Winchell Thoroughbreds signs for $625K half-brother to Derby winner Mine That Bird

Winchell Thoroughbreds and trainer Steve Asmussen have found great success together, with runners such as champion Untapable and, in partnership with Three Chimneys, multiple Grade 1 winner Gun Runner. But neither Winchell Thoroughbreds nor Asmussen has yet achieved the dream of a Kentucky Derby victory.

As they continue to chase that goal, the Winchells went to $625,000 at Keeneland September to acquire a Medaglia d’Oro-Mining My Own colt who is, appropriately, a half-brother to a Kentucky Derby winner. He will eventually join Asmussen’s barn.

“Obviously, he comes from a nice mare with a nice family, and his physical is good,” Ron Winchell said after signing the ticket. “The classics, obviously, will be hoped for, and that’s one reason we’re looking here.”

The first foal for Mining My Own, an unraced daughter of Smart Strike, was Mine That Bird, a Canadian champion juvenile who went on to upset the Derby, finish second in the Preakness to champion Rachel Alexandra, and run third in the Belmont. Three years later, the mare produced Dullahan, a Grade 1 winner at 2 who went on to win the Blue Grass Stakes the following spring before defeating older horses in the Pacific Classic. He was also third in the Derby.

Mining My Own’s two Grade 1 winners both are from the Unbridled line. In keeping with that theme, the mare delivered a Pioneerof the Nile colt this year, and was bred back to that sire for 2018.