A son of little-known sire, Who's Snow Trouble debuts in Kentucky Juvenile
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Because hope springs eternal with Thoroughbreds, it’s fitting that the first North American 2-year-old stakes of the year takes place the week of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. And hope is what it’s all about for Who’s Snow Trouble, a bargain-priced gray colt by an obscure sire who will debut for an enthusiastic partnership in Thursday’s $200,000 Kentucky Juvenile.
“Watching him debut at any track would be a thrill, but to have him running Derby week, and the first horse in training I’ve ever owned, will be such a thrill,” said Jill Gordon, who co-bred and co-owns the colt. “Who knew it would take a son of a stallion I had never heard of – and few others have – to make my foray into racehorse ownership?”
The Kentucky Juvenile drew six entries, but is expected to go with five or fewer starters. Hibernacle, who would have been among the favorites off a Keeneland debut victory, was sold at the Keeneland April horses of racing age sale on Sunday evening and is expected to scratch. Lil Anthony, another first-time starter, is cross-entered in a Wednesday maiden race.
The scratch of Hibernacle would leave Youalmosthadme likely favored as the only other winner in the lineup. The others in the race are Lou’s Legacy and Tranche, both off the board in their debut, and the debuting Lil Anthony.
In 2020, Gordon and her former employer Claiborne Farm purchased the mare Little Hidden Gem, carrying Who’s Snow Trouble. The mare was a half-sister to Jackie’s Warrior, a Grade 1 winner at 2, 3, and 4. But the foal the mare was carrying was by an obscure stallion, the winning Tapit horse Snow Trouble, who entered stud in 2018.
After briefly standing in Arkansas and New Mexico, Snow Trouble settled at Foggy Bottom Farm in Geneseo, N.Y., for a fee of $500 in 2023. He has one starter from 10 foals of racing age, including five current juveniles.
“From the day he was born, he’s always been straightforward and uncomplicated,” Gordon said of Who’s Snow Trouble, whose sire’s obscurity inspired his name. “He’s got the best attitude and is always eager to go to work and do his job.”
Who’s Snow Trouble was offered as a weanling via the Claiborne consignment at the 2021 Keeneland November breeding stock sale, but failed to meet his reserve with a high bid of $17,000. Gordon and business partner Jacob West offered him with their Highgate Sales at the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale, and this time he sold, for $27,000 to trainer John Ennis. Gordon and Ted Campion, who had come in to partner with her, both told Ennis they wanted to stay in. The ownership line now includes Ennis, Allen Greathouse, Selima Holdings, Gordon’s Antrim Bloodstock, and Campion’s Dundrum Farm.
Ennis trains Who’s Snow Trouble, who has Luis Saez named to ride Thursday. Who’s Snow Trouble has turned in three recent works at Keeneland preparing for the Kentucky Juvenile.
“Since being with John he hasn’t missed a beat,” Gordon said.
Youalmosthadme was an 8 1/2-length Keeneland debut winner on April 19 with Tyler Gaffalione in the irons for trainer John Hancock. The filly was privately sold following that effort, and will make her stakes debut Thursday for Brad Cox. Gaffalione retains the mount.
Lou’s Legacy was fourth in an April 13 Keeneland maiden race for Hugo Andrade. Luis Mendez trains both Lil Anthony and Tranche. Tranche was seventh on April 7 at Keeneland in his only start. He fired a bullet three-furlong work April 29.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.