Derby Fever under the Florida Sun

The field is set for the 56th running of the Florida Derby (G1). I started this series of articles leading to this race with 149 horses, I've watched each prep race, hoping my favorites would make the race. Wondering if and hoping Breeder's Cup Juvenile (G1) Champion Street Sense would make a start in the race. So many stories so many talented horses. Now two months after starting this journey I am ready and the field is set for the Florida Derby.

Stories are in play with this years race - California's shippers, Michael Matz goes from hot horse to who is that horse, Scat Daddy still trying to prove to the racing community that he is a horse to be reckoned with, and is Bird truly the word. All eyes are focused on that $1,000,000 dollar prize. Time is running out for preps for the Kentucky Derby, this race may be the last prep for some contenders, and may be the second to last hope for others. Sadly we won't get to see Nobiz Like Shobiz, Street Sense, or Circular Quay. We have a talented and exciting field nonetheless.

The field for the 56th running of the Florida Derby includes: Post Position order

1.) Notional - By In Excess (IRE) - Truly Blessed by French Deputy: Continue his cross country assault on Kentucky Derby preps, following wins in California, and Louisiana, is Florida his next conquest on his way to Churchill Downs. He has the pedigree being by In Excess (IRE) who could run at any distance it seemed. As a sire In Excess always seems to have a quality individual making some sort of noise in some division, this year it is Notional. In Excess is already a classic type sire, siring Indian Charlie who ran a credible third in the 1998 running of the classic. Notional is out of Truly Blessed a daughter of leading sire French Deputy a son of Deputy Minister has had his best success at stud with Sprinter/Milers including champion Left Bank who did win the G1 Whitney H.at 9 furlongs. Truly Blessed's broodmare sire is the great sire Exclusive Native who is no stranger to Kentucky Derby success. Lets think real quick on his success with Genuine Risk, Triple Crown winner Affirmed, and Our Native. Distance not a question with this pedigree, if he wins the Florida Derby look out, this horse will be tough as nails in the Kentucky Derby. OWNED BY: J. Paul Reddam, TRAINER: Doug O'Neill JOCKEY: Robbie Albarado

2.) Imawildandcrazyguy - By: Wild Event - Frosty Cupcake by Top Account: This talented 2 year old ran a credible second to Notional in the Risen Star Stakes G3. This colt is breed to cover a distance of ground, my guess would be that he may find more success on the turf, but his form on dirt is good nonetheless. The Gray or roan is a son of G1 Turf star Wild Event. A half brother to other successful turf horses like Paradise Creek, and Forbidden Apple he obviously had speed to win a 7 furlong race, and the stamina to win a mile and a half race. Imawildandcrazyguy is Florida breed thru and thru. Second dam Din's Darling is a half sister to G1 Placed Din's Dancer who could also cover a distance of ground. Frosty Cupcake is a daughter of former Florida stallion Top Account. Top Account won the Grade 2 King's Bishop at three, it is obvious that Top Account is going to give Imawildandcrazyguy a dose of speed that his distance loving sire and second dam could possibly need. My thinking is that this colt has the recipe for a classic type horse. Distance not a question just feel his best potential finish in this race is a 4th or 5th if the top horses really fire.
OWNED BY: Lewis Pell, and Michael Eigner TRAINED: Todd Pletcher JOCKEY: Rafael Bejerano

3.) Scat Daddy: By Johannesburg - Love Style by Mr. Prospector: As I mentioned before Scat Daddy is just like he was as a two year old, being forgotten. WHY???? Grade 1 winner at two of the Champaign Stakes, this horse was given the hypothetical finger when he was left off of the Eclipse Award ballot as Champion Two Year Old. The winner of the G2 Fountain of Youth , has been as a three year old forgotten, ranking a low number seven on Haskin's Derby Dozen. He has done as much if not more than a lot of those ahead of him. Pedigree wise he is from the first crop of the talented race horse Johannesburg who is as much on fire with his three year olds as he was with two year olds. He is out of the Mr. Prospector daughter Love Style who was unraced. Scat Daddy is by far her best foal, she is also the dam of a non winner Lo Styliste. Her dam is the G1 winner Likeable Style by Nijinsky II. When asked about Scat Daddy's ability to go 2 turns. Owner James Scatuorchio said, "Even when he was a youngster, we thought he would go two turns. A lot of people looked at his pedigree and thought he was more of a sprint type, but Todd and J.J. never thought that. He's got a long stride to him and he's just a very, very, good racehorse. He definatley deserves to be a derby contender." I look for him to be ready for this one, like his owner said he is a racehorse.
OWNED: James T. Scatuorchio and Michael B. Tabor TRAINER: Todd Pletcher JOCKEY: Edgar Prado

4.) Adore The Gold: By Formal Gold - Amore E Bacci by Dixieland Band: Swale Stakes (G2) winner Adore The Gold is a handsome well made son of Formal Gold who in most cases is best remembered for defeating super horse Skip Away in the Woodward Stakes (G1), Donn H. (G1), and Phillip H. Iselin H. (G2) in which he set a NTR of 1:40 1/5. Formal Gold has been a successful sire not really having a knock out horse, maybe Adore the Gold is that horse, that will make both of them a household name. It appears that Formal Gold is a sire of sprinter-miler type horses, but I think that with Dixieland Band as a broodmare sire maybe just maybe he will be able to go the classic distance. Interesting pedigree note is that second dam Love and Affection is the dam of Yellowstone, a son of Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) who is being pointed to the European classics. Should be able to handle the distance, not sure what direction he is headed after the Fountain of Youth (G2), if he gets an uncontested lead he may hang in there. OWNED: John D. Murphy TRAINED: Mike Gorham JOCKEY: Cornelio Valasquez

5.) Stormello: By Stormy Atlantic - Wilshewed by Carson City: The beautiful and talented Stormello will turn 3 on Florida Derby day. It would be a wonderful birthday present for all included. The chestnut son of Stormy Atlantic on looking at his pedigree alone appears to be outrunning his pedigree. Stormy Atlantic never won at more than 6 furlongs, and as a sire it appears he has had more success with horses in the 6 furlong range. However he is the sire of Atlantic Ocean, who did in fact win at 9 furlongs, as well as Icy Atlantic who also has won at 9 furlongs. Wilshewed is a daughter of leading sire Carson City. Carson City as a sire is probably best remembered as a sire of Sprinters and early two year olds. However he is the broodmare sire of the immortal BARBARO (G1).

Barbaro (right) shown winning last year's Florida Derby


While Stormello's female family is full of decent black type runners he is by far the class of the family in recent times, the only other really outstanding horse to come from the female family is G1 winner Marlin. I think he will continue to outrun his pedigree. I hate even writing that, but on paper it appears that he would be a sprinter-miler type, however he is a good horse. I think he will try very hard to repeat his performance in the Fountain of Youth (G2), however he is out to win. OWNED: William L. Currin & Alvin Eisman TRAINER: William Currin JOCKEY: Victor Espinoza

6.) Chelokee: By Cherokee Run - Dixie Ghost by Silver Ghost: On looks alone this colt has everyone defeated. He is very talented with 5 starts 2 wins 2 second and 2 third. By Sprint Superstar Cherokee Run who interesting enough finished second in the Preakness Stakes, has been a great sire however looking at his best foals they seem to be in the 6.5 furlong to 7.5 furlong range. However I feel this is a moot point with this talented colt. Dixie Ghost was a G3 winner of the Just A Game Breeders Cup H., as well as G2 placed in the Long Island H. She is the dam of Mymich, who as a two year old was 3rd in the Schylerville S.(G3) and has earned over $250,000. This is another colt that has the combination of speed with stamina that I think could go ahead and win any of the classic races. I expect him to be a little green in the Florida Derby, however he will have a nice pace to run at, and could potentially do quite well. And maybe bring good memories of Barbaro's win in this race last year.
OWNED: Centennial Farms TRAINED: Michael Matz JOCKEY: Ramon Dominguez

7.) Boogie Boggs: By Dixie Union - Smokey Mirage by Holy Bull: Okay, in all honesty I don't know much about this horse. He is a son of the highly regarded stallion Dixie Union, a son of Dixieland Band. Dixie Union won the Haskell Invitation H. (G1) at three over captain Steve and Milwaukee Brew, that race at 9 furlongs was his most important win, however his win in the Malibu Stakes (G1) was his best win. As a sire he is showing the ability to produce horses who can go up to an above 8 furlongs. Boogie Boggs is out of the Holy Bull mare Smokey Mirage. A winner of $78,970, Smokey Mirage is a half sister to Florida Derby winner High Fly $927,300, Estimraar $580,00, and Velvet Rope $258,447. Don't know if he is ready for this kind of race, however he has the pedigree to handle the distance. I don't think he is going to be anything but a interesting side note in the race. OWNED: My Meadowview Farms TRAINED: Nick Zito JOCKEY: Joe Bravo

8.) Johannesburg Star: By: Johannesburg - Gammy's Alden by John Alden: Ran last in the Fountain of Youth (G2), not sure if he is able to go with this crowd. I would put some of the new shooters ahead of him. Pedigree is interesting, but in all honesty I'm not sure he really belongs here. And not sure how to interpret his pedigree. I don't know what to expect from him, possibly he will improve off the Fountain of Youth defeat. However I don't place him too high. OWNED: Bisnath Parbod TRAINED: Colin Maragh JOCKEY: R Maragh

9.) Birdbirdistheword: By Pure Prize - Berchta by Rocky Mountain: Florida bred Birdbirdistheword gets to race in his home state's biggest race. After a week or so of speculation is he going to the Blue Grass (G1) the decision was made. If you ask my honest opinion Birdbirdistheword is in this race. I think that if he was to go to the Blue Grass he is going to meet up with all the top three year olds, Street Sense, Circular Quay, etc. I think they are trying to insure that if it comes to graded earnings to get into the derby field he will have enough. I think between the two races the Florida Derby shapes up as an easier race for him to finish on the board. I like this horse, he is got a intriguing pedigree. It in a way represents Florida's blue collar bloodlines thru his mother, crossed with Kentucky's blue blooded pedigrees. Distance should not be a problem. Has the ability to win this race if he is good enough. OWNED: Raymond Cottrell Sr. TRAINED: Ken McPeek JOCKEY Manoel Cruz

I see the 56th running of the Florida Derby is going to be a good test for our top horses Scat Daddy, Stormello, Notional, and Birdbirdistheword. I hope that you will take the time to watch live streaming coverage of the race at 5:15 PM on NBCSports.com. I have to say I enjoyed my first foray as a "writer". A lot of studying and research went into this. As a Florida breeder I am going to root for the home team with Birdbirdistheword, Chelokee, and Imawildandcrazyguy, however Scat Daddy, Notional and Stormello have a lot riding on this race.

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The Florida Derby is called "The Run for the Orchids". 2001 winner Monarchos seems to enjoy their scent.



Daniel Lewis is currently an assistant to FrancisVanlangendonck of Summerfield Sales. Daniel has worked with such superstar racehorses as champion Silver Charm, champion Real Quiet, champion Xtra Heat, Lion Heart, Appealing Zophie, D'Wildcat, all G1 winners, and many more. Daniel is owner/operator of Icon Bloodstock Agency. He has bred many Quarter Horse, Paint and Thoroughbred horses.

"My clients deserve an agent who focuses on honesty and integrity."

Hialeah's Historic Flamingo

Hialeah's Flamingo Stakes was once the premier Kentucky Derby prep of the Florida season. It produced twelve dual winners, starting with Lawrin in 1938 and continuing through 1979, when Spectacular Bid won both races.

Other notable winners which did not go on to victory at Churchill Downs, but who were influential in other ways include Black Helen in 1935 (when the race was called the Florida Derby), Olympia in 1949, Nashua in 1956, Bold Ruler in 1957, Never Bend in 1963, and Alydar in 1978.

The 1985 winner was Chief's Crown (originally disqualified but reinstated on appeal). The final running in 2001 went to Thunder Blitz.

Hialeah's operator Eugene Mori was a great promoter, and even had a beverage concocted to honor the race.



The Flamingo cocktail
A Blend of Coconut & Pineapple Juice, Grenadine & Rum
Pour over crushed ice and garnish with pineapple chunk and cherry.
* Many recipes say Apricot Brandy, Gin, Lime juice and Grenadine, but the above is taken from a Hialeah Flamingo Cocktail glass.

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Here are the winners of the Flamingo Stakes who also won the Kentucky Derby.

1938 - Lawrin
1948 - Citation
1954 - Turn-To
1956 - Needles
1958 - Tim Tam
1961 - Carry Back
1964 - Northern Dancer
1966 - Buckpasser
1975 - Foolish Pleasure
1976 - Honest Pleasure
1977 - Seattle Slew
1979 - Spectacular Bid

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Spectacular Bid also won the Florida Derby of 1979

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FLORIDA DERBY FIELD TAKES SHAPE

In a matter of weeks Florida will roll out the red carpet for the top three year olds headed to the Kentucky Derby-G1. The Florida Derby G1 has been the starting point to Derby success of a great many of great racehorses. Top horses to win both Derbies include: The first Florida breed to capture the Kentucky Derby G1, Needles, Tim Tam, Carry Back, Northern Dancer, Forward Pass, Spectacular Bid, Swale, Unbridled, Thunder Gulch and most recently Monarchos.

So far there has not really been a true standout to shine under the Florida sunshine. With the best three year olds switching wins around left and right, and 2 year old champion Street Sense still not making his 3 year old debut, the likelihood of seeing him in the Florida Derby becomes slimmer and slimmer. Street Sense was to make his three year old debut in the Tampa Bay Derby, hopefully we will get to see him, looks like the jinx will continue for another year.

At this time March 11, 2007, three Saturdays away from the Florida Derby G1, the likely field for the Derby could potentially include the following horses:

* STREET SENSE- DKB/BR COLT By Street Cry (IRE) - Bedazzle by Dixieland Band; Off Juvenile score this colt should love all of the triple crown races. However the lack of a race as of March 10, is sort of troublesome, however if anyone can get a horse to the Kentucky Derby G1, It would be Carl Nafzger. The colt is definitely bred to go the distance, and his 2nd dam's 1/2 brother, leading sire Mr. Greeley, has shown an ability to throw distance capable runners. Has the talent, the pedigree, the looks to be a derby champion. Lets just hope he will have the conditioning to get the job done that first Saturday in May. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL, not sure this race is in his cards anymore, we will have to wait and see.

* CIRCULAR QUAY - CH COLT By Thunder Gulch-Circle of Life by Belong To Me; Has the pedigree by a Derby champion and out of a Grade 1 winning filly, this colt looks like a horse sitting on a big race. He has the talent, has the ability and obviously is going to go the distance. This colt is entered in the Louisiana Derby G1. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: the possibility for him to run in the Florida Derby seems to be slim, but he may make an appearance.


* SCAT DADDY - DKB/BR COLT By Johannesburg-Love Style by Mr. Prospector; Scat Daddy showed new a new dimension in the G2 Fountain of Youth, instead of going to the lead he sat back, and waited, and won in a perfectly timed run. The colt looks like he is maturing and showing that he is a force to be reckoned with, definitely if all goes well will be a favorite for the Florida Derby G1. A colt that was shunned as a potential 2 year old champion, I think he is out for revenge and will see his name on the champion 3 year old lists. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: He will be there and ready to rumble.

* BIRDBIRDSTHEWORD - DKB/BR COLT By Pure Prize - Berchta by Rocky Mountain; With earnings of $702,100 he has the graded earnings to get into the field for the Florida Derby G1, not sure though what is going on with this handsome colt. He is also a Florida bred so I would have to back him a little. Pedigree wise he has the ability to go the distance, having Alydar, Seeking The Gold, Secretariat, Northern Dancer, etc in his pedigree, I have to say I am confused pedigree wise as to what the future holds for this very nice horse. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: NOT SURE, would love to see him run.

* NOBIZ LIKE SHOBIZ - B COLT By Albert The Great - Nightstorm by Storm Cat; After finishing third in the Fountain of Youth, you wonder what the heck is wrong with this colt. This horse has so much talent and the way he won the Holy Bull G3, you would expect better results. However the fact that the colt ran wide on the turn, ducked in, and acted the fool, I am worried that this colt is just not headed in the right direction, with a trainer like Tagg, you would expect this colt to mature with each race, he seems to be back peddling. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: Should run, but I think they should spend the next few weeks just letting this horse have some time to mature, relax etc.


* KING OF THE ROXY - DKB/BR COLT By Littleexpectations - Marrakesh by Bold Forbes; The Valid Appeal line had recent success when Successful Appeals son Closing Argument ran a good 2nd in the Kentucky Derby G1. It is obviously clear that the King has been sighted, and is looking to claim his throne. All jokes aside, this is a talented colt, a handsome well made colt, that has shown the ability to run in tough races and do his best, however in a way you do wonder about his ability to go a distance of ground, but with broodmares sire Bold Forbes in the mix, maybe, just maybe we can see him in the top three in the Kentucky Derby G1, and he may in fact use his speed and talent to win the Florida Derby as well. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: Should be there if all goes well.

* STORM IN MAY - GR/RO COLT By Tiger Ridge - Laun Shaw by Relaunch; Florida bred Storm In May has run in eleven races, finishing in the money in ten of those races, recently finishing 6th to King of The Roxy. Storm In May is a son of former Florida stallion Tiger Ridge, with his recent deportation to South Africa I would love to see him personally jump up and have a good runner to put his name in the spot light. SIM is a son of the unraced mare Laun Shaw a daughter of leading sire and broodmare sire Relaunch. Laun Shaw is out of the grand mare Shawnee Creek the dam of the decent sire Storm Creek by Storm Cat, recent stakes winners from daughters of Shawnee Creek include G1 placed runner Fircroft (A. P. Indy), Victory Lap, winner of the Lone Star Oak -L, and Grade 1 winner Amadeus Wolf. Kind of an underdog horse, worth watching, he will continue to make a name for himself, has the ability to win on dirt and turf. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: Will be pointing for the race, if it comes down to earnings should get in, again would love to see him enter the gates for this race.

* ADORE THE GOLD - DKB/BR COLT By Formal Gold - Amore E Baci - by Dixieland Band; Swale Stakes G3 winner Adore the Gold ran a tough race in defeat in the Fountain Of Youth, he is ultra talented but is maybe being pushed a little harder than he should be. Pedigree wise he should obviously be okay at all classic distances. We will have to wait and see. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: Probably will go to the race, however my personal opinion is to be patient and maybe go to the Bluegrass, and then the Kentucky Derby G1.

* REATA'S ROCKET (CAN) -CH COLT By Cape Canaveral - Selborne (CAN) by French Deputy; Nice talented horse, would love to see him do good, love his sire, Cape Canaveral, love the way his dam is breed, being by the top stallion French Deputy, however after his fourth place effort in the Hutcheson Stakes G2 it appears he is not exactly in the first or second group of three year olds. If this were my colt, I would point him to the Canadian classics, this colt should dominate other Canadian breds. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: With derby fever all around, they will probably consider the race.

* DRUMS OF THUNDER - CH COLT By Concerto - Parental Uproar by Future Storm; Talented two year old here in Florida, continued to show he is good here in Florida when 2nd in the Holy Bull G3. However is he going to be able to go outside of Florida and run with the top horses, I don't think so. However, this horse will be a solid horse in the state. Pedigree wise, he has the sire Concerto, sire of Bellamy Road, but looking at his pedigree I am not sure what he is capable of. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: I am not sure if he heads this direction.

* OUT OF GWEDDA - CH COLT By Out of Place -Gwedda by Gone West; Love the pedigree of this horse, by the consistent sire Out of Place, who has always seemed to have a top three year old every year with the likes of Fonz's, Certain, Orville N Wilbur's, Meetyouathebrig, and Sort it Out. Looking at Out of Gwedda's pedigree I can say that if he doesn't like distance it will be a surprise. Pedigree looks to like a mile and over. My one concern is just how much heart this horse has, he is talented however his two starts at three he just appears to lacking EFFORT, love his female family going back to the champion filly Quill. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: Not sure if he will go, but would like to see him go for the big races, and put his self out there.

* AIR LORD - B COLT By Stormin Fever - Sunny Mimosa by Sunny North; Ran a good race in his 5th place finish to King of The Roxy. The pedigree of this colt is intriguing, by one of my favorite sons of Storm Cat, Stormin Fever, who is a full brother to the very talented runner Raging Fever, who had the ability and talent to win some tough races at a distance of ground. Stormin Fever was good at about 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 furlongs, however he appears to be able to throw a horse that can sprint, and stay. He is the sire of Grade 1 winners Tarlow on dirt, and Sweet Talker. Air Lord is a half brother to Successful Florida stallion Delaware Township. Delaware Township was good at the sprints, but his sire was a known source of speed. So maybe Stormin Fever will give this son of Sunny Mimosa some more distance to his pedigree. I think this is a colt to watch. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: I say run him, talent pedigree, etc. Would like to see him progress like Sunriver did last season, hope that he can do a heck of a lot better though.

* GREEN VEGAS - B COLT By Trippi - Wa Ka Ridge by Cox's Ridge; Florida's Champion Two Year Old colt, earned an impressive $424,700 while staying in the state of Florida as a TWO YEAR OLD!!!!! His career line is an impressive 9 starts, 3 wins, 2 seconds, and three thirds. By the Sprinter son of End Sweep, Trippi is off to a very solid start at stud. Definitely will continue Ocala Stud's storied career at producing leading sires nationally, joining leading sires of recent years, Montbrook, Concerto, Sweetsouthernsaint, and Notebook. Green Vegas, bred by Ocala Stud, is out of the nice mare Wa Ka Ridge, a daughter of the good stallion Cox's Ridge. This mare has a pedigree that would hopefully add some stamina to Trippi's speed. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: Not sure exactly when or where this horse will show up. Would love to see him in the National Spotlight. And would love to see him repeat as Florida's Champion three year old.

* BLUE'S STREET - DKB/BR COLT By Street Cry (IRE) - Capote Blues by Capote; Okay guys, not exactly sure what the plans are for this colt, however I had to put him on this list because of his earnings of $379,577 so he may be able to draw into the Florida Derby Field, or be among the also eligible list. Also I had to put him here because I am personally attached to this horses female family, I was his dam's groom as a baby, and I was her mother's groom when she was a two year old. And I also have worked with her great mother Gussie's Appeal. I can't say that I am gonna be a very good judge when It comes to this guy, I am honestly rooting for him no matter what. FLORIDA DERBY POTENTIAL: Would love to see him there, would love to see him take the race, but not sure he will make it to the race.

Well, a lot of research has been put into this top 14, maybe these will be the 14 horses to run in the Florida Derby G1. Are we going to see this years Derby champion come from this great race, or maybe from California, is Fountain of Youth G2 second place finisher Stormello going to be nominated to the Florida Derby or is he going to go back and face Ravel in the Santa Anita Derby G1? Those are the questions that are out there. However one can be certain this may be the year of a TRIPLE CROWN! After the sorrow our industry carried last year, wouldn't it be nice to have the excitement of a Triple Crown winner?

Spotlight on Halo's Image

On raw numbers, Halo’s Image has not been an exceptional stallion. As of February 26, 2007, he has 182 winners from the 341 foals in his first seven crops (foals three years old and older in 2007), or 53.3 percent – adequate, but certainly not exceptional. Only thirteen of those foals – 3.8 percent – have become stakes winners, barely more than the breed average of 3.5 percent.

There’s more than mere numbers to define Halo’s Image, however. He may not be the most consistent stallion around, but it is his proven ability to get the big horse that has made him Florida’s leading sire by progeny earnings for 2006, a position he also attained in 2004.

Bred and raced by the partnership of Arthur Appleton and Happy Alter, Halo’s Image scored his biggest wins in the 1994 Tropical Park Handicap (G3) and the 1996 Broward Handicap (G3). Consistent and versatile, he hit the board in 20 of his 26 starts and won stakes at distances from six to nine furlongs. He was nowhere near being a top-class runner, as demonstrated by his non-threatening third in the 1994 Florida Derby (G1) behind Holy Bull, but his record was certainly good enough to merit a chance at stud in a regional market. He stood his first season for $3,500 at Appleton’s Bridlewood Farm in 1998.

Halo’s Image first attracted marked notice in 2003 with Sir Oscar and Southern Image. The former was unbeaten at two, sweeping the Florida Stallion Stakes series, while the latter won the Malibu Stakes (G1) as a late three-year-old in December.

Sir Oscar was unable to follow up on his good juvenile form, winning only one race in eleven starts since then, but Southern Image went on to become one of the best handicap horses of 2004, scoring victories in the 2004 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) and Pimlico Special (G1) before running second over an off track to Colonial Colony in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1).


He eventually retired following the last-named race and now stands at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky.



Southern Image

Both Sir Oscar and Southern Image are out of mares from the Northern Dancer male line, which certainly fits the conventional wisdom that a son of Halo might do well with Northern Dancer-line mares. But since then, Halo’s Image has sired only the minor stakes winner Time to Divorce from a Northern Dancer-line mare. While opportunity may well be a factor – the Northern Dancer sire line is not quite as common in Florida as in Kentucky – other considerations may also be at play.

All strains of Northern Dancer are not created alike, and a key factor to selecting mares from this line that will suit Halo’s Image may well involve his broodmare sire, Valid Appeal. Unlike the Halo line, Valid Appeal and his sons have not been particularly effective with Northern Dancer-line mares as a group, nor have Valid Appeal daughters produced strong results when crossed to Northern Dancer-line sires; in fact, some Northern Dancer branches have produced distinctly negative results. Among the sons of Northern Dancer, Valid Appeal has combined best with Dixieland Band, Danzig, and Nijinsky II – and it may be no coincidence that two of these branches are represented in Southern Image (whose dam is the Dixieland Band mare Pretty Image) and Sir Oscar (whose dam is by Danzig’s son Honor Grades).

As Dixieland Band, Danzig, and Nijinsky II have all combined well with Halo in pedigrees, these would seem to be the best Northern Dancer strains to try in future matings to Halo’s Image. Non-Northern Dancer lines that may also be worth looking for in potential mates for Halo’s Image include Forty Niner (whose son Twining is the broodmare sire of 2006 Canadian Derby (Can-3) winner Halo Steven), Ack Ack, Prince John, Never Bend, and male strains of *Mahmoud; all of these strains have historically done well when combined with Halo or Valid Appeal.

Halo’s Image commanded a fee of $10,000 in 2005 and 2006 but has dropped back to $7,500 for 2007. Even this fee may seem high given his overall results.


Nonetheless, he may be worth the money if careful attention is paid to selecting potential mates with the pedigree factors that appear to have the best chance of working with him.

Halo's Image

Ladies on the lawn

This past Saturday saw two stakes races run on the lawn at Gulfstream Park and featured some better than average turf distaffers in Royal Highness(GER), winner of the $100,000 The Very One Handicap (gr. IIIT), completing the 1 3/8-mile distance in 2:12 3/5, and Audacious Chloe, who handed champion 2-year-old filly of 2006 Dreaming of Anna her first defeat on grass in the $76,500 Gaily Gaily Stakes. The final time for the 1 1/16-mile turf contest was 1:41 3/5.

Royal Highness is a daughter of MONSUN out of Reem Dubai by NASHWAN. Outcrossed thru five generations, she still boasts some powerful linebreeding, having HYPERION 6s x 6S x 8D x 8d x 7d x 9d x 8D x 6D, and NEARCO 6s x 9s x 6D x 8d x 8D x 7D.

Royal Highness, owned by Monceaux Stable, previously competed in France, where she was a group II winner and group I-placed on three occasions. Since her arrival in the USA she has been trained by Christophe Clement, who sent her out in last fall in the Turf Classic Invitational (gr. IT) at Belmont Park, finishing third behind English Channel. She subsequently appeared in the Long Island Handicap (gr. IIT), where she finished second by a half-length behind Safari Queen. Her race record now stands at three wins, five seconds and two shows in 12 starts with earnings of $491,581. She is obviously capable of running with some very good company.

Royal Highness(GER)
winner of Gulfstream Park's
The Very One H.

Audacious Chloe, by MORE THAN READY and out of Audacious by MANILA, is trained by Todd Pletcher and runs in the colors of Team Valor Stables and Never Tell Farm. Highclere Inc. bred the $300,000 Fasig-Tipton filly in Kentucky. Audacious Chloe has MR. PROSPECTOR and NORTHERN DANCER 4x4 in her pedigree, plus boasting three crosses each of BOLD RULER, NASRULLAH, and ALMAHMOUD.

Audacious Chloe had three starts on dirt, and was a maiden winner before Pletcher switched her to the turf, where she won the Junior Champion stakes at Monmouth Park, setting a New Course Record of 1:34 1/5. In her only start since then, Audacious Chloe nearly notched another win in the 1 1/16-mile Jessamine before losing out by a neck on the Keeneland grass. Her record now stands at three wins and two seconds in six starts with earnings of $148,139.

Audacious Chloe,
shown here winning the
Little Silver S at Monmouth

It's always nice to see such opportunistic performances, especially when they involve the ladies and the lawn.

Opportunities for fillies and mares who prefer to run on the green abound in Florida racing in coming weeks. Here's what's scheduled:

March 4 Gulfstream Park, Honey Fox H. (G3), $100,000, 4&up f&m, 8.5f T
Mar. 17 Tampa Bay Downs, Hillsborough S. (G3), $150,000, 4&up f&m, 9f T
March 25 Gulfstream Park, Herecomesthebride S. (G3), $100,000, 3yo f, 9f T
March 31 Gulfstream Park, Orchid H. (G3), $150,000, 4&up f&m, 12f T
April 1 Gulfstream Park, Magna Distaff, $75,000, 4&up f&m, 8.5f T


I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to all of these.




Honey Ryder, twice winner of the Orchid H.