with two-time Grade 2 stakes winner Farrell. His Grade 1-winning daughters include Ask the Moon, Carina Mia, Devil May Care, Eden’s Moon, Funny Moon, Life At Ten, Malibu Mint, and Malibu Prayer. Most of those posted their signature victories at a mile or longer.