Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Stronghold

Stronghold

Colt by Ghostzapper – Spectator, by Jimmy Creed

Bred in Kentucky by Eric and Sharon Waller

On the final day of major prep-point action, Stronghold secured his spot in the Kentucky Derby with a hard-fought victory in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. The colt, who previously won the Grade 3 Sunland Derby, comes from a multi-generation homebred program.

Stronghold’s first three dams – Spectator, Diva’s Tribute, and Swiss Diva – were bred by the Wallers after they purchased the colt’s fourth dam, One Stop. Spectator won the Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes and was third in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante as a juvenile. The following spring, she was second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks to eventual champion Midnight Bisou. Stronghold is the only foal out of Spectator, who died from foaling complications.

Unraced Diva’s Tribute produced five winners from six foals, including stakes-placed sprinter Policy. Swiss Diva was a Grade 3-placed stakes winner sprinting, and One Stop, who won at up to 1 1/16 miles, was stakes-placed.

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p>Ghostzapper is by Awesome Again, sire of Preakness Stakes winner Oxbow and Belmont Stakes winner Sir Winston. Ghostzapper followed in his sire’s footsteps by winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic and also has followed him as a source of stamina.

To be fair, Ghostzapper has fashioned an eclectic career. His runners include Eclipse Award champion female sprinters Goodnight Olive and Judy the Beauty, and a number of top-level turf runners.

He also is the sire of Canadian classic winner and champion Shaman Ghost, a multiple Grade 1 winner around two turns on dirt; fellow Queen’s Plate winners and Canadian champions Holy Helena and Moira; and Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide.

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