Silverleaf Farm Bred Brooklyn Cowboy Latest Winner by Pomeroy

12/06/11

Brooklyn Cowboy, out of the Two Punch mare No Better Time, became the latest winner bred by Silverleaf Farms, Inc.  David Hutson's Silverleaf Farm guided Brooklyn Cowboy's sire Pomeroy to a Grade-1 Win in the Forego Handicap at Saratoga before retiring him to stud at Vinery in Florida.  Upon retiring the winner of almost 1 million dollars, Hutson bred several mares to the new stallion and the results of his efforts have consistently showed up in the winners' circles across the country.  Pomeroy has been consistently producing fine runners from two crops to race.  With his third crop coming, he is proving to be a stallion capable of siring durable runners who can be successful as either routers or sprinters.  Standing at Vinery in Florida for a fee of $5,000, the sire of 6 stakes winner who have won 10 stakes races, including 2 graded stakes winners, is considered a top value among Florida stallions.  Submit your mare for a nick to Pomeroy and make your breeding plans early for 2012. 


Briggs/Cromartie/Rafael- Bred VEXOR Wins G-2 Nashua

10/03/11

Vexor, a two-year old by Wildcat Heir out of Real Clever Trick (Yes It's True), was a$90,000 purchase by Goldmark Farms in 2010.  His connections noticed his talent while in training in Florida at Goldmark's training facility.  After a solid second-place finish in his debut at Belmont, Vexor went on to break his maiden in strong fashion at Saratoga, prompting trainer John Kimmel to point him to the G-1 Hopeful Stakes also in Saratoga.  His effort in The Hopeful over a sloppy track was underwhelming, but the connections kept the faith.  Given his last start, it was no wonder the colt was sent off at odds of 18-1 in The Nashua.  The odds didn't matter.  The longshot Vexor gave proof that the speed he had showed in his earlier races was for real as he cruised to win The Nashua over highly regarded juveniles, including 7-5 favorite She Digs Me.  Keeping the faith has paid off for Goldmark and Kimmel so far.  Now it's on the the Big One as Vexor trains on toward the G-1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint at Churchill Downs.  Vexor was bred in Florida by Carlos Rafael and Briggs & Cromartie Bloodstock.

Pomeroy's Pistol Headed to Breeders' Cup

09/26/11

Before the start of the G-2 Gallant Bloom Handicap at Belmont Park, owner/trainer Amy Tarrant stated that her prized filly Pomeroy's Pistol would be in line for the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Sprint if she put in a good effort in the prestigious race.  After a brilliant win over older fillies and mares in the Gallant Bloom, Amy Tarrant might be looking at a starter going off at short odds in the Thoroughbred World Championships when she looks in Pomeroy's Pistol's stall.  The filly's big effort certainly put her in line for a shot at one racing's biggest events.   Congratulations also go to breeder Hardacre Farm.  Hardacre Farm is owned by (guess who?) Amy Tarrant.

AUTUMN AT ARDMORE!

09/20/11

Ardmore Stud is a full-service Thoroughbred Farm.  Located in beautiful Versailles, Kentucky, Ardmore Stud is the base of operations for hands-on management of Briggs & Cromartie Thoroughbred Consultants client thoroughbreds as well as of those horses owned by the agency.   The farm offers professional management, boarding and sales prep for barren mares, mares with foals, weanlings and yearlings.  The physical setting is serene, peaceful and stunning! The attention to details of the barns and the farm provide a facility for the safe management and care of each and every horse.    A qualified staff provides care and expert knowledge to insure the best possible living conditions for all horses boarded at Ardmore.  Additionally, upon availability, accommodations for visiting owners are provided for those who board.   Click on the Ardmore link for sensational views of the farm.  
We're pet friendly too. 
There's no place like Autumn at Ardmore Stud in Versailles!  Come for a visit. 





Strong Hope Colt Excels at Saratoga

08/10/11

Seal Cove, a 3 year-old colt by Strong Hope out of Meghan's Joy by A.P. Indy, announced himself an important player in big time racing by taking the Gleaming Stakes at hallowed Saratoga Race Course on Monday August 8th.  The Shug McGaughey trainee earned his 3rd win from 4 starts, his only defeat coming off the turf.  Jockey Javier Castellano placed the colt 6th out of 8 starters along the first 6 furlong of the race, but unleashed Seal Cove in a strong move down the center of the track to close strongly and put away the field, proving bettor post time favoritism to be legitimate.  Seal Cove will probably be pointed toward the Grade-3 Saranac Stakes, according to McGaughey.  The promising colt is owned by his breeder Stuart Janney, III.

Pomeroy Has Bang Up Weekend

07/06/11

Pomeroy, Florida's leading stallion by stakes winners and stakes wins, celebrated the July 4th weekend in explosive fashion with two sharp stakes wins, one by an already established star in FLASHPOINT and another by a budding star in MEL BEACH.  Flashpoint easily won the Grade-3 $143,00 Jersey Shore Stakes at Monmouth Park as the prohibitive favorite.  After a grueling triple crown season that saw him run respectfully going two turns, the speedy Flashpoint returned to his strength in the 7-furlong Jersey Shore and he proved he felt at home as he sprinted away from an over-matched field to capture top prize.  

Pomeroy is also Florida's leading second crop sire and runners from his second crop have gotten off to a good start in 2011.  Among them is MEL BEACH.  On July 2, in the 5-1/2 furlong Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes, MEL BEACH went off at odds of 10-1 and was not expected to perform as he did, but he performed impressively nonetheless.  The colt out of the Pentelicus mare Stars In Your Eyes forced the pace early and then took the lead going into the stretch, moving away from the field as he neared the line to win by 1-3/4 lengths.  Mel Beach was bred in Florida by Jacalyn Menifee.  He is owned by J. Robert Harris, III and trained by Edward Plesa, Jr.  

 

Tamarind Hall Wins Grade-3 Bed O' Roses

07/06/11

At Belmont Park, July 3rd, Tamarind Hall, a chestnut filly by Graeme Hall out of Turner's Hall by Forest Wildcat made a strong move in the stretch of the 7-furlong Grade-3 Bed O' Roses Handicap to put away a good field by 5-1/4 lengths.  Sent off at almost 16-1, the filly made her intentions known early, breaking well and then holding in good position as jockey David Cohen who put her in line for her winning move move. The Florida bred Tamarind Hall was bred by Eugene Melnyk, is owned by Eklektikos, and trained by Jeremiah Engelhart

Two Stakes Wins in June for Pomeroy Runners

06/20/11

In the first half of June, Pomeroy's Pistol solidified her status as a stakes winner, and U R Burnin Daylite became a first time stakes winner.  Hardacre Farm's Pomeroy's Pistol added more blacktype to her pedigree by winning the $75,000 Just Smashing Stakes.  Her first blacktype win was in the G-2 Forward Gal Stakes.  Congratulations to Owner / Breeder / Trainer Amy Tarrant for her nice win.  While Pomeroy's Pistol was adding to her accomplishments, U R Burnin Daylite made his first splash in stakes company by winning The Golden Boy Stakes, a six-furlong contest at Assiniboia Downs in Canada.  U R Burnin Daylite is trained by Ardel Sayler, owned by Nicole Sayler and was bred by Silverleaf Farms, Inc in Florida.

Graeme Hall Back On Top. Florida's Leading Sire

04/18/11

Graeme Hall took back his spot atop the list of Florida's Leading Sires over the weekend.  As we know, one big win by a good runner can make a difference in a tight race among solid stallions, but Graeme Hall's return to the top spot is a testament to his consistency.  Historically, Graeme Hall has been among the top of all stallions by percentage of repeat winners.  He is currently tops in that category among Florida's top 5 stallions.  Second-crop sire Pomeroy is a close second.  Graeme Hall has tough runners from horses of all ages.  He has led the nation with high numbers of two-year-old stakes winners in a given year and he consistently has older horses vying for major races around the country.  As we enter a new racing year, we expect a good crop of two-year olds by Graeme Hall to have an impact in big races.  Breeders expecting the same can still acquire a contract to breed to one of the most consistent and successful stallions in Florida for only $5,000.  Call our office at (352) 591-5888 or email info@bcbloodstock.com to reserve your contract.

Duke of Mischief Defeats Top Field in $1 Million Race

04/16/11

Duke of Mischief cemented his spot as a racehorse of consequence when he took on and defeated a talented field of 10 other graded stakes winners in the Charles Town Classic, adding another graded-stakes event to his record and about $600,000 to his earnings.  He has now earned $1.7 Million.  This quality of the field in this race rivaled top races in some of the best tracks in the country.  It's no wonder this race has developed into a Grade-3 event and if it continues to draw this type of field.  Given the 1 Million Dollar purse it is likely that this race will be one that trainers will target for their top horses.  The quality of the field makes Duke of Mischief's win that much more impressive. Congratulations to owners Alex & Joann Lieblong, Marilyn & David McMaster and trainer David Fawkes. 

Joes Blazing Aaron Goes For It in Bluegrass Stakes

04/13/11

Since moving away from running on the dirt, Joes Blazing Aaron, a gelded son of Graeme Hall, has been pretty impressive, winning an optional claiming event on the turf then staying on that surface to win the G-2 Palm Beach Stakes at Gulfstream Park.  This runner, like many Graeme Hall runners, is a gutsy performer and it would not be surprising to see him win on the polytrack of Keeneland.  The morning line odds on him to win the G-1 Toyota Bluegrass Stakes were set at 12-1, so oddsmakers are not exactly thinking of him as the longest of shots.  Graeme Hall to come up with horses that are in the mix in big races.  Throughout his stallion career, Graeme Hall has had stellar runners that consistently keep him among the top of successful  sire lists.  Standing for a modest fee of $5,000 at Winding Oaks Farm, the Graeme Hall continues to be among the best values among Florida stallions. 

Pomeroy Tops In Florida

04/11/11

Joes Blazing Aaron the Latest Graded Stake Winner by Graeme Hall

03/12/11

Graeme Hall runners continue to prove that you just can't count them out.  Joes Blazing Aaron was given little chance of winning his stakes debut in The G-3 Palm Beach Stakes, especially after having come out of a claiming event in his last start, but win is exactly what he did.  As in his last start, the chestnut gelding out of the Distorted Humor mare Distorted Blaze went to the front and stayed on the lead from wire to wire.  Although he surprised the field on this day, it's no surprise that an offspring of Graeme Hall came away with a graded stakes win. Graeme Hall has been consistently delivering the goods year-after-year and 2011 will probably wind up being just another good year.   Graeme Hall stands for $5,000 LF at Winding Oaks Farm.  Call 854-9140 to make an appointment to see him.  To buy a contract to breed, call 591-5888.

G-2 Hutcheson Stakes to Flashpoint

03/02/11

Flashpoint, a big, strong son of Pomeroy, showed his sire's class and speed in winning his debut at Aqueduct in impressive fashion.  He again displayed those attributes when he easily won the G-2 Hutcheson Stakes (7 Furlongs) at Gulfstream Park on the 26th of February.  The Richard Dutrow trainee is probably pointing toward the Kentucky Derby, according to owner John Fort of Peachtree Stables.  Seen, even by his connections, as a sprinter type, Flashpoint finished well enough in The Hutecheson to give all involved hope that he has the stamina to stay the route.  In his racing days, Flashpoint's sire Pomeroy was known as a sprinter, however, he did in fact successfully stretch out beyond a mile as a two-year old to win the Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes at 1 - 1/16th mile.   While most experts will say that a sprinter is a sprinter, and that Flashpoint will have very little chance to win a race like The Kentucky Derby, stranger things have happened in the world of horse racing, and in the Kentucky Derby.  A win by a long-shot is not such a long shot.

In other Triple Crown news involving Pomeroy progeny, the talented Pomeroy's Pistol is being touted on The Preakness web site as a possible starter in that race.  You can see the information at http://www.preakness.com/race-info/contenders/2/Pomeroys%20Pistol.  This talented filly owned and trained by Amy Tarrant is talented enough to cover the distance, but will her connections see The Preakness as a viable option for this budding star?  That remains to be seen.

MSW Winner by Strong Hope

02/23/11

At Penn National on February 21st, Cam on the Run, a filly by Strong Hope out of the Devil His Due mare Devil Dancing was certainly on the run, as her rivals found out.   The winning Pennsylvania bred was in control for most of the 6-furlong distance of the race on dirt.   The Jason McCutchen owned was bred by DDS Stables LLC & By Jove Stables LLC and is trained by Flint Stites.  The beautiful Strong Hope stands for 55,000 at Winding Oaks Farm and if available for inspection by appointment.  Call (352) 854-8140.

Kilograeme Proving To Be a Heavyweight

02/13/11

Three-year-old filly Kilograeme, by Graeme Hall out of K.O. Princess by West by West, has certainly been defying the odds and expectations.  The OBS January RNA ($3,900) and then a subsequent OBS August purchase ($6,000) has apparently outrun the expectations of almost anyone who looked at her at the sales grounds.   Now a perfect two for two, the filly seems to be headed for bigger and better things.  A winner her first time out, she followed her impressive maiden win with an allowance win at Santa Anita in which she out-finished a prohibitive favorite to increase her winnings to $66.000.  Not a bad start to a career.  Graeme Hall has had great success with many broodmare sirelines and his game runners continue to land him among the top of leading sire lists.  Call to nick your mare or to purchase a contract to breed to a proven sire in Graeme Hall.

Pomeroy Coming Into His Own

02/04/11

As a runner, Pomeroy showed promise as a juvenile when he won a maiden special weight race and an allowance race.  It wasn't until later that he blossomed into a top Breeder's Cup contender after winning several graded events.  As a stallion, Pomeroy showed promise by being among the national leaders with a high number of winners from a moderate number of runners.  His win percentage was among the highest of all freshman stallions.  He is following up the early promise as a stallion the same way he built on his early experience as a runner:  he is coming on strong.    In January, Pomeroy had runners hit the board and win stakes races and graded stakes races.  In early January, the talented filly Pomeroy's Pistol placed a solid second in the G-3 Old Hat Stakes.  On January 15th, Positive Response delivered his first stakes win in the California Derby.  Then on the 30th of January, Pomeroy's Pistol proved her placing in a G-3 race was no fluke as she stepped up to win the G-2 Forward Gal Stakes.  Like Pomeroy the runner, the stallion is proving that his early success is not a flash-in-the-pan quality.  More winners and stakes winners are sure to follow.

Stallions Featured at Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers Event

02/04/11

The Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers, inc. will hold its annual charity event at the Hilton Hotel in Ocala.  The event will raise much appreciated money for charity and will serve to showcase area farms and stallions.  Winding Oaks stallions Graeme Hall and Strong Hope will be featured in an informational booth.  Guests will be treated to good food, good music, auction items and a chance to take a peek at information about farms and stallions.  Please feel free to stop by the Winding Oaks Farm display to ask questions or to secure a contract to breed your mare in 2011 to Graeme Hall or Strong Hope. 

Positive Results for Positive Response in Cal Derby

01/16/11

Positive Response looked very professional as the favorite in the field of 12 entered in the California Derby, winning in good order to post his second consecutive stakes win.  The Florida bred son of Pomeroy, out of the Farma Way mare Lisa's Approval, broke alertly and was patiently placed fifth within striking distance of a tightly packed lead group.  Jockey Julien Couton confidently moved him toward the leaders and took command of the race at the five-sixteenths pole.  From there is was evident that he would go on to as he widened his lead as he drove to the wire ahead by 2-3/4 lengths.  Positive Response was bred by Rosebrook Farm, LLC and Moreau Bloodstock International.  He is owned by a partnership of Saul Gevertz, William E. Morey, Rober Newman and Ray Pagano.

2 New MSW Winners by Strong Hope

01/15/11

At Laurel Park and at Turfway Park, runners by Strong Hope broke their maidens in good company.  At Laurel, a 1/2 brother to millionaire Unbridled Belle named Brush Creek battled for the lead early and took it at the 3/4 pole to pull away in the stretch and hold a 1-1/2 length lead at the wire to notch the win.  The colt was the favorite in the race and is owned by Germania Farms, Inc and was bred in Kentucky by J.D. Squires out of the Silver Buck mare Little Bold Belle.  Brush Creek is trained by Timothy Tullock, Jr. 

At Turfway, a half-sister to stakes winner Record (out of Believe by Chimes Band) set the pace from the start and steadily drew off in the stretch to score her first win.  Vin Santo was bred in Kentucky by Hinkle Farms & Thomas T. Ladt and is owned by Hinkle farms.  She is trained by Wayne Mackey.

24 Winners and First Stakes Winner For Pomeroy

12/28/10

Freshman sire Pomeroy continues to add winners to his totals.  Now with 24 winners, he is definitely among the top stallions by numbers of winners.  On December 11th, Pomeroy added his first stakes winner when POSITIVE RESPONSE very professionally handled the distance and the field in taking The Gold Rush Stakes.  Check out the DRF story. 

Pomeroy will stand the 2011 season at Vinery in Florida for a modest fee of $5,000.  At that price, he will be a great value for Florida breeders to consider.

Hallway Scores Stakes Win

11/27/10

Heiligbrodt Racing Stables' Hallway scored an easy stakes win when he took the Mr. Sulu Stakes at Fair Grounds on November 26th.  The 6-year old son of Graeme Hall also won the Dixie Poker Ace Stakes this year.   In The Mr. Sulu, Hallway took his time before taking control of the 1 and 1/16th mile race with a determined stretch run to defeat two-time defending Mr. Sulu Stakes winner Desert Wheat.  Hallway is out of the Runaway Groom mare Silver Bride.  He was bred by Majestic Farms, LLC. in Louisiana.

Freshman Sire Pomeroy Amassing Winners

11/17/10

Pomeroy has to date sired 20 winners from 42 runners.  His total number of winners is second only to leading freshman sire Congrats.  Congrats has 22 winners from 55 starters.  As a two-year old, Pomeroy had to his credit 2 wins:  a maiden special weight race and an allowance race.  He went on to become a brilliant racehorse who won two Grade-1 stakes races and earned $845,050 before retiring.  Look for Pomeroy runners to be battling out for more wins as 3-year olds.  Pomeroy will stand at Vinery in 2011 for $5,000.  Call to book your mare.       

Winding Oaks Stud Fees Announced

11/16/10

The stud fees of Graeme Hall and Strong Hope will remain as they were in 2010 during the 2011 breeding season.  Both stallions will stand for $5,000 in 2011.   In 2010, Graeme Hall has had 5 stakes winners, 8 stakes wins and 2 graded stakes winners, including Duke of Mischief and Hurricane Ike.  He is also the sire of rising star Belle Of The Hall, a two time stakes winner in only 6 starts.  Strong Hope has been represented in the last 5 days by two nice allowance winners and one maiden winner.   He is the sire of 69 current two-year olds coming 3 in 2011 and 47 yearlings coming 2, so there are racehorses to look out for in his near future.  Please call Winding Oaks Farm to make an appointment to see the stallions. 

Boarding At Ardmore Kentucky

11/16/10

Ardmore Stud in beautiful Versailles, Kentucky is currently accepting boarders.  Ardmore is conveniently located within short distance of many of the world's most prestigious stallion stations.  Mares, weanlings and yearlings receive hands-on care from a diligent and experienced staff.   Veterinary care is provided by one of the most well-respected clinics in the state.  Check out pictures of the farm and board rates and schedule a visit by calling our office at (859) 879-6070 or (352) 591-5888 or simply e-mail to info@bcbloodstock.com.  We look forward to seeing you.

High Hope for Shelly's Hope

10/27/10

Strong Hope's juvenile daughter Shelly's Hope certainly looked game as she dueled with Strike The Moon (Malibu Moon) through the distance of their 5-1/2 furlong race at Delaware on October 25th.  The pair entered the race with very little separating them in the eyes of bettors and they ran to form.  Shelly's Hope displayed more than hope as she determinedly battled throughout, prevailing in the end by just a nose.  The filly is owned by Larry & Cindy Jones, and Michael Pressley. She was bred in Kentucky by Dennis O'Neill and is trained by Cindy Jones.  Shelly's Hope was the 4 winner for Strong Hope in the last week.

The Belle is Back

10/27/10

Graded-stakes-placed Belle of The Hall looked to rebound from a disappointing finish in the Charlestown Oaks in the 6-1/2 furlong Catinca Stakes at Belmont Park.  Belmont is not Charlestown and trainer Tom Albertrani is happy for that.  The track at Charlestown has 2 tight turns that Albertrani figures Belle of The Hall just didn't like.  Albertrani was looking for a good performance from his runner in the Catinca to set herself up for another shot at a Grade-1 win in the Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct.  Albertrani got a good performance and a win from his speedy star.  Her win in the Catinca Stakes is the 8th stakes win in 2010 by Graeme Hall runners. 

Pomeroy Top Freshman Sire With 15 Winners

10/01/10

Freshman sire Pomeroy has been steadily coming up with the goods.  He had 4 new winners from September 24th to the 29th and in the interim, stakes placed Rough N Royal again showed his competitiveness by placing in The Foolish Pleasure Stakes at Calder Race Course, proving he belongs in stakes company.  According to Bloodhorse statistics, Pomeroy to date has 15 winners and is the nation's leading freshman sire by number of winners.  


Freshman Sire Pomeroy Has 11 Winners

09/15/10

Two-year-old Ariana Girl became the 11th winner for freshman sire POMEROY when she broke her maiden in her first start at San Siro, Milan.  Ariana Girl was content to run mid-pack for most of the race but made a big move, charging to the front seven hundred meters from the end of the 1200 meter race.  The filly finished a length and one-half ahead of her nearest rival.  Ariana Girl was bred by Helen and Joseph Barbazon out of the Distant View mare Joni Gala. She is owned by Eugenia Farm and is trained by Alduino Botti

Graeme Hall's Duke Of Mischief Wins G-3 Iselin S.

08/23/10

Duke of Mischief came back after a couple of non-winning efforts and regained his position as a top runner by esily winning the G-3 Philip H. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday, August 21st.  The son of Florida's leading sire Graeme Hall sat just off the pace in striking distance and pounced on the pace setters and race favorites in the stretch to pull away by 2-1/4 lengths.  Chart

Duke of Mischief now counts the G-3 Iselin Stakes, the G-3 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes and the G-2 Oaklawn Handicap among his stakes victories.  The 4-year-old colt has earnings approaching the $1 Million mark for owner / breeder Marilyn McMaster and partners Alex and Joann Lieblong and David Fawkes. 

Pomeroy's Pistol Fires in First Start: 8th Winner for Freshman Sire

08/07/10

Hardacre Farm's juvenile colt Pomeroy's Pistol started his racing career with a loud bang as he ran away by 6-3/4 lengths to win race 6 on Monmouth Park's August 7th race card.  The first time starter wasted no time in establishing himself as a contender by showing good speed early.  The homebred out of Prettyatthetable by Point Given controlled the pace throughout and stretched his lead as the group approached the wire to gain an impressive win.   Pomeroy's Pistol, his freshman sire's 8th winner to date, earned a cool $41,250 for his effort.  The colt is trained by Amy Tarrant.  Chart

7 Winners for Pomeroy!

08/02/10

Just as he did as a runner, freshman sire Pomeroy is keeping up with the best of them as a stallion.  He currently trails only top rated Bluegrass Cat with his number of winners.  Winking Star and Pomeroy's Star became the latest to add their names to their sire's growing list of winners.  Both runners looked impressive in breaking their maidens.  Winking Star, bred by Sienna Farms out of the Arazi mare Twinkle Twinkle, easily won her 5 furlong race at Presque Isle Downs.  Pomeroy's Star, bred by Cashel Stud out of the Bahri mare Gal From Ipanima, won his 1100 Meter race at Camarero by over 8 lengths. 


6 Days 5 Winners, Including 10-Length MSW Winner

07/21/10

From July 15th to July 20th, Graeme Hall has been represented by 5 winners.  Gowden Mile (1 mile on turf), Awholenewballgame (5 furlongs), Mount Brevetor and Harmonious Union (1 mile and 70 yards) were four of the winners.  Then there was Golden Hall.  Golden Hall was a Maiden Special Weight winner over 6 furlongs at Penn National.  The gelding out of the West Acre mare Found Gold ran away to win by 10 impressive lengths.  Graeme Hall is Florida's leading stallion and just ended another successful breeding season.  He continues to be in demand and with 5 stakes winners so far in 2010, the 2011 breeding season will see him stay busy. 

3 New Maiden Winners For Strong Hope

07/21/10

Following up R Shining Hope's good placing in the Charlie Barley Stakes on July 3rd, Strong Hope continued his good month with 3 maiden winners in 3 days.  On July 15th, Cagey, a gelding out of the Lord At War mare  Cunning, won for the first time when he took a one-mile contest on the turf of Canterbury.  On the 16th, Unwavering Hope, a filly out of Slew The Dragoness by Slew City Slew, drew away to break her maiden by a good 6 lengths.  At Lone Star Park on the 17th, a very game Strong Gal, out of the Distorted Humor mare Good Humor Gal, battled a prohibitive favorite and held her off by a neck to win a tough Maiden Special Weight race.  Strong Hope now has 37 winners and with a good crop of two-year olds to run in 2010, more are sure to come.

Avalanche Attack Comes Down Hard on Rivals: 4th Winner by Pomeroy

07/16/10

From Thoroughbred Daily News:

1st-PHA, $44,430, Msw, 2yo, 4 1/2f, :52 2/5, ft.

AVALANCHE ATTACK (c, 2, Pomeroy--Avalanche Lily,by Grand Slam) was a half-length shy of graduating on debut at Penn National June 17, and atoned for that narrow defeat with style here. The 2-1 second-choice set early splits of :22.42 and :45.98 and widened his advantage to three lengths over Sweet Kate's Boy (Alex's Pal) at the wire. This is the fourth winner for his freshman sire (by Boundary). Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $30,800. O-Chalk Stables LLC. B-Gum Tree Stables LLC & Lou Oppenheim (PA) T-John Servis 

8 Length MSW Winner for Graeme Hall

07/01/10

Among the winners by Graeme Hall this week so far is the apparently talented Secrets N Lies.  Bred by Mark J. Wedig in Iowa out of the Opening Verse mare Opening Address, the 2-year-old filly owned the 4-1/2 furlong race from the start, steadily drawing away from a full field that included 9 other competitors.  The final margin between the winner and her next closest rival was 8 impressive lengths.  Secrets N Lies is owned by David McShane and Paul Tonderum.

2 Winners for Strong Hope

07/01/10

Strong Hope runners have scored two nice wins this last week of June.  On June 24th, We All Hope, a 4-year-old gelding by Strong Hope, went off the favorite in a full field of 12 runners and prevailed by a neck in a 6-furlong race on the dirt to add a winner for his sire.  We All Hope sat just off the pace and steadily made his way to the front, made a move midstretch and then held off rivals.  Bred in Kentucky by John Oxley out of the Storm Cat mare Her Own Terms, We All Hope is owned by James Acquilano.   On June 28th, the Hinkle Farms Kentucky bred filly Bernadette's Hope, out of Aesthete by Nijinsky II, scored by 4-1/2 lengths, going 6-furlongs on the dirt.  The filly was also favored in her race and did owner King Star proud.

Another Pomeroy Winner

06/15/10

Diane's Gray Dawn, a two-year-old filly out of A Vision In Gray (Two Punch) became Pomeroy's third winner from 7 starters to date when she won a maiden special weight race going 4-1/2 furlongs at Prairie Meadows on June 14th.  The gray filly showed good speed early, controlling the pace for most of the race and then holding off a serious challenger at the finish.  The filly was bred by David Hutson's Silverleaf Farms in Florida and is owned by M&H Stables, LLC.  She is trained by Ray Tracy, Jr.  Pomeroy stands at Vinery in Summerfield, Florida for a stud fee of $5,000.

Belle Of The Hall A New Stakes Winner

06/14/10

Living up to expectations, Belle of the Hall moved up in class in her third start and comfortably won The Jostle Stakes as the favorite at Philadelphia Park on June 12th.  Belle of the Hall sat patiently in striking position, letting another horse do the work up front then made a move as the field turned for home and held off a challenger in deep stretch to win by 3/4 of a length.  The Westpoint Thoroughbreds color-bearer remained undefeated and added another stakes winner and a stakes win for her sire Graeme Hall.  The Winding Oaks stallion now has 5 stakes winners that have won 6 stakes races, including 2 graded stakes winners.  

Three Winners by Strong Hope Over Weekend

06/14/10

Strong Hope had a good weekend as he was well represented by 3 winners over the weekend.  On Friday at Hollywood Park, Stacy's Hope, out of Soccory by Tricky Creek, pulled away to break her maiden by 6-1/4 lengths.  The colt covered 5-1/2 furlongs in a fast 1:03.92.  On Saturday at Fair Meadows, Webcast, out of Dance The Slew by Slew City Slew, showed some grit as he dueled the race favorite to prevail in the allowance- level contest.  And on Sunday at Emerald Downs, the favored Jiddaw, out of Made For Satin by Premiership, stalked the pace 3-wide and wore down a game leader in the stretch to win a neck.  Strong Hope stands for $5,000 at Winding Oaks Farm in Ocala. 

2 Winners for Pomeroy

06/08/10

Click here to see the story.

Belle Of The Hall Undefeated

05/26/10

West Point Thoroughbreds' Belle of the Hall remained perfect in 2 starts as she ran a very professional and efficient race in allowance company at Belmont Park to score by 2-3/4 lengths.  This win was a follow-up to her impressive maiden win in her first start at Gulfstream Park in April.   Belle of The Hall was the sale topper at the 2009 OBS February sale when she sold for $340,000.  There is little doubt that if she stays healthy, stakes company is in her near future.  Her sire, Graeme Hall, is the leading sire in Florida and is booked full for 2010.   To date in 2010, Graeme Hall has sired 4 stakes winners and 2 graded stakes winners.

Smooth Jazz's Mean Sax Takes Mecke Stakes

05/24/10

Mean Sax, a five-year-old gelding by Smooth Jazz, used early speed to control the pace of the Mecke Stakes at Calder Race Course, then easily held off the favored Black Scorpion to earn his first stakes win at 1-1/8th mile on the turf.  Bred by Curtis Mikkelson and Patricia Horth out of the Bold Ruckus mare Bold And Stormy, Mean Sax has been a consistently honest horse.  Bettors recognized the form and made him the second choice in the race.   Mean Sax joins millionaire Smooth Air as stakes winners from the first crop of Smooth Jazz.   See race chart

Smooth Jazz also had two other maiden winning 3-year olds in the last few days:  On May 18th, L J's Way, a colt out of Native Gold Dancer (Fountain of Gold), bred in Florida by McLaughlin Family Limited Partnership broke his maiden going 1 Mile and 70 yards on the dirt of Indiana Downs.  On May 22nd, Sweet and Jazzy, a three-year-old filly out of Sweet Mia (High Brite), ran 6-1/2 furlongs on the synthetic surface of Hollywood Park in 1:17 2/5ths to earn her maiden win.  Sweet and Jazzy was bred in Florida by Gary Mahon and Jackie Diamond. 

Smooth Jazz stands in Pennsylvania at Ghost Ridge Farm for $3,500. 

Great April For Graeme Hall Runners

05/05/10

See the Track Times article on Graeme Hall

Come See the Beautiful Strong Hope at Winding Oaks

05/05/10

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and judging by comments made by breeders who have seen Strong Hope, he embodies an almost universal idea of what beauty is in a stallion.  The grand looking son of Grand Slam is available for inspection at Winding Oaks Farm.  Breeders who are looking for an affordable sire with an enviable race record and the looks to boot are invited to make an appointment to see Strong Hope by calling the standing farm at (352) 854-9140.  Contracts to breed are available by calling our office at (352) 591-5888, and as always, free nicks are provided.

Hurricane Hits Churchill Downs

04/24/10

On an appropriately stormy day at Churchill Downs, a horse named Hurricane swept through the field to take the Grade-3 Cliff's Edge Derby Trial.  With Calvin Borel in control, the calm before the storm saw favored Eightyfiveinafifty run out to the lead as Hurricane Ike sat just off his coast in second place seemingly gathering strength.  Borel unleashed the storm and set aim for home coming out of the last turn, blowing past Eightyfiveinafifty, then fending off a late run by a spirited Aikenite.   Hurricane Ike was coming off a strong second-place finish in the Grade-3 Bay Shore Stakes, so his rise to winning form was not unforeseen.  Owners Ike and Dawn Thrash will likely start Line of David in the Kentucky Derby.  Had Hurricane Ike hit his stride a little earlier in his career, they might have had 2 starters in the big race.  Hurricane Ike becomes another first-time stakes winner by Graeme Hall, Florida's leading sire.   To date in 2010, Graeme Hall has 4 stakes winners and 5 stakes wins.   

Good News of Hurricane and Mischief

04/05/10

Hurricanes and mischief may not sound like the topics for great news, but in the cases of Hurricane Ike and Duke of Mischief, great news is exactly what they brought for their sire Graeme Hall.  Both runners helped to further improve Graeme Hall as the top stallion in Florida with great performances in graded stakes action over the first weekend of April.  Hurricane Ike may not have won the G-3 Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct, but his strong second-place showing certainly proved that his early two-year old success was an indicator of his status as a contentious and able runner.  Hurricane Ike displayed a steady resolve by overcoming a stumble at the start of the race and then holding his own throughout to finish behind the very talented Eightyfiveinafifty. 

At Oaklawn Park on the same day, another son of Graeme Hall did what Hurricane Ike gamely tried to do when he beat the favorite in a graded-stakes race.  Duke of Mischief took the G-2 Oaklawn Handicap over favored and very talented Win Willy.  Already a graded-stakes winner in 2010 (G-3 Ft. Lauderdale S.), Duke of Mischief solidified his position as a strong stakes caliber runner with his 2-1/2 length victory.  Duke of Mischief has now earned $673,000. 

Call or E-mail For Nicks and Seasons

02/25/10

Look over our available seasons and call to nick a mare to a stallion that may be of interest.  We offer our free comsultation to any breeder who buys a breeding contract through our office.  Call today with nick requests or contract requests or to get answers to any questions you may have.

Emmy Darling Back on Track with Allowance Win

02/25/10

Stakes winner Emmy Darling, by Graeme Hall out of Dance Delight by Colonial Affair, returned to form with an impressive win in an allowance level race at Santa Anita on February 24th.  Her big win highlighted a stellar day for her sire.  Graeme Hall had 4 runners win their respective races on tracks across the country.   With 2 additional winners on the 21st of February, Graeme Hall has been represented by 6 winners in two days.  Florida's leading sire has 3 stakes winners so far in 2010 and more are sure to come as the racing season includes his latest crop of two-year olds.  Graeme Hall stands for a very reasonable $5,000 fee, making him THE best bargain in Florida.  Given the many statistics that support his prominence among the population of stallions, it's almost unreasonable that he is not standing for a higher fee.   Call to make arrangements to begin the process of breeding your future winners by Graeme Hall.

Stout and Strong

02/21/10

Stout Hope, by Strong Hope out of Sandy's Storm by Storm Cat, became the latest winner for his sire when he won going 1 and 1/16th mile over the dirt of Oaklawn Park on February 20th.   Bred in Kentucky by James S. Karp, the dark bay colt set the early pace and kept control of the race throughout.   Stout Hope was challenged but responded to the direction of rider Abel Castellano and rebuilt a noticeable advantage nearing the finish.  The colt is owned by Poindexter Thoroughbreds, LLC. 

Graeme Hall Top Stallion in Florida and Nationally

02/10/10

Graeme Hall has led national stallion lists before.  In 2008, he was atop the list of stallions nationally by number of 2 Y.O. stakes winners.  2008 was no fluke as APEX figures will attest.  In 2010, Graeme Hall again stands among the top stallions in the land.  APEX figures collected from 2003 to 2009, prove that the outstanding year of 2008 was an indication of greater success.  Now, Graeme Hall is number 1 in Florida and 3rd nationally by APEX 2 Y.O. ABC Runner Index for stallions with more than 200 starters.   The ABC index measures success by earnings.  The higher the ABC index, the greater the stallion's propensity for producing runners that pay the bills.  The fact that this index is based on 2.Y.O. runners say that Graeme Hall runners start paying their way early.  And as we have seen, Graeme Hall runners are durable and consistent and just keep running later in their life, too.  Standing for a fee of $5,000, there is no better bargain and breeding to Graeme Hall makes sense.

     Stallion      Fee   State      ABC Index
1. Succesful Appeal   17,500    KY       3.29
2. City Zip   10,000    KY       2.96
3. Graeme Hall     5,000    FL       2.73
4. Red Bullet         Pvt    KY       2.53
5. Smoke Glacken   12,500    KY       2.48
6. Officer   10,000    KY       2.48
7. Harlin's Holiday   25,000    KY       2.39
8. Freud     6,500    NY       2.33
9. A.P. Indy 150,000    KY       2.3
10. Pure Prize   10,000    KY       2.28

 

Winding Oaks Stallion Show Feb 13th

02/10/10

Windking Oaks farm will be showcasing their two stallions, Graeme Hall and Strong Hope, on Saturday February 13th from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.   Thoroughbred breeders will have a chance to inspect the stallions and have nicks done for their mares on site while they enjoy food, beverages, and music.  The proven Graeme Hall is Florida's leading sire and has already sired 3 stakes winners in January of 2010.  The extraordinarily handsome Strong Hope looks to make an impact in his first year in Florida after moving from Claiborne Farm.  He has 68 two-year-olds of 2010 to help his cause.   Come and enjoy the day and see the stallions of Winding Oaks Farm.

Zoares Land by Graeme Hall A MSW Winner

01/29/10

Eugene Melnyk has certainly done his part to help his stallion by breeding mares to Graeme Hall that produce winners.  Melnyk and Florida's leading sire Graeme Hall can add both add another winner to the list.  Zoares Land, owned by Melnyk Racing Stables, is a four-year old gelding who made his first start a winning effort at Penn National on January 26th.  Out of the Seattle Slew mare Llaro Court, the gelding ran like a horse that had won before, showing poise that belied his lack of experience.  He flashed speed when needed to press the pace then showed more when asked to move forward for the lead, taking the lead with over an 1/8th to go to easily score.  Zoares Land joins Half Moon Beach and Melverton as runners by Graeme Hall bred by Eugene Melnyk that have won in the last 4 days.  There are surely more winners to come from this combination as Melnyk has consistently bred mares to his stallion over the years. 

Graeme Hall has had 3 stakes winners in January of 2010.  He stands for a fee of $5,000 and is undoubtedly one of THE best stallion bargains in the country.  Call to book your mare to Graeme Hall.

Can I Get A HOLLER!!?

01/24/10

Holler, a daughter of Strong Hope out of the great race mare Yell broke her maiden in her third try as anticipated at Turfway Park.   Going two turns last time out, she showed enough improvement that bettors installed her as the 9-5 favorite in her next start.  Those bettors were proven correct when she accelerated to take the lead in the second turn then easily strolled away to the win.  The filly was bred and is owned by Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider.  She is trained by Thomas Drury, Jr. 

Ghost Ridge Stallion Show A Hit

01/24/10

Smooth Jazz, Greatness, Irish Road, Jump Start, Honour and Glory, Alex's Pal and the rest made a top showing Saturday at the Ghost Ridge Farm Stallion show on Saturday.  The show was extremely well done, exceptionally well attended
and fun was had by all!  Congratulations to owner, Tarry Braddon, General Manager Carl McEntee and the entire friendly staff at Ghost Ridge Farm in Pennsylvania.

"We're excited to send three mares to breed to top Sprinter, Smooth Jazz (sire of Millionaire Smooth Air) at Ghost Ridge. I know they'll be in good hands", said Alan Briggs who attended Saturday's event. 

3 Stakes Winners in 1 Week for Graeme Hall

01/11/10

The previous news entry on this site stated that Graeme Hall had started 2010 off with a bang when Poovey won The Sleigh Ride Stakes on January 4th.  Just a few days later, Graeme Hall continued the fireworks by having back-to-back stakes winners on the 9th and 10th of January.  On the 9th, Heiligbrodt Racing Stables' Hallway, a 6-year old horse bred by Brett Marti's Majestic Farm's LLC, won the Dixie Poker Ace Stakes for trainer Steve Assmussen.  Hallway is out of the Runaway Groom mare Silver Bride.  The next day, Iowa Derby winner Duke of Mischief, a 4-year old colt bred by Marilyn McMaster out of the Real Courage mare My Lady Amelia, made a thrilling run to defeat a field that included some formidable competitors in the  Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.  Duke of Mischief is owned by his breeder and a partnership that includes the colt's trainer David Fawkes and Alex and Joann Lieblong.  Graeme Hall has indeed started off 2010 with a bang with three stakes winners in just one week of January.  

Standing for only $5,000 in Florida, breeding to Graeme Hall just makes good sense.

Graeme Hall Starts 2010 With A Bang

01/05/10

Graeme Hall made a strong run to overtake the venerable Montbrook as Florida's leading sire of 2009.  He had a great year and would up in a virtual deadheat with Montbrook, falling just short in total earnings for the year.  Graeme Hall started off 2010 in full stride as his daughter Poovey won the Sleigh Ride Stakes at Philadelphia Park on January 4th.  The five-year-old out of Delirio by Jolie's Halo set the pace early in the 1 mile and 70 yard race and held the lead throughout, finishing with ease and a 1-1/2 length lead at the wire.  Poovey is yet another of a list of talented Graeme Hall progeny bred by stallion owner Eugene Melnyk.  The mare is trained by Bruce Levin and is owned by Repole Stables.  See chart.

Smooth Jazz Among Top Stallions in Pennsylvania

12/07/09

Smooth Jazz's recent move to Ghost Ridge Farm might be a welcome change for the stallion by Storm Boot.  The Pennsylvania market has been drawing attention thanks to a perceived strong breeding incentives and lucrative racing, and Smooth Jazz would seem to fit the market.  Blessed with great speed, as his 0 (zero) Ragozin and 117 Beyer Speed Figure will attest, Smooth Jazz is a viable option for breeders who send their mares to foal in Pennsylvania and who are looking for a stallion for their mares to breed back to.  He is a solid option because he has proven from small crops that he can have a big horse.  His best runner is millionaire Smooth Air.  Smooth Air is a multiple Grade-2 winner who has won at distances from 5 furlongs to 1 - 1/8th mile.  Aside from having the bib runner, Smooth Jazz is among the best stallions by percentage of repeat winners.  The new kid on the block leads the top 15 Pennsylvania stallions with a 62% rate of repeat winners, this according to Bloodhorse.com statistics from November 21, 2009. 

Who's Up Wins G-3 Generous Stakes

11/29/09

Who's Up by Graeme Hall shadowed an overwhelming favorite throughout most of the race but shook loose when asked for run in the stretch to easily win the Grade-3 Generous Stakes on the turf of Hollywood Park on Saturday.  Off at odds of almost 10-1, the two-year-old colt out of the Is It True mare Divine Rocket, looked like a serious challenger from the start and remained a threat as the race unfolded, proving to be best at the finish by a comfortable 1-3/4 lengths.  Who's Up was bred in Florida by Andrew Cant and is owned by M Racing.  Graeme Hall continues to rise to the top of the leading stallions list in Florida and is among the well respected stallions nationally in many categories.   Breeding to Graeme Hall just makes sense.

2 Days, 7 Winners for Graeme Hall

11/17/09

Graeme Hall is among the best at siring repeat winners.  During the 13th and 14th of November at tracks such as Calder Race Course, Churchill Downs, and Woodbine, runners by Graeme Hall out of broodmares by Strike Gold, Dr. Adagio, Carson City, Montbrook, Mr. Leader, Distant Rider and Fortunate Prospect all added another win to their totals.  Seven winners in 2 days at distances from 5-1/2 furlongs to 1-1/16th mile over dirt and synthetic surfaces.   Versatile, consistent, and proven.  Breeding to Graeme Hall just makes sense.

Smooth Jazz Winners

11/09/09

With his top earner sidelined, Smooth Jazz has been having other runners picking up the slack as the millionaire Smooth Air recovers.  In the first few days of November, Smooth Jazz has had 4 winners at Woodbine and Calder.  Most notable among the winners is the 3-year-old Two Ninety Five.  The gelding out of the venerable mare Miss Evans by Nijinsky II got uncorked in the stretch drive of his allowance level 1 and 1/16th mile race on the turf at Hawthorne, going from last to first and pulling away to win by 3 lengths.  The Briggs/Cromartie bred Two Ninety Five is owned by a group of owners and is trained by co-owner Terry Young.  Th other winners were B.B. Jazz at Woodbine, Jazzaholic and Smooth Valentine at Calder.  Congratulations to all the connections.

Graeme Hall Adds Two 2-Year Old Winners

10/25/09

Graemy and Who's Up are two names of runners by Graeme Hall who could be on the rise.  Both were impressive winners on the 23rd and 24th of October, respectively, and based on their solid performances, both look to be poised for class jumps.  At Santa Anita's Oak Tree meet, Who's Up, a colt out of Divine Rocket by Is It True, controlled the pace throughout the running of the day's 6th race, a one-mile Maiden Special Weight event on the turf.  The Andrew Cant bred broke well from the 3 spot and angled in early to set the pace.  He staved off challengers in the turn for home and widened to a 2 length lead as he hit the wire to record the easy win.   

The day before in an allowance event on the dirt of Laurel Park, another pace setter by Graeme Hall, this time a filly out of the Patton mare Catchy Patton, had to fight hard throughout the 6-furlong race to keep a pressing rival at bay.  The gutsy Eugene Melnyk bred simply would not give up the lead and willfully hung on to win by a head for her owners C and K Stables.  

Graeme Hall is among the leading sires in Florida and ranks at the top nationally by percentage of repeat winners and by rate of return on investment at two-year-old sales.  At any age, Graeme Hall runners keep winning.  The stallion stands for a fee of $5,000 in 2010.     

Strong Hope Winners

10/25/09

Add two new winners to Strong Hope's growing list of winners in 2009.  Sangore. a gelding owned by Shelter Valley Farm and C. Walls broke his maiden by 3 impressive lengths at Woodbine on October 18th.  The C. Clement and Don Robinson bred son of the Anabaa mare Life covered the 5-1/2 furlong distance in a steady 1:03.95.  Sangore rated early and swung wide to take the lead with a furlong left.  He stretched his lead to 3 over his nearest rival at the finish.  The second winner also came at Woodbine.  On October 22nd, R Shining Hope broke his maiden in a seven-furlong event.  The colt laid back early and closed between horses to take the lead in the upper stretch.  He quickly took a 2-length advantage and moved steadily to stay ahead by that distance at the end of the race.  R Shining Hope was bred in Ontario by owner Iris Bristow. 

Strong Hope will stand the 2010 season for $5,000.  Call to book your mare.

Yearlings By Toccet and Pomeroy at Fasig-Tipton

10/19/09

Come check out a couple of our nice yearlings selling at The Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale in October.  Hip number 341 is a colt by Pomeroy.  The colt is a half-brother to Grade One stakes winner Trust N Luck, stakes winner Grande Veranda, and promising Darley owned Pedrolino, a 3-year old Distorted Humor colt that sold as a yearling for $950,000.   Pomeroy has shown himself to be a trend buster, with his recent sales going against the grain by selling in price ranges unexpected from a sire with first crop yearlings in a time of an uncertain Thoroughbred market.  The colt out of Bold Burst (Dahar) is selling under the consignment of Brookdale.

Also in the sale is a colt by the up-and-coming second-crop sire Toccet.  Toccet is the sire of 5 stakes winners with 11 stakes wins in 2009.  The yearling is out of stakes-placed Inner Circle (El Gran Senor).  The Ontario-bred colt is well-conformed and will be eligible to compete in the lucrative races offered at Woodbine.  This colt is also consigned by Brookdale as hip number 639.

Your're Invited to Come See Our Facilities in Kentucky

10/07/09

Our new facilities in Versailles, Kentucky is polishing up to be a new jewel in the crown of the Kentucky horse kingdom.  The tranformation of the old Pepper (a Kentucky name of Bourbon distillery fame) family Farm to a fully operational Thoroughbred farm, now called Ardmore, is aptly described in Keeneland Magazine's Fall edition by writer Harriet Fowler, but it has to be seen to be appreciated.  Ardmore has grown into a modern facility that honors the history and charm of it's original early 1800's style.  You can take a glimpse of the farm here.  Next time you plan to be in Lexington or the surrounding area, call us at (352) 591-5888 or (859) 679-6070 or e-mail us at info@bcbloodstock.com to make an appointment and we will be glad to give you a personal tour.      

Graeme Hall, Strong Hope and Coffee

09/29/09

Come join us on the mornings before the OBS October Sale for a cup of coffee, a pastry, and a peak at Graeme Hall, one of Florida's leading sires, and Strong Hope, the beautiful and well-bred new addition to Winding Oaks' stallion roster.  Both will stand the 2010 season for a bargain price of $5,000.   View the studs and eat a muffin starting at 8:30 A.M. and ending at 11:30 A.M on the 12th and 13th of October.  

Two New Winners for Strong Hope

09/21/09

Strong Inheritance and Strong Belief became Strong Hope's latest maiden winners when each won their respective races as expected.   Both went off as favorites and neither disappointed.  At Philadelphia Park, Strong Inheritance trailed early and was content to steadily work his way toward the leaders as six-furlong race unfolded.  At the turn, the colt made his way wide of the field and steadily gained ground, then eagerly moved when asked in the stretch.  From that point on it was his show as he went on to a 4-1/2 length win.  Strong Inheritance was bred by Becky Thomas' Sequel 2003 out of the Blushing Groom mare Blushing Heiress.  He is owned by Travin Stables and is trained by Alan Seewald.  At Fairplex Park, Strong Belief, going 6-1/2 furlongs, used his speed to set the pace.  That speed proved too much for his competitors.  The Ted West trainee widened his lead  in the stretch and finished 4 lengths ahead of the field.  The gelding out of Princess V. by Memo was bred by Lanni Bloodstock, LLC; In Hopes Partnership, Et Al.  and is owned by Mary Ellen West. 

Martin's Bay Scores Stakes Win for Graeme Hall

09/21/09

Martin's Bay, a 5-year-old gelding by Graeme Hall out of Palmetto Bay by Broad Brush, scored as the favorite in the $75,000 River City Stakes.   The Eugene Melnyk bred set the pace from the start of the 1-1/16th mile contest over the dirt of Louisiana Downs.  He led comfortably by a length or so for most of the route.  He responded to a challenge in the stretch and put away the eventual second best horse by almost 3 lengths.  Martin's Bay is owned by Larry L. Johnson and is trained by Andrew Leggio, Jr.

4th Crop Sires Top Safe Investments: Graeme Hall Leads Them All

08/17/09

According to The Bloodhorse publication Market Watch, 4th crop sires were the safest bets to give sellers of two-year olds a high rate of return on their investments (based on stud fees, which in the case of Graeme Hall was $7,500.00 when the 2.y.o. of 2009 were conceived).  Among all sires, 4th crop sires were clearly ahead of the others:  

First-crop sires rate of return:  14.4%
Second-crop sires rate of return: 25.8%
Third-crop sires rate of return: 17% 
Fourth-crop sires rate of return: 44.5%
Fifth-crop or more rate of return: 36.5%

The 4TH crop sire with the highest rate of return was Graeme Hall with 92%.  The return on the initial investment of the 2006 stud fee of $7,500.00 was over 14 times the fee  Among the leading sires in Florida, Graeme Hall was the only one to average over $100,000.00 per sale of two-year-olds in 2009.   Graeme Hall's average of $105,400.00 for two-year-olds sold in 2009 was considerably higher than the next stallion on the list (about $31,000.00).  Graeme Hall had session topping yearlings in 2008 and two-year-olds in 2009.  He is one of the few stallions bucking economic trends of late.   

Formula for Rate of Return For Graeme Hall:  (Return - Capital / Capital x 100 + Rate of Return%)
                                                                        105,400 - 7500 / 105,400 x 100 = 92.8%

Graeme Hall Runners Romp: 13 Length and 14-1/2 Length Winners

08/13/09

Three-year-old filly Gremalata and three-year-old colt Bad Boy Bubby led a string of 8 winners over just 4 days during the 8th to the 11th of August.  At tracks across the country, Graeme Hall had winners in races ranging from 5 furlongs to 1-1/16th mile.  The highlights were open length wins by Gremalata and Bad Boy Bubby, each going six furlongs on the dirt.  Ontario-bred Gremalata, out of Heavenly Sunshine (West By West) faced a field of 9 competitors and easily scored a 14-1/2 length win at Mountaineer by going to the lead early and stretching her advantage to an insurmountable double-digit length lead as she went.  Gremalata was bred by Eugene Melnyk and is trained and owned by Burley Clouston, III.  Using a similar tactic to Gremalata, Bad Boy Bubby, a gelding out of the Storm Cat mare Bubba's Cat, ran away with race at Finger Lakes.  The race was practically over for his 6 rivals from the start as the Karen Baver and Briggs & Cromartie bred runner sped from the gates and built a 13-length lead by the time he hit the finish.  Bad Boy Bubby is owned by Lenora Black and trained by Seth Benzel.  Graeme Hall is among the leading sires in Florida.  With a stud fee of only $5,000 and the respectability buyers have for his progeny at auctions, it just makes sense to breed to Graeme Hall in 2010.        

Duke Of Mischief Draws Post 1 For G-1 Haskell

07/30/09

Duke of Mischief will take on on heavily favored Rachel Alexandra and 5 other rivals in the Grade-1 Haskell Inviational on Saturday from post position number one.    The fieild also includes Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird.   Duke of Mischief appears to be a horse on the rise after moving from races on grass to run on dirt.  Trainer david Fawkes liked what he saw when Duke of Mischief won an off-the-turf allowance race at Calder by almost 12 lengths.  He went on after that outing to win the Iowa Derby.  The early odds have Duke of Mischief as a 15-1 shot, but a good showing would not be surprising.

Strong Hope in Florida

07/30/09

Strong Hope, the multiple graded stakes winning son of Grand Slam, will stand the 2010 season at Eugene Melnyk's Winding Oaks Farm in Ocala, Florida.   From 11 starts, Strong Hope had 6 wins, 1 second, and 2 thirds.  He won the Jim Dandy Stakes (G-2), the Dwyer Stakes (G-2) and collected over $767,000 in purse money.  Strong Hope is the sire of stakes winner Trophy Collector and stakes placed Donttellmehwattodo.  The stud fee for 2010 is yet to be announced.

Graeme Hall Runner Scores in Iowa Derby

06/27/09

Three-year-old Duke of Mischief gave his sire Graeme Hall his newest stakes winner when he scored an easy win in the Iowa Derby on Friday, June 26th at Prairie Meadows.   Duke of Mischief had shown talent in previous stakes races and seemd to use that experience to move forward in this race.  The Marilyn McMaster bred colt out of My Lady Amelia by Real Courage saved ground throughout most of the race then made a big move as he came out of the turn for home, kicking away from the field for a 5-length win.  The colt is owned in partnership by the breeder, JoAnn and Alex Lieblong & CLS Racing. 

Peace Fire Does Miss Evans Proud

06/23/09

Vinery Stables' Peace Fire, a juvenile colt by Peace Rules, made his mother, Miss Evans, proud when he went out and won a Maiden Special Weight contest in his first attempt.  The colt had been working well and was sent off the favorite in the 5 1/2 furlong test on the turf of Colonial Downs.  Peace Fire did not disappoint his backers.  The Briggs / Cromartie bred colt, out of the venerable Nijinsky II mare that has produced stakes winners Corsican Sunset and Si Seductress, was content to stay back from the pace but put forth a strong, sustained effort to ease by all competitors and prevail by a neck.   Graham Motion trains Peace Fire.     

Briggs & Cromartie Bred Trust Or Bust Scores Another Stakes Win

06/22/09

Trust or Bust, by Trust N Luck out of Dance Lead (Nureyev), made it 5 wins in a row when he took the Charles Town Invitational Sprint Handicap.  The 4-year-old Briggs/Cromartie & Montgomery Farm bred gelding added this stakes win to his previous wins in The Webb Snyder Stakes and The Panhandle Handicap.   He has finished in-the-money in 14 of his 16 lifetime starts.  Trust or Bust i trained by Paul McClelland and is owned by Happy Hour Stable. 

Could Limehouse Be The Next Great Freshman Sire? Not Too Late to Call Us For a Season

06/18/09

Olredlgetcha Wins Career Bow in Victoria S.

By Blood-Horse Staff
Updated: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 2:05 PM
Posted: Sunday, June 14, 2009 6:15 PM
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(from Woodbine report)

Olredlgetcha, a 2-year-old son of Limehouse  , was anything but green in his career bow, blowing away his rivals in the $136,098 Victoria Stakes at Woodbine June 14 .

The chestnut Florida-bred, ridden by Emile Ramsammy, rallied stoutly down the stretch in the five-furlong Victoria to give trainer Greg de Gannes consecutive scores in the added-money event. Olredlgetcha won by three lengths.

"I don't know who 'Red' is, but he must be a good guy. This horse must take after him,” said de Gannes. “He's an ultimate professional. He always has been. He's very athletic."

Last year, Southern Exchange recorded a 4 3/4-length win in the Victoria, providing de Gannes with his first Woodbine stakes victory.

On Sunday, Olredlgetcha, sent off at 10-1, sat off an opening quarter-mile of :22.67 set by the dueling Dant and Fearless Cowboy. Olredlgetcha collared the latter, who finished second, in mid-stretch. Dant was third, 2 3/4 lengths behind Fearless Cowboy.

The final time was :57.56 over the Toronto oval Polytrack.

“The first time I sat on this horse, I knew he was going to be good,” said Ramsammy. “Today, he did everything professionally. He settled nicely and when I called on him, he responded with a strong turn of foot.”

Owned by R Own Stables, the winning colt returned $23.50, $11.50 and $6.30, combining with Fearless Cowboy ($7.70, $5.90) for a $187.50 exacta. Dant ($5.30) capped off a $1,224.10 trifecta.

Bricklayer, the 6-5 favorite in the field of seven, finished fifth.

Sienna Farms bred the chestnut Olredlgetcha, who is out of Mystical Beauty, by Cobra King.

The Mothers of Top Thoroughbreds Covered in May and June

06/07/09

Do you think it's too late in the breeding season to breed your mare?  Tell that to the owners of Mine That Bird.  The May foal and latest  Kentucky Derby winner adds his name to the list of stars that came from late covers, there might not be a better time to breed.  The dams of notable stars Afleet Alex, Barbaro, Northern Dancer, Grand Slam, Spain, War Admiral, Discreet Cat, Hard Spun, Pleasant Colony, and Touch Gold just to name a few, were all covered late in the breeding season.  And there are countless other derby contendors and great racehorses that have come from late season breedings.  Your late season mating could result in a great horse.  Call us for information on available seasons or for nicks.

Great Seasons - Great Value

05/27/09

There are still many great Florida stallion seasons available for your mares to breed in 2009, including Montbrook, Omega Code, Roar of the Tiger, Drewman, Full Mandate, Pomeroy, and City Place.  Some are available at prices lower than the advertised fee.  We offer free nicks using Werks Ratings and/or APEX statistics to breeders who book through our office.  Call for details and check out the list of seasons to see if any others might be of interest.

What Sweeter Deal Than A Stallion Share?

05/27/09

Thinking aout owning a share in a stallion?  Not a bad idea during a downturn in the economy.  Stallion shares retain their value for a relatively long period until runners by that stallion perform above or below expectations to impact share values.  Buying a piece of the right stallion at the right time can have lucrative results.  Would you like to be co-owner of your favorite stallion?  Or co-owner of a stallion whose stock you think will rise as his runners progress?  Call to inquire about availability of a share in your stallion of interest. Check out the list of a few of them.   If your stallion of choice is not on the list, that doesn't mean shares are not available.  Call us with a request to see if we might be able to help you find what you are looking for.

Smooth Air Earns a Cool Million

05/26/09

Smooth Air, the son of Smooth Jazz out of the French Deputy mare Air France, sent his earnings over the $1 Million mark when he gamely finished second in the Grade-1 Shadwell Met Mile at Belmont Park.  Trainer Bennie Stutts, Jr. was proud of Smooth Air's effort but expected that he could have done better had he not missed some training time and a start in the Texas Mile at Lone Star because of a bout with colic.  Regardless of his recent ailment, Smooth Air ran as he normally does by staying close to the pace and wearing down the speed of the race.  He actually gained a small lead with about a sixteenth left to go but favored Bribon was able to move past him as Smooth Air fought for the lead.  The Mount Joy Stables'  runner contends for nearly every race he enters and it is a matter of time, as long as he is healthy, before he can annex a Grade 1 stakes race to his win record.  Congratulations and continued good luck to his connections. 

She's Got Style She's Got Grace, She's a Winner. Yeah, Yeah, Yes She's A Lady

05/14/09

Yes She's A Lady made it look easy in her first attempt to win among stakes level horses when she took a commanding 10-length win in the Deceit Stakes at Belmont Park on May 13th, going a mile on the dirt in a good time of 1:35.60.  The time and performance earned her a Beyer Speed Figure of 94, placing her performance among the top by 3-year old fillies thus far this year.  Ridden by John Velazquez, the daughter of Yes Its True out of Wonder Lady by Deputy Minister took the lead almost immediately and held on to it while in hand most of the way.  Her fractions of 23.02 for the first quarter, 45.93 for the half, and 1:09.80 for six furlongs proved to be too much for her competitors, a group that included among them some highly touted fillies and a couple of graded stakes placed performers.  Despite the accomplishments of others in the field, there was no doubt which filly was much the best on this day as all the rest could do was watch Yes She's A Lady pulled away at will to win by a widening margin.  The Briggs and Cromartie owned filly was bred by Silverleaf Farms, Inc. and trained by Todd Pletcher.  Watch Race

Two Times A Lady...And Counting

04/30/09

Briggs & Cromartie Stables' filly Yes She's A Lady, by Yes It's True out of Wonder Lady (a half-sister to Pure Clan), made it two in a row when she followed up a front-running 3-length win at Aqueduct (Maiden Special Weight) with a 7-length front-running allowance win at Philadelphia Park on April 27th.  The Todd Pletcher trainee set the pace and didn't have to work hard in doing it, coasting to the front and only working when asked at the top of the stretch.  She responded eagerly to put away her nearest rival, while the rest of the field was left in the wake of the two leaders.  Yes She's A Lady was bred in Florida by Silverleaf Farms, Inc.   

Pomeroy A Great Value

04/21/09

While the economy may be down, the current financial environment may be bringing unforeseen opportunities.  Among the opportunities created by the current state of the economy is a sweet deal to breed to a great racehorse.  Multiple Grade-One winner Pomeroy, a fast and steady runner who won over $845,000, was standing for a stud fee of $12,500 in his first year at stud, but his owners, recognizing the need for action to stimulate the breeding economy, lowered his stud fee to $8,000 in 2009.  Breeders would have been hard-pressed to find such value for a breeding to a top-quality racehorse in years past.  To date, Pomeroy has shown a penchant for siring well-balanced and well-conformed foals.  The coming Summer select yearling sales will be sure to have some of Pomeroy's offspring on display.  His new crop of foals looks to be as classy as the first.  Call to book your mare to a top racehorse and a potential star stallon, POMEROY, at a great price.   

Free Mating Recommendations

03/31/09

In this slow economy, there is no need for breeders to pay for expert advice on Thoroughbred matings.  Do you need a recommendation for your mare?  Have you chosen your stallion and want a second opinion to confirm your choice?  While many experts charge hundreds of dollars for their opinions, Briggs & Cromartie offer complimentary advice to clients who book their mares through their agency.  With over 40 years of combined experience in the Thoroughbred industry, Briggs & Cromartie provide expert knowledge based on market awareness, pedigree analysis, conformation and other areas of interest to breeders.  Their agency has a portfolio of available seasons, and, if your stallion is not on the list, it may still be possible to obtain the season you want.  Call to book your mare or to inquire. 

Great Stallion Values in Florida

03/18/09

There are many great values available for breeders who have mares to breed in Florida.  Stallions like Omega Code, Drewman, Roar of the Tiger, Full Mandate, Montbrook, and City Place are still available to breeders looking to buy seasons at a discount.  See these and other available stallions on our Seasons List.  Call our office at (352) 591-5888 for details or send us a message at info@bcbloodstock.com .

Consistently Smooth: Smooth Air Wins Another Graded Stakes Race

03/16/09

Trainer Bennie Stutz, Jr. and owner Bryan Burns made plans to target the 2009 Met Mile for their ever-consistent star Smooth Air.  If plans were to stay on target, he needed a good showing in the Gulfstream Handicap, a G-2 event covering a one-turn mile over Gulfstream's dirt track.  He did better than just show up for the race.  Doing what he does best, Smooth Air, the son of Smooth Jazz (Storm Boot), rated just off the pace and made his move going into the stretch, challenging the leaders and wearing them down as they approached the wire.  Left in his wake were some very nice runners such as 2008 Fountain of Youth winner Cool Coal Man and Bribon, the co-favorites going into the starting gate.  After the race, it seems that plans stay on schedule.  According to interviews in Bloodhorse.com, the winning team has said that Smooth Air will run one more race prior to a start in the prestigious G-1 Met Mile.  Although Smooth Air has had respectable results going two turns, the one-turn races suit him well.  We are sure to hear more from this fine runner as he cuts back in distance to challenge the top runners in this tough division.      

Graeme Hall Booked Full for 2009

03/04/09

After a great year at the races and at auction for offspring of Graeme Hall in 2008, breeders in Florida have responded to the stallion's success.  Only a few weeks into the official start of the breeding season, Graeme Hall has been booked full.  Lucky breeders who submitted mares early can rest easy after securing one of the best stallion values in Florida.  Thanks to all the breeders who have supported Graeme Hall. 

Winner at Aqueduct for Briggs & Cromartie Stables

02/25/09

Yes She's A Lady, by Yes It's True out of Wondar Lady (Deputy Minister) broker her maiden when she took the second race of Aqueduct's February 22nd card with ease, pulling away by 4-1/2 lengths at the wire.  The Silverleaf bred filly out of a half sister to graded stakes winners GREATER GOOD and PURE CLAN is trained by Todd Pletcher.   The Maiden Special Weight race, with a purse of $44,000, was contested over a distance of 1 Mile 70 Yards.  See the Equibase Chart.

Graeme Hall Outsells Them All

02/17/09

Graeme Hall showed again that he is a good commodity in a bad market.  OBS saw a downturn in sale average and median from last year's OBS February Selected Two-Year-Old Sale, but Graeme Hall continued to buck trends by selling above the median and averaging more than double the sale average.  At yearling sales in 2008, Graeme Hall had sterling individuals sell well above their particular sale averages.  At this year's OBS February Sale, two juveniles by Graeme Hall sold for an average of $220,000 and one was the sale topper, ringing up a price of $340,000.  The sale topping filly, hip number 107, out of Vines Of Justice by Judge T C, was purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds.  Graeme Hall stands for a fee of $5,000 in 2009.  The stud fee offers great opporunities for breeders to garner great returns on their investments.  Call to submit a mare to breed to Graeme Hall.  (see details of the sale from Bloodhorse.com)   

Graeme Hall: A Proven Commodity

02/10/09

Graeme Hall enoyed a stellar racing season in 2008.  He ranked atop the national list of Juvenile Sires by number of two-year-old stakes winners with 5, tied with Exchange Rate ($25,000 stud fee), Dixie Union ($35,000 stud fee) and City Zip ($12,500).  Over all in 2008, Graeme Hall sired 71 winners from 113 runners who amassed 11 stakes wins, included 2 graded stakes, and earnings of nearly $3 Million.  In a down economic market, Graeme Hall proved his steadiness in the sales ring.  In 2008, 20 yearlings sold for an average of over $30,370.  While that figure may seem modest, the rate of return on the investment, given his standing fee, is a welcome break from dire news of harsh economic times.  His stud fee of $5,000 is enticing breeders who are looking for proven value and his book for 2009 is filling faster than in years past.  Stakes producers such as FELICITA, the dam of the great Take Charge Lady, will breed to Graeme Hall this year.  Call to add your mare to Graeme Hall's 2009 book. 

Smooth Air 3 Y.O. Florida-Bred Champion

01/27/09

It's official.  Smooth Jazz is the sire of a champion from his first crop.  Smooth Air captured 2 graded stakes in 2008 and placed second to Big Brown in the G-1 Florida Derby on his way to earning over $660,000 for the year.  Smooth Air is out of the mare Air France by French Deputy.  Smooth Air will continue to race in 2009 and, no doubt, owner Mount Joy Stables will be looking for a repeat trip to The Breeders' Cup in Santa Anita.  His sire, Smooth Jazz, was among the leading sires standing in New York in 2008 and with the help of his talented son he will look to remain in the position. 

Boarding at Briggs & Cromartie

01/26/09

Successful breeding and foaling are directly correlated to the quality of care provided to mares.  In harsh economic times, it becomes that much more important to have quality care to ensure success in the breeding shed and to ensure future economic returns in the form of strong, quality foals.  Get the most from your boarding dollar by going with proven professionals.  Call us to inquire about boarding your mares with Briggs & Cromartie.   

Snuck In Starts 2009 Off In Good Order

01/04/09

Snuck In's progeny are ensuring that their sire gets a good start to the new year.  In the first 3 days of 2009, Snuck In has had 6 winners.  Inlcuded among the winners are a first-time starter, a gutsy winner over a talented, highly touted favorite, and a strong allowance winner. 

Winner/Stakes Performer (Age/Sex) Broodmare Sire Track (fin. pos./dist./date)
Snuck Around (3yo, C) Salt Lake PHILADELPHIA PARK(1st, 1 Mile 70 Yards, 1/3)
Snuck in Girl (3yo, F) Lord Avie FAIR GROUNDS(1st, 5 1/2 Furlongs, 1/2)
Gentsfinishfirst (5yo, G) Grub SUNLAND PARK(1st, 5 1/2 Furlongs, 1/3)
Snucks to Be You (5yo, G) Sunny North LAUREL PARK(1st, 7 Furlongs, 1/2)
Snicker M H F (5yo, G) Crafty Prospector RETAMA PARK(1st, 1 Mile, 1/1)
Sneaky Deeds (6yo, M) Shadeed LAUREL PARK(1st, 7 Furlongs, 1/2)

Snuck In stands in Benton, Louisiana at Matthews Thoroughbred Farm for a stud fee of $2,500, payable when the foal stands and nurses.

'Tis The Season....For A Season

12/21/08

Thinking about that perfect gift for your favorite Thoroughbred breeder?  Well, how about a season to breed to his or her favorite stallion?  Sign a Live Foal Contract now and you pay nothing 'til you have a walking, nursing baby that could become a gift that keeps on giving when that foal runs to glory.  Check out the list of seasons then give us a call when you decide on just the right one. 

Add Another Juvenile Winner by Graeme Hall

12/12/08

Waverly Cott, a two-year-old filly out of Don't Forsake Me, was added to the list of 2008 juvenile winners by Graeme Hall, one of Florida's leading juvenile sires.  The Eugene Melnyk bred filly won the first race at Charlestown on a night that resulted in bad weather suspending most of the races.  She won by dueling with the leader from start to finish, outkicking her rival to win in the final strides in a show of determination.  The filly owned by Circle P Farm was ridden by Sunday Diaz.  Graeme Hall leads the national standings among juvenile sires by number of juvenile stakes winners. 

Captain Bry Reports For Duty

12/03/08

Chenery Stakes winner Captain Bry, a two-year-old gelding by Snuck In out of Tropical Runner (Blue Ensign), is back on the track after a layoff.  The promising juvenile worked in Tampa going 5 furlongs in 1:03 and 1/5.  He had not worked since September, so this first effort is a good sign of a successful return.  His sire, Snuck In, stands at Matthews Thoroughbred Farm in Benton, Lousiana and is among the top stallions in the state.  He is a sire of dependable runners who seem stay in the money.  The stallion is a good option for breeders whose mares are foaling in Lousiana and need a stallion to breed back to under the rules of the Lousiana breeding prgram.   

Stoneyer Strikes Again

11/24/08

Two-year-old Stoneyer, already a two-time G-1 (PR) stakes winner prior to this weekend, scored a 5-1/2 length win in the G-1 (PR) Clasico Augustin Mercado Reveron at Camerero Race Track on Sunday.  Out of Bungalow Eight by Montbrook, Stoneyer was bred by Dr. & Mrs. Fred Yutani in Florida and is owned by Wanda Iris, Inc. 

Graeme Hall: Leading Juvenile Sire

11/14/08

Graeme Hall surpassed the venerable Montbrook as Florida's top sire of juveniles and in the process surpassed Florida newcomer and freshman sire Chapel Royal, as well.  Graeme Hall's total of 5 two-year-old stakes winners in 2008 is better than the total sired by any other Florida stallion and is actually equal to the combined total of stakes winners sired by the second, third, fourth, and fifth rated sires on the leading juvenile sires list.  Already Florida's leading third-crop sire, Graeme Hall is steadily rising among the stallions on the general list of Florida's leading sires.  Graeme Hall has sired winners and stakes horses from a wide range of broodmare sires.  Call to get a nick for your mare.

Smooth Air Chills in November

11/11/08

Trainer Bennie Stutts, Jr. confirmed that Smooth Air would race in 2009 as a 4-year old.  In a report to The Daily Racing Form the trainer who guided Smooth Air to graded stakes wins in the Ohio Derby (G-2) and the Hutcheson Stakes (G-2) and to starts in the Kentucky Derby (G-1) and The Breeders Cup Classic (G-1) stated that Smooth Air would spend the month of November in Ocala getting some much deserved rest.  Stutts mentioned that the goal for the son of Smooth Jazz in 2009 would be to garner Grade-One wins and to perhaps make another run at the Breeders' Cup Classic.  Good luck to owner Mount Joy Stables and to Bennie Stutts, Jr. in their pursuit of excellence in the coming year. Read DRF Article

New Juvenile Stakes Winner by Graeme Hall

11/08/08

Graeme Hall just keeps getting better.  Already one of Florida's leading sires, and the leading third-crop sire, Graeme Hall added a new juvenile stakes winner, Salo Jak, to cut into freshman Chapel Royal's lead as top juvenile sire in Florida.  Salo Jak's win in the Jack Price Juvenile Stakes tightens the race among newcomer Chapel Royal, the venerable Montbrook, and Graeme Hall for leading juvenile sire.  Salo Jak becomes Graeme Hall's 5th two-year-old stakes winner in 2008.  Bred by Mark Casse and owned by Mi Jak Racing Stable, Inc. the Gilberto Zerpa trainee was unhurried early but put forth a solid drive to win by 1-1/4 lengths over a prohibitive favorite.   Graeme Hall stands for $5,000.  In a time of economic uncertainty, Graeme Hall gives breeders a solid chance of getting a runner.  Call to get a nick for your mare.   

Breeding Season Just Around The Corner

10/28/08

Hard to believe, but it's about time to start making plans to breed your mares in 2009.  Good luck to all in the upcoming foaling season.  For those mares not foaling in 2009, owners can start doing the homework early and we can help.  To come up with breeding decisions, we use a combination of nicking programs and statistical data available through APEX Stallion Ratings, Werks Nicks Ratings and TrueNicks, as well as more traditional methods of breeding physical type to physical type, and mating sire lines with proven affinities to specific broodmare sire lines.  Furthermore, we have availability to a portfolio of seasons, so we can help secure the mating you want.   Call us to find out more.

Young Guns On The Market

10/26/08

Is there a young stallion that you think will go on to greatness in the next few years?  Then why not own a piece of him now before his stock rises?  Shares and breeding rights are available to young stallions in Florida, Kentucky, and New York.  Call our office and let us know what stallions interest you and we just might be able to set you up with a piece of the stallion of your choice.   

BC Runner in Smooth Jazz's First Crop

10/22/08

The little horse that definitely can, Smooth Air, will run in the Breeders Cup Classic against some of the biggest names in Thoroughbred racing.  The story of the overlooked sire Smooth Jazz, owner/breeder Mount Joy Stables, and 70-year-old trainer Bennie Stutts, Jr. will continue as they go undaunted into the Classic with a runner that by many accounts should not be able to competitively run past the distance of 1 mile.  Smooth Air is not supposed to be able to run longer, but he can, and he does.  The consistent colt seems to rise to the level of the competition he faces in any given race.  Save for a very bad start in the 20 horse Kentucky Derby Field, a race in which his early troubles led to an 11th place finish, Smooth Air would now be in the money in 100% of his races.  Included among his strong finishes is a game second to Big Brown in the G-1 Florida Derby in the Spring of 2008.  In the Breeders Cup Classic, he will have to run for the first time on a synthetic surface, and he will take on older horses the likes of which he has never faced.  Given the talent in the field and the apparent drawbacks Smooth Air faces, the betting public will make him a long-shot to figure in the race.  But given the fickle nature of the racing gods and the work ethic of Smooth Air, this just might be a day for the little guy. 

Graeme Hall 2 Y.O. Emmy Darling to Breeders Cup

10/22/08

One of Graeme Hall's promising two year olds of 2008, Emmy Darling, bred by Helen Napolitano out of the Colonial Affair mare Dance Delight, will start in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies race on Friday, October 24th.  Emmy Darling has displayed talent and the knack for being in position to win races in which she is entered.  Given the consistency of Graeme Hall's top runners, it would not be shocking to see Emmy Darling in the thick of the race.  She has proven she belongs in stakes company by taking the Landaluce Stakes and then running a game race to place third in the G-3 Sorrento Stakes.  The retirement of Graeme Six and injuries to Lieutenant Ron kept Graeme Hall from being represented by multiple runners in this year's edition of The Thoroughbred World Championships.  Emmy Darling will ably carry the banner for her sire.  Good luck to trainer John Sadler, owners Ike and Dawn Thrash, and the rest of the connections.

Banner Day For Graeme Hall

10/12/08

Saturday was a good day for Graeme Hall.   In one day, he notched a maiden special weight winner by 7-1/2 lengths, an allowance winner by 3-1/2 lengths, and a stakes winner by a nose.  At Delaware Park, Aspiring Nick, a colt out of Aspiring Sue bred by Daniel J. Ljoka & Sharon Biamonte and owned by Daniel Ljoka fought hard to defeat Bunker Hill, a talented colt by Trippi, by a nose to win The Dover Stakes.  At Philadelphia Park, Summus, a three-year old filly out of Dif A Dot, bred by Ponder Hill, Inc. and owned by Tony Bowling, pulled away to score at the allowance level by 3-1/2.  And at Calder Race Course, Salo Jak, a two-year old colt out of Fafnir, bred by Mark Casse and owned by Mi Jak Racing Stable, Inc., ran away with a maiden special weight contest by 7-1/2 lengths.  The impressive wins by Aspiring Nick and Salo Jak add to Graeme Hall's lead as Florida's leading sire of juveniles.   Aspiring Nick becomes Graeme Hall's 4th two-year old stakes winner of 2008.

It's In The Fridge Cool in Win at Oak Tree

10/12/08

It's In The Fridge, a two-year-old by Smooth Jazz bred by Casey Seaman in Florida, went off the favorite in race 9 at Santa Anita and easily pulled away from a full field of 11 rivals to break his maiden in a fast 103.56.  Owned by Roddy J. Valente, the bay gelding out of the Blue Ensign mare Carliesluckylady made a 3-wide move in midstretch to clear the field by 3-1/2 lengths.   Smooth Jazz is one of the leading second-crop sires in New York and stands for $3,000 at Buckridge Farm.   

1-5 Favorite Lieutenant Ron Wins Easily: Scores Another Triple Digit Beyer

10/06/08

Lieutenant Ron may yet have the chance to fulfill the great potential that many racing fans thought he had when he opened his career with very impressive wins in which he scores triple digit Beyer Speed figures.  Early in 2008, Lieutenant Ron was on a fast track to stardom when he scored easy wins.  But then injuries sidelined the rising star.  After a  long layoff, the son of Graeme Hall came back as the 3-5 favorite in an allowance event at Belmont on September 14th only to finish third, but he showed enough in the race to suggest he would return to form.  He did just that on October 4th.  Going off the 1-5 favorite, Lieutenant Ron backed what the bettors thought of him by easily scoring a win by almost 9 lengths and scoring yet another triple digit Beyer Speed Figure of 103.   Given the potential he displayed early and the way he has progressed despite facing adversity, we have probably not seen the best from Lieutenant Ron.  Graeme Hall is the leading sire of juveniles in Florida, and there may be other potential stars to come, so we may not have seen the best from Lieutenant Ron's sire.

Two More 2 Y.O. Winners for Florida's Leading Sire of Juveniles

10/02/08

Already atop the list of Florida Sires of 2-Y.O.s, Graeme Hall recently added two new names to the list of juvenile winners when on September 27th Graeme Wafer, out of Bar U Mokwa (Bold Ruckus), battled like veteran in winning her racing debut at Woodbine and on October 2nd Graeme of Gold, out of Court of Law (Mr. Justice) pulled away by almost 5 lengths at Calder.  Graeme Hall has 11 two-year-old winners.  From those winners, Graeme Hall has 5 stakes placers and 3 stakes winners and ranks ahead of some of Florida's perrenial leading sires of juveniles and ahead of all Florida freshman sires.  He also ranks among the top of the list nationally ahead of notable stallions such as Yes Its True, Storm Cat, and Street Cry.  With many more starters to come from his biggest crop to date, Graeme Hall stands to improve his status among top stallions.    

Smooth Air Rolls to Turf Win In Needles Stakes

09/29/08

The Needles Stakes has probably never before been a prep race for The Breeders' Cup Classic, but the race at Calder was just what the connections of resident star Smooth Air needed before moving on with plans for racing's biggest day to be held at Santa Anita on October 25th.  Making his turf debut in The Needles Stakes, favored Smooth Air proved that bettor confidence in his versatility was not misplaced by making easy work of the field, pulling away to win by almost 4 lengths after making a tremendous move to blow away the competition as the field came out of the turn for home.  The impressive win sets Smooth Air up nicely for his debut on artificial surface.  The Breeders' Cup Classic will be full of stars and Smooth Air has proven that he belongs among the elite 3-year-olds, if not among the best horses of all ages, of 2008.  Congratulations and continued good luck to the connections of Smooth Air.

Red Hot Jazz In Tune in Allowance Win

09/29/08

After some recent disappointing outings, Red Hot Jazz got back in tune with an impressive 6-1/2 length win in an allowance race at Philadelphia Park on September 29th.  Always thought of as a runner of great potential, the filly from the first crop by Smooth Jazz impressively broke her maiden at first asking and looked to be on the fast track to success before suffering some setbacks.  The latest win puts her back on track toward the success which was expected from the connections of this $240,000 two-year-old in training purchase.  Congratulations to owner Puglisi Racing, LLC and trainer/owner Steve Klesaris and breeder Frank Hopewell.  

Graeme Hall Bucking Sales Trends

09/23/08

In a Thoroughbred market that has shown a tendency toward declines during the last few auctions, Graeme Hall seems to be bucking the trend.  To date in 2008, Graeme Hall yearling sales averages have increased by over 62% from his 2007 figures.  Sunday's session at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale saw another highlight.  At the Sunday session's end, a Graeme Hall colt consigned by Gainesway was atop the list of highest priced yearlings for the day.  Horsemen saw the average price in this session fall to $11,253 from $14,716 during the same session in 2007, a decline of over 29% (http://auctions.bloodhorse.com/article/47173.htm), a colt out of Divine Rocket (by Is It True) sold for $95,000.  While the sales figure may not be an earth shattering amount, the sales price is, as compared to sales results on the day, and as compared to consistent declines in overall sales averages, another example that reflects the rising respect horsemen have for Graeme Hall and his progeny.  

Sabine Stables Goes to $155,000 for Graeme Hall Yearling

09/16/08

Graeme Hall has had success on the track at distances from 5 furlongs to 1-1/2 Miles with runners from many different broodmare sire lines.  To date, he has had 5 stakes winners with 7 stakes wins in 2008 and almost added another stakes winner this past weekend when Aspiring Nick finished just a head behind in the Go For The Green Juvenile Stakes.  At the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Sabine Stables saw potential in a Graeme Hall offsrpring and went to $155,00 to land the filly out of Vines of Justice (Judge T C).  The filly from the family of February Storm was consigned by Baccari Bloodstock.  Good luck to the new owners.

Briggs & Cromartie Keeneland Sales Update

09/12/08

BUYING:

Briggs & Cromartie Thoroughbred Consultants made a splash early in the September Yearling Sale when the team purchased hip number 98, a colt by Giant's Causeway out of Voodoo Dancer by Kingmambo.   Voodoo Dancer was a multiple grade-1 winner  of $1,427,952.   Giant's Causeway is, of course, one of the leading sires in the world.  The attractive colt looks the type to carry on the racing legacy of the prolific Storm Cat - Mr. Prospector cross.

SELLING:

In 2006, Briggs & Cromartie purchased the mare Accountess for $37,000, on behalf of Silverleaf Farm. The mare was in foal to a popular new stallion, Closing Argument, and the in- utero foal was bred on the same cross as Accountforthegold (by Successful Appeal), a runner out of the mare that was showing talent. The in-utero foal developed into a stunning yearling colt of 2008 that was noticed by many buyers at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Among the admirers of the big, strong colt were Bob Baffert, Nick Zito and D.Wayne Lukas, three horsemen who have had more than their share of success in the racing game and who look to continue their success by joining forces under the partnership name of Legends Racing. Legends Racing went to a bid of $330,000 to land the impressive colt, hip number from the consignment of Legacy Bloodstock. The rate of return on the purchase of Accountess, she also has a foal of 2008 by Successful Appeal, has proven to be quite good to date. With the trio of Legends Racing on the same side of a horse, there is great hope for that horse’s success, and in turn, for that of his dam Accountess.

Smooth Air: A Model of Consistency

09/02/08

Smooth Air's return from foot problems has to be deemed a success after a third-place finish in the G-2 Pennsylvania Derby at Philadelphia Park on Labor Day.  Despite a long layoff, the always game Smooth Air showed he is still the type of horse that will challenge in any race he enters.  The multiple graded-stakes-winning son of Smooth Jazz has finished out of the money only once in his career (in the G-1 Kentucky Derby after a troubled trip) and can usually be counted on to contend for win money.  In this race, jockey Manoel Cruz did as he has normally done with Smooth Air by placing his ride just off the pacesetters and in contention to move in the turn for home.  Smooth Air vied for the lead when asked, but lacked the finishing speed he he has shown in previous wins.  Given Smooth Air's consitency, we are likely to see more of that late speed in his next races.  Smooth Air collected $105,700 for his efforts in The Pennsylvania Derby to bring his 2008 earnings to over $600,000.  Congratulations to owner/breeder Mount Joy Stables and trainer Bennie Stutts, Jr. on Smooth Air's continued success.   

Speed Sums It Up For Summus

08/29/08

Four-year-old Summus, by Graeme Hall out of Dif a Dot (Rubiano), zipped 5-1/2 furlongs in 1:02.93 to run away with race 6 at Presquile Downs by 5 lengths on 8/28/08.  The final time was less than half a second off the track record for the distance. 

Smooth Wind Breezes to Win

08/29/08

From 3rd place and behind by 8 lengths entering the stretch of Monmouth Park's 5th race on 8/28/08, Florida-bred gelding Smooth Wind, by Smooth Jazz out of Windy Account, breezed past his competitors with a strong finish to notch a 1-1/2 length win in a 1 Mile contest on the dirt.  The even-money favorite, bred by Dr. Tom Croley out of a Top Account mare, went off the even-money favorite and drew away as he neared the finish.  This win adds to the totals for Smooth Jazz, one of New York's leading sires.  On the subject of the cross of Smooth Jazz with airy mares, on tap this holiday weekend is the return of Smooth Air out of Air France.  The Smooth Jazz star is expected to enter the Pennsylvania Derby and is likely to be one of the favorites.  To date, Smooth Air has amassed over $500,000 in earnings.   A win in the $1 Million event would make Smooth Jazz the sire of a millionaire from his first crop. 

Another 2 Y.O Winner For Florida's Leader

08/25/08

Florida's leading third crop sire, Graeme Hall, continues his banner year as a sire of two-year olds (see Bloodhorse List).  His latest two-year-old winner is Harmonious Union, a filly bred by Mark Casse in Florida out of the Peaks and Valleys mare Peaks Or Valleys.  This filly's win (see Equibase chart) at Woodbine on Saturday August 23rd added over $38,000 in purse money to the lead that Graeme Hall enjoys over all other Florida sires of two-year olds of 2008.   Graeme Hall's runners, out of mares by a variety of broodmare sires, are diverse in that they run on tracks across the country over different track surfaces at any age, yet common in their gameness and toughness.   The year will only get better as more Graeme Hall runners from his crop of 75 two-year olds make their debut and his tough 3 and 4 year old runners continue their progress. 

Stellar Sale Session For Graeme Hall

08/18/08

The first day of the OBS Summer Yearling Sale ended with an average price of $50,243, down from last year's average of $57,962.  The decrease in average is, of course, not great good news for sellers.  But sellers who sold yearlings by Graeme Hall were immune to the fall during the first session of the sale.  While only two yearlings by Florida's leading third crop sire were offered, both sold for an average of $92,500.  Hip number 109, consigned by Michelle Redding, a colt out of the Jolie's Halo mare Delirio, was purchased by Cruppi's New Castle Farm for $70,000.  Hip number 221, consigned by Southern Breeze Ranch, a colt out of the Future Storm mare Parental Uproar was purchased by Ike and Dawn Thrash for a price of $115,000.  Graeme Hall has had 4 stakes winners this year and his runners continue to make strides toward keeping their sire atop leading stallions lists.  Congratulations to the former owners of these fine yearlings and good luck to the newest owners of Graeme Hall athletes.    

Nicoles Prospect: MSW Winner by Smooth Jazz

08/14/08

Nicoles Prospect by Smooth Jaz out of Dawntlet by Allen's Prospect became he latest winner by Smooth Jazz when he easily won a Maiden Special Weight race by 6-1/4 lengths over 4-1/2 furlongs at Charles Town.  Nicoles Prospect comes by speed honestly.  His sire, G-2 winning Smooth Jazz, recorded a 0 (zero) Ragozin and a 117 Beyer Speed Figure during his racing career and is by Storm Boot, one of the most prominent pre-potent speed sires of recent years.  The 3-year-old gelding was bred by Harry Joe Painter & Dr. Alison Kate Painter and is owned by Danny Self and David Rose.

Storm Boot Still Kicking It

08/14/08

Storm Boot was perhaps one of Storm Cat's most underrated sons at stud.  He consistently sired stakes winners and had one of the highest percentages of stakes winners from foals among the many sons of Storm Cat.  Storm Boot may be gone, but he is not forgotten.  His influence is still prominent in horse racing and it was clearly evident in Mani Bhavan's 7-length win in the G-2 Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga on August 13th.  Storm Boot's influence is also alive through his son Smooth Jazz, one of Storm Boots graded stakes winners.  Smooth Jazz has already proven that he too, like his sire, can have graded stakes winners and elite runners.  From his first crop to race, Smooth Air has already established himself as a very good and possibly great runner.  Smooth Air's next start is the $1,000,000 G-2 Pennsylvania Derby on September 1st.  A win would make him a millionaire and add to the credit of Storm Boot's legacy and to the earnings of Smooth Jazz, one of New York's leading second-crop sires. 

Two Gutsy Allowance Winners by Graeme Hall

08/12/08

The "never say die" attitude of Graeme Hall runners was on display during the last few days when two-year-old Saintly Rose and four-year-old Poovey each had to fight hard as they battled to win allowance races.  Both displayed a gutsy attitude that seems to be popular among Graeme Hall's runners.  Poovey and Saintly Rose each fought with a stubborn leader, both fell behind nearing the stretch, then came back again to wear down their competitors.  Graeme Hall is currently one of the top sires of two-year olds and ranks among the top stallions in Florida overall.  Poovey and others runners like Graeme Six, are proof of Graeme Hall's two-year-old form carrying on into his older runners.  The millionaire son of Dehere stands for $5,000 at Winding Oaks Farm and is available for inspection by appointment.  

Jazz Boy New Winner by Smooth JAzz

08/08/08

Three-year-old Jazz Boy became the latest winner by leading-second crop sire Smooth Jazz when he scored by 2-1/2 lengths over 13 rivals in race 8 of Woodbine's August 7th card.  The colt out of Supah Bev by Blue Ensign was bred in Florida by Ray Adam, and is owned by R.M.C. Stable.  Jazz Boy went off at odds of almost 11-1 but showed he was better than that by staying in range of the leaders of a 14 horse field, steadily making up ground from seventh place to fifth, and inching closer to get into position to win.   The Norman McKnight trainee blew by the leaders in the stretch to score an easy win.

Outofthebox Runners Score 2 Stakes Wins

08/04/08

One 2-year-old filly, one 3-year-old colt, 2 stakes winners in one day for Outofthebox.  Corlett -- bred in Florida by  Briggs/Cromartie and Carlos Rafael -- won the Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies Stakes by 2-1/4 lengths and collected over $50,000 for the win.  She is owned by Silverton Hill, LLC and trained by Darrin Miller.  Meanwhile, at Calder, three-year-old Hypocrite, bred by Steve Tortora and Tony Ancona, and owned by Jacqueline Tortora and Tony & Richard Ancona, ran to a 1-1/4 length win in the Valid Video Stakes.  Manny Tortora trains the colt.  Congratulations to all the connections. 

Smooth Air Back To Work

08/04/08

Smooth Air has gotten back to his workman-like approach to racing.  The son of Smooth Jazz was sidelined with foot issues for several weeks.  Trainer Benny Stutz brought his star back to Calder and the horse has settled in well, as his 3 works over the last 3 weeks have shown.  His latest work, a liesurely 7-furlong move in 128:00, is part of a program to get him back on track by September 1st for the $100,000,000 G-2 Pennsylvania Derby.  Smooth Air is currently ranked third among Breeders Cup Classic contenders based on graded stakes performance. 

....And Not To Mention

07/29/08

Aside from his latest two-year-old stakes winner of The Tyro Stakes (Fellow Crasher; 5-1/2 furlongs at Monmouth Park on 7/26), in the last few days Graeme Hall has also had a 4-year old Allowance Winner (Tait Hill; Philadelphia Park on 7/29), a 3-year-old Maiden Special Weight winner (Guadalcanal; 1-1/8th Mile [Turf] at Ellis Park on 7/27), and two 3-year-old maiden winners (Consent Point; 6-furlongs at Penn National on 7/24; And East Coaster; 1 Mile at Suffolk Downs on 7/27).  The winners just keep coming for Florida's leading third crop sire.  

Another Graeme Hall 2-Y.O. Stakes Winner

07/26/08

Graeme Hall runners from every one of his three crops keep just keep coming up with the goods.  On Saturday at Monmouth Park, Fellow Crasher, a two-year old from his latest crop of runners, joined Emmy Darling as a juvenile stakes winner for Florida's leading third-crop sire.  Fellow Crasher defeated a very talented prohibitive favorite, Notonthesamepage, easily pulling away by 2-1/2 lengths in the stretch.  The colt was bred by Bonnie Heath Farm, LLc and is owned by Michaele Dubb, Stuart Grant, and Samuel Bayard.  Graeme Hall is one of Florida's leading sires of two-year olds, as well as being among the national leaders in that category.  He is also the leading third crop sire in Florida and among the top nationally in that category.   

Undefeated Snuck In Colt A Stakes Winner

07/26/08

Captain Bry, bred and owned by his trainer Bryan Baker, stayed unbeaten when he drove past his rivals in the stretch of the Chenery Stakes at Colonial Downs on Saturday July 26th.  Content to stalk the pace early, Captian Bry used good finishing speed, going 4-wide in his bid to take over.  He did just that at about the 8th pole and the outcome was clearly evident from that point in the race.  Congratulations to Bryan Baker.

Cat's Cradle Adds Another Winner

07/25/08

Grade-1 winner Cat's Cradle, a member of the Briggs / Cromartie broodmare band, has had 3 foals to race and now has two winners.  Yesterday at Monmouth Park, her son of Montbrook, Lincoln Road, making only his second start, took command in the stretch of race 5, a Maiden Special Weight contest, to easily outgun the favorite in the race.  His win was not unexpected.  He was second choice among bettors after having had a series of very good works leading up to the race.  The colt is owned in partnership by  IEAH Stables and Golden Goose Enterprises, LLC.   Cat's Cradle is at the Briggs & Cromartie farm in Orange Lake (Ardmore Stud) with her yearling by Medaglia D'Oro and her suckling my Exchange Rate. 

Cash For Your Weanlings

07/23/08

Of particular interest are foals by Pomeroy or With Distinction in the $20,000 to $40,000 range.  Must be good physical specimens with athletic qualities.  Call our office to set up an appointment for us to come out and look at your foals by Pomeroy or With Distinction. 

Snuck In Hits Million Dollar Mark

07/23/08

Those who have been looking at race results of late have seen the name of Snuck In appear in tracks around the country as sire of runners finishing "in the money."  Thanks to some consistent runners, Snuck In has hit the $1,000.000.00 (One Million Dollar) mark in progeny earnings for 2008.  The big bay stallion has had hard-knocking runners on dirt and turf and has a current two-year-old crop of over 40 ready to make their starts and add to those earnings.  Snuck In currently 7th among sires in Louisiana.  Look for new winners to come. 

Saintly Rose's Debut A Winning Effort

07/23/08

First-time starter Saintly Rose, a first-time starter by Florida's leading third-crop sire Graeme Hall, looked anything but green in her debut at Philadelphia Park on July 22nd.  The filly out of the Carson City mare Pinta, ran a steady race as she chased the pace in the fourth-place position throughout most of the way.  She calmly took over the lead at the 16th pole and proceeded to edge clear of the field by 2-1/2 lengths.  The Haras El Aguila Florida bred is owned by Stud El Aguila and trained by Richard Vega.  This winner is the 6th two-year-old winner for Graeme Hall in 2008, including stakes winner Emmy Darling, and marks the 6th winner for the stallion over the last 5 days (July 18th to 22nd). 

Fasig-Tipton Sale To Offer 568

07/14/08

The two-day Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Yearling Sale will get underway on July 14th with a total of 568 yearlings cataloged for sale.  We will await results to see how many of the new young sires are doing in the yearling sales ring.  Good luck to all the sellers, consignors, and buyers and other connections to the horses enterted.

Graeme Hall Juvees Open Strong in July

07/07/08

Graame Hall's string of winners keeps getting longer.  Now that his two-year-olds are here, new names of runners by Graeme Hall are hitting the headlines.  Two new juvenile winners got July off to a good start.  First, on July 4th, Opportunity Lost, a full-sister to Hallway -- one of those very game stakes performers by Graeme Hall that has earned over $237,000 -- proved she might have some game herself as she debuted in a Maiden Special Weight race at Evangeline Downs and won a tough race by a neck, showing toughness and a burst of speed to get the wire first.  This filly is owned by breeder Brent Marti's Majestic Farms, LLC.  Majestic Farms also bred Hallway opted to race his sister himself.  The only opportunity lost in keeping this filly may turn out to be for everyone else who doesn't own her.  

On July 6th at Philadelphia Park, another Graeme Hall juvenile - a colt out of the Green Dancer mare Inch Marlowe, broke his maiden by 3 lengths in a 4-1/2 furlong race.  The Anthony Dutrow trained two-year-old settled inside early, saved ground, then split horses near the 1/8th pole and drew clear with 1/16th to go.  This colt is owned by the team of Michael Dubb, Grant Stuart & Samual Bayard.  

In between these two juveniles' wins came a game effort by Juvee Hall in the Supernatural Handicap at Hastings Racecourse on July 5th.  Juvee Hall had been running well in recent races and did the same in this race.  Trainer Barbara Heads' charge made a four side move after trailing the field for 3/4ths of the race to just miss another stakes win for Graeme Hall who has 5 of them thus far this year.

Summer Stallion Stocks Rising

07/07/08

The Summer heat is here!  Young stallions with good runners are getting hotter by the week.  Here are some updates for some notable stallions with great value:

Pure Prize: Pure Clan wins G-1 American Oaks Invitational on July 5th.  That makes 6 Stakes Winners and 8 Stakes Wins in 2008. 

Roar Of The Tiger:   Mo The Tiger breaks his maiden by 10-1/2 lengths!!  Now has 6 two-year-old winners.

City Place:  Glitter City second in Landaluce Stakes.

Peace Rules:  Trifecta King breaks maiden by winning Cinderelal Stakes.  Many trainers agree -- Peace Rules runners will get better as races get longer. 

Own a piece of one of these "up and comers."  Call us at (352) 591-5888 or e-mail info@bcbloodstock.com for share or breeding right prices.

Snuck In Juvenile Scores

07/06/08

Captain Bry, a smooth running juvenile by Snuck In out of Tropical Runner by Blue Ensign, pulled away from the field as he raced to a win in race 9, a five-furlong Maiden Special Weight contest, at Colonial Downs on July 6th.  The two-year-old gelding went off the even-money fovorite and looked comfortable early as he easily kept pace at the head of the pack with potential challengers near.   The betting public's opinion of Captian Bry proved accurate when he moved away from the field in mid-stretch then opened up to win by almost 6 lengths.  Congratulations fo owner/breeder/trainer Bryan Baker. 

Emmy Win For Graeme

06/29/08

Graeme Hall is on a roll of late and his first juvenile stakes winner of 2008 continued the run.  Emmy Darling put on a great show in her stakes debut and ran away with the prize in the Landaluce Stakes on Saturday June 28th at Hollywood Park, taking a two-length win over favored Glitter City by City Place.  Jockey David Flores rode patiently for trainer John Sadler content to let dueling leaders set the pace while rating just off them.  Emmy Darling took command of the race and pulled away to give her sire his first two-year-old stakes winner of 2008.  The juvenile filly is out of the Colonial Affair mare Dance Delight and was bred in Florida by Helen Napolitano.  She is owned by Ike and Dawn Thrash.  

Great Racing Weekend For Graeme Hall: Another Stakes Winner And An Impressive Debut

06/16/08

A good weekend of racing is becoming commonplace for Graeme Hall.  As he has done in recent weeks, Graeme Hall enjoyed a weekend of multiple winners, highlighted by the addition of another name to the ranks of stakes winners by the millionaire son of Dehere.  On Friday the 13th, 4-year-old gelding Dunscombe rallied to another win at Prairie Meadows, going 1 Mile and 70 Yards on the dirt, while 4-year-old gelding Melverton added to his totals by winning over 6 furlongs on the dirt of Delaware Park on June 15th.  Not to be outdone by the boys, also on the 15th, the 4-year-old filly Wishing Wishes highlighted the weekend when she ran off with The Susan B. Anthony Handicap going 6 furlongs on the dirt at Finger Lakes.   Graeme Hall runners just seem to get better with age.  Take another 4-year old named Tait Hill.  The Eugene Melnyk bred and Melnyk Racing Stables owned first-time starter impressively ran away from the field in race 10 of Philadelphia Park's Monday race card.  Tait Hill won going away by 9-3/4 lengths.  The older Graeme Hall runners are keeping pace, but the juveniles to come are sure to add to the talent pool.  Keep an eye out for starters from his 2008 crop of 75 two-year olds to see which ones will run with the class of their Grade -1 winning sire. 

Juvee Hall Makes It Two Wins In A Row

06/09/08

Graeme Hall runner Juvee Hall has been anything but delinquent over his last two starts.  In fact, he has been first to report to the finish of his races over his last two consecutive starts.  On Belmont Day, he made it two wins in a row when he took an allowance score at Hastings Racecourse.  He followed another Graeme Hall runner's, Poovey, win on June 6th at Monmouth Park to add two more wins to Graeme Hall's totals, which have been consistently accumulating.   Juvee Hall is out of a commemorate mare and Poovey is out of a Jolie's Halo mare.  Add those broodmare sires to the growing list of broodmare sires that Graeme Hall likes.  It seems that there are few broodmare sires that Graeme Hall dislikes.   

Graeme Hall Runner in Belmont Stakes

06/04/08

Guadalcanal, by Graeme Hall out of Bessette (Quest For Fame), will attempt to make a BIG splash onto national prominence on Saturday in The G-1 Belmont Stakes.  The 3-year-old colt will try to break his maiden in one of the biggest races of the year and maybe one of the biggest races in history as Big Brown aims for loftier goals in the same race.  The Florida bred Guadalcanal finished second in his last outing, going 1-1/2 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs in respectable time.  When asked about his reasoning for entering Guadalcanal in The Belmont, owner/trainer Fred Seitz was quoted by Bloodhorse magazine as saying, “He was bred for a route, he trains like he will want a route, and there are not many opportunities to race against 3-year-olds at 1 ½ miles.”  Makes perfect sense.  Breaking a maiden is one thing.   Beating Big Brown is another.   The partners and principals of IEAH stables will have the highest of highs if Big Brown should win the triple crown and much of the country and the Thoroughbred industry will celebrate with them.  The connections of Guadalcanal will be just as elated if their horse breaks his maiden on June 7th.  These are just a couple of the stories that make for great horse racing.

Formula For Success: 5/5 x 29.5 = 0

06/04/08

5 Wins Over 5 Tracks by 29-1/2 lengths equals an undefeated runner.  What owner or trainer would not like this formula for success on the track?  Cashel Castle began his career in such a fashion.  He was successful on the track and now in 2008 the first of his outstanding foals will go to the track.  Trainer Chris Block, who trained Cashel Castle, likes what he sees in his offspring:   "I have seen Team Block's Cashel Castle offspring and based on what I have seen, I feel very optimistic about his chances of success as a sire.  Several of them carry the same characteristics that he did at the same age.  They are athletic and balanced and have good temperaments.  We are looking forward to getting the first group to the track." 

Look for Cashel Castle's runners to make a splash in 2008.  Make an appointment to see one of the most attractive stallions in Florida at Journeyman Stud, and call us for nicks with your mares.

Briggs & Cromartie Mating Plan On Target; First Stakes Winner For Peace Rules

06/01/08

Trifecta King, a filly out of the Unbridled mare Mamita, easily broke her maiden in style by winning The Cinderella Stakes at Hollywood Park.  The win not only represents Peace Rules' first winner, but also his first stakes winner.  Mamita was purchased by Briggs & Cromartie Bloodstock Agency and the mating of Mamita with Peace Rules was planned after review of nicking information and success of the cross of Forty Niner over Unbridled and the great physical matchup of Peace Rules and Mamita.  The big, beautiful pregnant Mamita was sold carrying the future stakes winner.  The mating looks like it is going as planned.  Congratulations to Vinery, to breeder Andrew Thompson Company, to owners Dave Kenney, Mark Leib and Gary Margolis and to trainer Doug O'Neill. 

Smooth Air Best in G-2 Ohio Derby

05/31/08

Throw out Smooth Air's performance in the Kentucky Derby and blame it on a troubled trip.  The Mount Joy Stable son of Smooth Jazz had been in-the-money in all of his previous starts going into the Kentucky Derby, but could not overcome a bad start and the heavy traffic of a 20-horse field on derby day.  On Saturday at Thistledown, he proved convincingly that he was the best in the Ohio Derby when he pulled away from a talented field to win the Grade-2 event going away.   The Bennie Stutts trainee stalked the pace and saved ground early before angling out to the outside coming out of the turn for home to go past the leaders and pull away by four lengths.  The emphatic win clearly places him back among the top 3-year olds of 2008.  His second place finish to Big Brown in the Grade-1 Florida Derby has proven to be more than respectable, given the way Big Brown has been running.  Much has been written about the many rivals Big Brown has beaten in his quest for the triple crown.  Smooth Air is one of the few who has come back from a loss to Big Brown to score a graded-stakes win.  That some says something for the class of both Big Brown and Smooth Air, and then in turn, his sire Smooth Jazz.   

Graeme Hall Runner On Track for Breeders' Cup

05/28/08

Graeme Six by Graeme Hall is a top filly, according to her trainer Tom Amoss.  The filly has consistently proven she belongs in top-class competition and is earning her way to a shot at the Thoroughbred World Championships.  After her score in the G-3 Winning Colors Stakes, Amoss was quoted by Bloodhorse reporters as stating: 

“Horses have used this race as a springboard for big things at the end of the year, and now that the Breeders’ Cup has incorporated a sprint for fillies, we’re excited about the opportunity to perhaps try that if she stays 100 percent,” Amoss said. “This is a top filly, and I don’t use those words all of the time. But this is a top filly and if she stays together she’ll be a factor at the end of the year in that kind of race.”

If Lieutenant Ron, another top runner by Graeme Hall, continues to display the type of talent he has shown thus far, Florida's leading third-crop sire will be admirably represented at Santa Anita Park on Breeders' Cup day.

Graeme Six Rolls To Graded Stakes Win

05/26/08

Florida-bred GRAEME SIX continued Graeme Hall's winning ways in May.  Graeme Hall has had a host of winners this month, and this win by Graeme Six tops them all.  Graeme Six captured the Grade-3 Winning Colors Stakes at Churchill Downs by 1-1/2 lengths over favored Miss Macy Sue.  This filly has shown potential since she first hit the track as a two-year old, but in this, her four-year old season, she has matured into a runner that is reaching for her potential.  Graeme Six has won 3 of the last 4 stakes races she has run and now moves to a new level with her graded stakes score.  Graeme Hall stands for $5,000.  Call to book your late breeding mares.      

Graeme Hall Cranks Out Winners

05/24/08

In the last 6 days, from May 19th to May 24th, Graeme Hall has had 6 winners over varying distances out of mares by varying broodmare sires, adding to his totals as leading third crop sire in Florida while adding evidence to support that his winners come from many different sire lines.  On the 19th,  Juvee Hall, out of a mare by Commemorate, won over 6 furlongs AND Shepherd Street, out of a mare by Lit De Justice, won over 5 furlongs (turf).  On the 22nd, Harrow Land, out of a mare by Twining, won a mile race.  On the 23rd, Dunscombe out of a mare by West By West, won over 1-1/16th mile while on the same day Pitton's Road, out of a mare by Mt. Livermore, won going 1 mile and 70 yards.  On the 24th, Dream America, out of a mare by Rubiano, won his race over 6 furlongs.  Millionaire Graeme Hall was a double tough racehorse and his offspring are proving to have similar talents.  With 75 two-year olds in 2008, Graeme Hall's winners will surely keep coming, and many of his durable runners will likely keep adding to their win totals beyond their juvenile year.  Call us to make late season breeding plans. 

Lieutenant Ron Earns High Praise From Dutrow

05/23/08

Shortly after Big Brown took the second prize of the Triple Crown by easily winning The Preakness Stakes, trainer Richard Dutrow was quoted in The Bloodhorse as mentioning Graeme Hall runner Lieutenant Ron as one of the few horses that could pose a challenge to his Triple Crown threat.   This is high praise from a man who believes his horse to be almost unbeatable.  Graeme Hall runners have certainly proved to be tough competitors.   The young Lieutenant Ron, foaled on April 13th of 2005, is certainly among the toughest with two easy wins from two starts and two triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures to his credit.  If Lieutenant Ron ever proves Dutrow correct, Graeme Hall just might be the sire of a world beater.  Graeme Hall stands for $5,000 and has 75 two-year olds to come in 2008.  Its not too late to breed your mare.  In fact, Spell Again, was bred late to produce Lieutenant Ron.  And, Big Brown's dam was bred May 5th to produce her champion.  Still think it's too late? 

Cowgirls Have Nothing To Cry About

05/17/08

Pure Prize's Cowgirls Don't Cry had an easy time in winning the G-2 Shuvee Handicap at Belmont.  The four-year-old filly out of Emphatic Style by Crafty Prospector took the lead from the start and remained comfortably ahead throughout the race, finishing 2-1/2 lengths ahead of the heavily favored Rite Moment.  Cowgirls Don't Cry's stakes with was the 8th stakes win for Pure Prize.   

Smooth Air To G-3 Ohio Derby

05/12/08

From Brisnet.com 5/12/08

Hutcheson S. (G2) hero SMOOTH AIR (Smooth Jazz), 11th behind Big Brown (Boundary) in the Kentucky Derby (G1), has exited the Run for the Roses in good condition. Trainer Bennie Stutts Jr. is now targeting the $300,000 Ohio Derby (G2) at Thistledown on May 31.

"He got back here by van on Tuesday," the veteran horseman said on Sunday morning from his Calder barn. "He never backed off his feed at all with the whole experience. Other than a little scrape on a hock, he came back fine. He got off badly and was checked twice in the race.   The chart says he broke 15th, but I think it was closer to 18th and he got knocked around pretty good. Then we had missed the two days of training the week before and I couldn't work him when I wanted to Sunday, and that didn't help either."

Despite the rough trip, Stutts was still glad to be part of Derby 134. "It was a wonderful experience that I'll never forget," he said.  "He's back galloping and I've already nominated him (for the Ohio Derby). If things go well, that's where he's going."  Prior to the Kentucky Derby, Smooth Air had finished an honorable second to Big Brown in the Florida Derby (G1).

Red Hot Jazz Cruises To Allowance Win

05/12/08

When Red Hot Jazz decides she is winning a race, she does it convincingly, it would seem.  The filly by Smooth Jazz out of the Red Ransom mare Truly A Ransom was a maiden special weight winner by a wide margin in her first start as a two-year old.  She followed up that race with a couple of rough outings, but on Sunday she got back to her dominating way when she scored by 8-1/2 lengths in allowance company. Congratulations to Trainer and co-owner Steve Klesaris, co-owner Puglisi Racing, LLC, and breeder Frank Hopewell. 

Pomeroy Consistently Stamping Nice Foals

05/08/08

A huge deal to stand Big Brown at stud is in the works.  The son of Boundary has assured himself status as a top stallion prospect.  Breeders in Florida already know that a son of Boundary can deliver the goods.  From January to May and each month in between, happy breeders have called to give glowing reports of their Pomeroy foals.  Several have bred their mares back to the handsome stallion.  Some people might laugh at the idea of Pomeroy being compared to Big Brown.  Aside from the facts that they are both of good size, bone, and conformation, both are by Boundary; both are multiple Grade-1 stakes winners; both of them were more than just sprinters, as many have claimed Boundary runners to be.  That's right!  Pomeroy was not just a sprinter.  He actually crossed the line first in the Grade-3 Kentucky Cup Juvenile for two-year olds at Turfway.  He was a graded stakes winner at 2 for a few minutes before a steward's ruling disqualified him from the win.  (Watch The Race).     Pomeroy is out of a Seeking The Gold mare.  Seeking the GOld was the winner of the 1-1/4 mile Super Derby (G-1) and second in both the 1-1/4 mile Breeders' Cup Classic (G-1) and the Travers Stakes (G-1).  Pomeroy has it within him to sire more than sprinters.  Big Brown will stand for big green.  Pomeroy at $10,000 seems like a bargain.  Call to book your mare.  
                                                                                                                                                        

Derby Field Set To Go

05/01/08

The post selections are final, the horses have gotten acclimated to the track, the trainers have all spoken and now it's almost time to run the 134th Kentucky Derby.  All the hype leading up to the race is almost at an end.  The well deserved hype that has followed Big Brown will either continue and reach monstrous proportions, or there will be a brief time of mourning for another favorite's loss.  Hype tends to create expectations and horse racing wants a superhorse.  There always seems to be a letdown if the superhorse doesn't win.  If big Brown wins, he will certainly be anointed the unstoppable Triple Crown winner even before he has the roses thrown across his back.  If he doesn't win, we will look for answers to explain his loss.  If the Big Brown hype dies down, like phoenix from the ashes will rise hype renewed, and another horse will have the focus of our attentions as we head into The Preakness.  By many accounts, Big Brown can't lose, but there are 19 others in the field and while these might all be considered "also rans before the race, one of them just might emerge a hero, and that will take nothing away from Big Brown.  Great horses have lost this race in the past.  Big Brown has been spectacular in his previous starts and a loss in the Derby would not diminish what he has done to date and we will look for more to come from him.  Good luck to al the connections of all the horses running.

2008 Looks Great For Graeme Hall

04/29/08

Graeme Hall looks poised to have his best year as a sire in 2008.  The Leading Third Crop Sire in Florida has sired tough runners that include stakes winners Graeme Six, Get Noticed, Bovell Road and stakes horses Hallway, Wishing Wishes, Whatdreamsrmadeof and Harrow Land.  Graeme Six is already G-1 placed and goes for an important score in the G-1 Humana Distaff (Race 8) at Churchill on Kentucky Derby Day.  Also on the verge of bringing glory to his sire is Lieutentant Ron.  With 2 wins from 2 starts and 2 triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures, Lieutenant Ron looks to be a star on the rise.   Already with 3 stakes performers and 15 winners in 2008, Graeme Hall has 75 registered two-year-olds (his biggest crop to date) to come this year.   Look for good news from his new runners in weeks to come.  Call us to nick your mare to one of Florida's top values at stud.     

Smooth Air Defying The Odds

04/24/08

Smooth Air has been steadily improving over his 7 starts going into the Kentucky Derby.  Daily Racing Form's "Derby Watch" reports Derby hopefuls' odds in future wager pools.  The 3 pools reported reflect Smooth Air's progress and the respect he has been earning.  In pool 1, Smooth Air appeared as a 159-1 shot.  In pool 2, he appeared as a 192-1.  The latest pool 3 lists his odds as 30-1.  Trainer Bennie Stutts has been universally praised for the job he has done in building stamina in a small colt who is not supposed to be able to go the distance, and bettors are taking notice.  Smooth Air's latest works at Calder before flying to Lousiville have helped create some excitement about his chances.  A good performance in his final work at Churchill, scheduled for Sunday, will certainly add to Smooth Air's credibility, and may diminish payouts to Derby day bettors who back him.     

Graeme Hall: 4 Favorites, 4 Winners

04/21/08

GRAEME HALL WINNERS KEEP COMING:

4/12/08 at Evangeline Downs: Gowden Mile (Odds: 1.70 to 1) scores by 4 lengths.
4/15/08 at Mountaineer:  Graeme Way (Odds: 0.70 to 1) scores by 1/2 length. 
4/18/08 at Pimlico:  Bleniem (Odds: 1.30 to 1) scores by 4-1/2 lengths.
4/20/08 at Gulfstream:  Shepherd Street (Odds: 2.10 to 1) scores by 3/4 length.

Add these to the late March results of Graeme Six's stakes win, Hallway's stakes placing, Poovey's allowance score and dominating performances by speedball and rising star Lieutenant Ron (2 wins from 2 starts in handrides, earning triple digit Beyer Speed Figures - 101- one of the fastest 3-year olds in the country) and to the 75 two-year olds to come in '08 (his largest crop to date) and it just makes sense to breed to Graeme Hall in 2008.    

Book Your Mares: What Do You Have To Gain?

04/17/08

It's a common misconception that "agents" are out to get your money.  When you call us to book your mares to whatever stallion you have chosen, it costs you nothing.  In return, you get the opinions and expertise of industry professionals.  Don't have your stallions picked out yet?  Let us help.  Take a look at our season's list and see what stallion sparks your interest.  If your choice is not on the list, that doesn't mean we don't have or can't get that season you want.  Call us to see if we can get what you need.  You can get "nicks" along with an explanation of the results.   And it costs nothing!  Also, ask about our late season discounts.  What have you got to lose?  Nothing, but you never know what you might gain.  Call our office today to discuss your mares and breeding plans. 

Smooth Air # 5 Among Derby Dozen

04/09/08

Smooth Air has been improving from race to race since he first hit the track.  On the board in all 7 of his starts, he has lost races only to come back and beat many of the same horses that beat him.  The fact that he made his way from Dan Illman's "Under The Radar" of possible Kentucky Derby contenders in Daily Racing Form (DRF.com) to # 5 on Steve Haskin's "Derby Dozen" of Kentucky Derby top contenders in Bloodhorse.com is a testament to his rise and to the hard work of his connections.   Smooth Air has shown an ability to sprint, an ability to rate, and a willingness to compete and win.  As Haskin notes, "He may not be your typical derby winner on paper, but he just keeps improving."  The first Saturday in May will bring Smooth Air the opportunity to get even better.  His sire, Smooth Jazz, stands in New York for $3,000.  When he was a runner, Smooth Jazz was a quality runner.  His high Beyer Speed Figure of 117 and a superb Ragozin number of 0 (zero) attest to his talent.  And Smooth Air's talent attests to his potential as a sire.    

Spring Forward

04/09/08

We are in the height of Spring as we head to the midpoint of April and that means mares are primed for breeding.   Check out the available seasons in the seasons and shares link to see what stallions might work for your mare.   Or inquire about purchasing shares of stallions to secure your yearly breedings.   

Lieutenant Ron Might Just Be Major

04/06/08

Lieutenant Ron may just be bucking for a promotion at West Point Thoroughbreds.  The chestnut colt by Graeme Hall is marching through the ranks of allowance runners toward stakes company.  At Aqueduct in race 3 of Sunday's card, the chestnut colt out Spell Again by Seattle Battle, easily won in a hand-ride by jockey Alan Garcia, going seven furlongs in a fine time of 1:22 and 1 while on cruise control.  Lieutenant Ron joins allowance winner Poovey, stakes placed Hallway, and stakes winner Graeme Six as recent success stories by Graeme Hall, the leading third crop sire in Florida. 

Smooth Jazz Runner Secures Spot in Derby

03/29/08

Consistent and willing Smooth Air remained true to form by finishing second in the G-1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.  His placing keeps his in-the-money record of 7 top-three finishes from 7 starts in tact, but more importantly, it adds $200,000 to his graded stakes earnings and all but secures a spot for him in the G-1 Kentucky Derby should his connections move in that direction.  Although overshadowed on this day by Big Brown, Smooth Jazz ran well and finished 7-1/2 lengths ahead of the rest of the field to show class and prove that lack of endurance is not a limiting factor for this young colt by Smooth Jazz out of Air France by French Deputy.   Smooth Air patiently rated and was asked to move mid- turn for home.  He easily moved past horses and proceeded to chase a leader who had built momentum in setting fast fractions, never giving up the fight.  Congratulations to the connections on a fine run and good luck in the next start.  See BrisNet Story.

Smooth Air In Post 2 For Florida Derby

03/28/08

G-2 Hutcheson Stakes winner Smooth Air drew a favorable post position for Saturday's G-1 Florida Derby.  The son of Smooth Jazz will start from post number 2 as he sets his sights on a good performance that would propel him to Louisville for his quest of Kentucky Derby glory.  A field of 12 horses are set to make the race.  Smooth Air was a 12-1 choice in the mornling line odds.   Good luck to owner Mount Joy Stables, trainer Benny Stutts, jockey Manoel Cruz and the rest of the connections.

Glitterjazz Shines: Adds A Win for Smooth Jazz

03/22/08

Starting Gate Training Center's homebred runner Glitterjazz, by leading sire Smooth Jazz out of Copelan's Glitter by Glitterman, added a win for his sire when he won the finale of Tampa Bay Downs' March 21st card.  Glitterjazz was in contention early and was content to chase the early leaders before easily taking the lead at the 3/8ths mark of the 5-furlong race.  The young colt, co-bred by Briggs & Cromartie, then proceeded to easily extend his lead when jockey Federico Mata asked him for more.  Smooth Jazz now has 8 winners in 2008.  His leading runner, G-2 Hutcheson Stakes winner Smooth Air, starts in the G-1 Florida Derby on 3/29/08.     

Hallway Clearly Best in Win

03/21/08

Dependable Graeme Hall runner Hallway, fresh off a game second place stakes finish on dirt, made easy work of allowance foes, going about a mile on the turf in Fair Grounds' race 5 on Thursday, March 21st.  Hallway is a tough runner who can never be counted out of a race and bettors recognized his talent, making him the favorite at post time.  The patient Hallway consistently puts in a stretch run and his tactics were no different in this race.  Running last going into the far turn, he began to move past rivals in the turn.  Moving up to fourth place at the top of the stretch, Hallway easily went forward into the stretch to take the lead and ease to a 1-1/4 length win.  No doubt we will see this runner move back into stakes company in his next few starts.  Hallway was bred by Majestic Farms, LLC out of the Runaway Groom mare Silver Bride and is owned by Heiligbrodt Racing Stables.

Graeme Hall Filly For $265,000 at OBS

03/19/08

Hip # 265, Honey Graeme, a filly by Graeme Hall out of Dance Delight by Colonial Affair, was purchased for $260,000 by Ike & Dawn Thrash during day 2 of the OBS March Sale.  The filly is a half-sister to multiple stakes placed winner Malandrina by Honor Glide.  Honey Graeme was consigned by Southern Cypress Stable.  She was bred by Helen Marie Napolitano.

FREE Nicks For Your Mares

03/18/08

Clients who book their mares (buy contracts) through our agency get free nicks using the latest APEX Ratings and Werk's Nick Ratings (sponsored stallions).  Whether you are breeding to stallions in Florida, or to stallions in Kentucky, call us to book your season.  You pay no commissions.    

Verlander Fastballs to Maiden Win

03/14/08

Smooth Jazz runner Verlander, named after major league baseball pitching star Scott Verlander, broke his maiden on March 13th to add a win to his sire's totals.  The young gelding was content to take something off the pace early before winding up to unleash his "fast stuff" as he entered the stretch.  Out of the Flying Paster mare Genuine Beauty, Verlander was bred in Florida by Briggs & Cromartie Bloodstock Agency.  He is owned by Robert H. Shephard and Carrol J. Castille.   Smooth Jazz is the leading sire in New York by number of winners and the sire of G-2 Hutcheson Stakes winner and G-1 Florida Derby contender Smooth Air.

Pomeroy Foals A Hit

03/13/08

Breeders have been calling our offices early in 2008 to report the happy news of their outstanding Pomeroy foals.  Commonly, they speak of great conformation, good bone and size, and intelligence.  It seems that the young stallion is having as successful a start as a sire as he had a start as a runner.   As a runner, he was no "flash in the pan."  He sustained his form in graded stakes events at age 2,3, 4, and 5, overcoming injuries and adversity to reclaim his status among racing's elite when it seemed like he was finished.  His foals are showing evidence of the class that made their sire a top racehorse.  To date, reports of outstanding foals have come in from owners of mares by Quiet American, Carson City, Snuck In, Salt Lake, Green Dancer, Yes It's True, and Real Quiet to name a few.  Call us to tell us about your foal or to get a nick for your mare. 

Rab Hagin Report on Smooth Jazz

03/11/08

G2 SW Smooth Jazz - Sire of G2 Hutcheson winner Smooth Air by Rab Hagin

Photo: Adam Coglianese
SMOOTH JAZZ

Talk about serendipity: Grade 2 winner SMOOTH JAZZ arrived at Amy Boll's Buckridge Farm in Kinderhook in late November, and on January 5 one of the stallion's nine first-crop juvenile winners of 2007, Smooth Air, captured Gulfstream's Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes to become the newest 2008 classic contender. Smooth Jazz, who was a 2003 Grade 2 winner at seven furlongs when he took Keeneland's Commonwealth Breeders' Cup by three lengths in 1:21.73 for a 117 Beyer speed rating, is still scheduled to stand in 2008 for a $3,000 live foal fee despite Smooth Air's emergence. The syndicated son of Storm Boot - Blushing Issue, by Blushing John, could be one of the 2008 breeding season's top steals.

Early in 2002 as a late-foaled (May 24) three-year-old still months away from his chronological third birthday, Smooth Jazz won his first two starts by a five-length total on Aqueduct's inner track, including the six-furlong Best Turn Stakes by 2-3/4 lengths despite a bumped start. He later scored by 7-1/4 and six lengths, respectively, in allowance races going seven furlongs at Belmont and a one-turn mile on Aqueduct's outer track and registered triple-digit Beyer figures at Belmont, Saratoga, Aqueduct, and Keeneland. An earner of $321,105, Smooth Jazz is among 51 stakes winners sired by the Storm Cat stallion Storm Boot and is out of a half-sister to three stakes winners, including Grade 1 turf winner Royal Chariot ($659,177) plus the stakes-placed dam of stakes winner Admiral's Arch ($209,650). His dam is inbred 3 x 4 to stamina sire Graustark and 4 x 4 to another stalwart routing sire, Princequillo.

Smooth Air To G-1 Florida Derby

03/11/08

Florida Derby Picks Up Another Contender
From: BLOODHORSE.com
Date Posted: March 11, 2008
Last Updated: March 11, 2008

Florida Derby Picks Up Another Contender
Smooth Air, winner of the Jan. 5 Hutcheson (gr. II), is pointing to the March 29 Florida Derby (gr. I).
Photo: Coglianese Photos

Edited press release

Mount Joy Stables’ Smooth Air became a prime contender for the $1-million Florida Derby (gr. I) March 29 at Gulfstream Park after working a mile March 9, according to trainer Bennie Stutts Jr.

The Florida homebred son of Smooth Jazz posted his second straight mile breeze at Calder Race Course and will bid for a second stakes victory at Gulfstream this year. He captured the seven-furlong Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 5.

Jockey Manny Cruz guided Smooth Air through the recent drill in 1:45 3/5.

“The track was a little slow, but sometimes when you bring a horse up to a race you can leave a horse’s best performance in a workout,” Stutts said. “We’re trying to avoid that. Last week we did a mile in 1:47. Today it was 1:45 and change, and next week it will be a shorter, faster work. We’re trying to bring him up properly.”

With less than three weeks to go before the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby, the connections of nearly a dozen hopefuls for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) have indicated their intentions to run. The main contenders include IEAH Stable and partners’ Big Brown, Robert S. Evans’ Elysium Fields, and Bea Oxenberg’s Hey Byrn.

Also on the list are Four Roses Thoroughbreds’ Fierce Wind, Garland Williamson’s Cool Gator, M375 Thoroughbreds and Suarez Racing’s Golden Spikes, Jet Set Racing’s Tomcito, Alien Farm Allen Furst’s Nistle’s Crunch, Hardacre Farm’s B B Frank, and Rose Family Stable’s Make Me Zach.

The Dirt On The Derby

03/04/08

It's the time of year when writers, handicappers, gamblers, etc, are looking for tidbits of information to give them clues to who will be the next winner of The Kentucky Derby.   Many already have their favorites and some even have locked in their votes for the next winner.  Consider this information posted by Steve Haskins' on Bloodhorse.com:  "At this time last year, Street Sense hadn't even started. Hard Spun had just finished fourth in the Southwest Stakes... Curlin had only a maiden win at seven furlongs in his only career start.  Tiago had finished seventh in the Robert Lewis Stakes (gr. II) in his first stakes attempt.   And Any Given Saturday had won the Sam Davis as the 1-5 favorite against a poor field."  In any given year, early derby favorites fade away while post-derby stars shine.  Given that some stars of today are emerging from tracks surfaced with various types of synthetics, and assuming that racing form does not translate from synthetics to dirt as well as it does from grass to synthetics, it could be that a few derby stars of tomorrow are just approaching their horizon.  

Saratoga Russell To Gotham Stakes

02/29/08

Saratoga Russell, winner of his last two starts by a total of 18 lengths, will stretch out from six furlongs to the 1 1/16-mile Gotham Stakes (gr. III) March 8.  The Briggs & Cromartie/John Lankshear-bred colt is out of Prologue (Theatrical) and by leading Florida sire Trippi .  Saratoga Russell is trained by Rick Violette and owned by West Point Thoroughbreds.  Good luck to the connections as they make strides towards a potential run at the Kentucky Derby.

Another Gritty Winner For Graeme Hall

02/29/08

If nothing else, successful runners by Graeme Hall have shown true grit and fight in dueling for wins.  Runners like Graeme Six and Hallway, to name a couple, can never be counted out of a race because they don't give up when the going gets tough. Graeme Hall was himself a double tough racehorse, which helps explain how he amassed more than 1 Million Dollars in earnings, so it's no wonder he sires tough runners.  Add Eugene Melnyk bred Venture Eastlyne to the list of game competitors by Graeme Hall.   Out of the Dumaani mare For Elise, Venture Eastlyne battled to a win at Laurel Park going six furlongs on the dirt on February 28th.  Chasing a stubborn leader from the start, Venture Eastlyne would not succumb to the frontrunner's pressure.  Instead, she dug in and pressed back to wear down the leader's resolve and win by a neck. 

Smooth Ace Trumps The Field

02/22/08

Starting Gate Training Center's Smooth Ace, by leading second-crop sire Smooth Jazz, scored a game win at Tampa Bay Downs to give her sire another "live" runner in 2008.  Going off at 10-1, the colt out of the Top Account mare Top Account Ace, didn't live down to bettor expectations.  Instead, he broke for the lead at the break and held on to it all the way to the wire, fighting and out-dueling the favorite in a gritty test down the lane.  The Starting Gate Training Center & Briggs & Cromartie Bloodstock Agency bred Smooth Ace was making only his second start.   Good luck to Smooth Ace's connections as he moves forward in 2008.  

Smooth Air and Sam F. Davis Stakes On The Rise

02/13/08

With past participants like Bluegrass Cat and Any Given Saturday going on to great careers, The Sam F. Davis Stakes looks like it has developed into a race that draws top-level talent to Tampa Bays Downs.  In 2008, with schedule changes to other major Florida races in place, Tampa Bay Downs looks like it is one of THE stopping places for runners making their way to Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby.  The 1-1/16th mile distance and the date of the race combine to make it a perfect match for horses looking to test their progress on the road to the big 1-1/4 mile race on the first Saturday in May.  This year, one of Smooth Jazz's offspring, G-2 winner Smooth Air, is among the noted nominations and probable entries for the Sam F. Davis Stakes.  The Mount Joy Stables home-bred colt was impressive in his last race against classy opposition and he will have to repeat his feat as he will have to face the likes of graded stakes winners Anak Nakal, Cowboy Cal, and Z Humor in Tampa.  Given the quality of past and future fields, we may soon see The Sam F. Davis Stakes become a graded event.  And given the potential of Smooth Air, we may soon see him succeed going longer.  As his trainer Benny Stutz said after Smooth Air's Hutcheson Stakes win, "I think this horse will go farther. You can rate him, and speed is always dangerous when it can be rated."   Good luck to Smooth Air, Bryan Burns and Mount Joy Stables, and Benny Stutz.

Over-due Stakes Win for Graeme Six

02/09/08

By many accounts, Graeme Six should have been a stakes winner prior to 2008.  The very talented filly by Graeme Hall out of Polish Ruby (Polish Pro) has been close and is in fact Grade-One placed in the Prioress Stakes.  It was a matter of time before Graeme Six packed on a stakes win to show for her consistent efforts.  Her class was evident in Fair Grounds' Pan Zareta Stakes when she proved she was best in a field of 8 runners.  Graeme Six took the lead by a head at the half-mile mark and was all business, keeping to task and building her lead over the chasing second-place filly.  She crossed the finish in 1:09 and 4 ahead by 2-1/2 lengths.  Graeme Six is trained by Tom Amoss, was bred by Bill and Annabel Murphy, and is owned by the team of Tom O'Grady, Johns Martin, and Team West Side Stables.  Congratulaitons to all.  Her sire, Graeme Hall stands at Winding Oaks Farm for a fee of $5,000.  Call for a nick or a contract to breed your mare in 2009.

No Surprise: Saratoga Russell Romps

02/09/08

There has been talk and print material suggesting that West Point Stables' Saratoga Russell has the potential to be a top 3-year -old of 2008.  He did nothing to dispell such notions at Gulfstream in Saturday's third race.  Taking the lead from the start, the Trippi colt out of the Theatrical mare Prologue never looked back and there was no need to as none of his rivals could stay with the fast early fractions set by the leader.  Saratoga Russell extended his lead when asked to move by jockey Eibar Coa and had built a 5 length lead by the time he entered the stretch.  The lead grew to almost 11 lengths by the finish line.  This win will undoubtedly build more expectations of the the speedy Briggs/Cromartie & John Lankshear bred colt, and his recent performances suggest that he is ready to fulfill them.  His dam, Prologue resides at Ardmore Stud and is in foal to Exchange Rate.

Pure Prize Gets Bullish

02/08/08

Carol & Herbert Schwartz's Be Bullish, a three-year-old gelding by Pure Prize out of Smart Holly (Smarten), put on a great finish in the stretch run of The Appealing Guy Stakes at Aqueduct on February 7th.  Be Bullish was behind about 6 lengths entering the stretch but was full of run coming down the lane and caught a front running rival to win going away.  Pure Prize was among the top second crop sires of 2007 and has started his third crop year in good order with this big win by Be Bullish.  Be a part of Pure Prize's success.  Call for information in owning a share of Pure Prize. 

Truelyonbroadway Back In The Limelight

02/06/08

Truelyonbroadway makes his return to the limelight when he takes on field filled of 11 competitors in Fari Grounds' Colonel Powers Stakes onFebruary 9th.  The son of Yes It's True out of Ardmore resident mare Prologue (Theatrical) was bred by Briggs / Cromartie & John Lankshear in Florida.  He is trained by Tom Amoss and owned by Coffee Pot Stables.  Prologue is currently in foal to Exchange Rate.   

75 Juveniles A Force for Graeme Hall in '08

01/30/08

With 75 juveniles set to hit the track in 2008, Graeme Hall will have his chance to fulfill breeders' expectations as a sire of top quality runners.  The millionaire son of juvenile speedball Dehere has been among the top of Florida's sires lists with each racing crop he has sired despite the lack of a top earner that tends to propel stallions at the pinnacle of these lists.  His runners have shown grit and talent and a few like Graeme Six (G-1 placed) and Hallway (multiple stakes placed) have come within a length here and there of becoming household names.  The more runners a stallion has, the greater the chances of his siring stars.  Keep an eye out for young stars to emerge from Graeme Hall's latest crop in 2008.  Graeme Hall stands for a stud fee of $5,000 at Winding Oaks farm.  Call for a contract to breed.

Smooth Jazz: #1 Sire in New York

01/29/08

January was a great month for Smooth Jazz.  To date in 2008, he has had 15 starters and 5 winners and has had runners like B.B. Jazz showing winning potential.  B.B. Jazz was an impressive second by a neck to a prohibitive favorite in his debut at Gulfstream Park.  Of course, the highlight of the month was Smooth Air's win in the G-2 Hutcheson Stakes.  Now standing in New York, Smooth Jazz is the state's leading sire, according to The Thoroughbred Times Sires List of 1/29/08.  Also, January saw the return to training of Maiden Special Weight winner Red Hot Jazz (a $240K two-year-old in training purchase) who put in a bullet work of 3 furlongs under 36 seconds, and the progress of the two time winner from two starts Nice 'N Jazzy.  Keep an eye out for more Smooth Jazz success as his first crop matures and his second crop makes its debut in 2008.  And for those interested in owning a piece of Smooth Jazz, shares are available for sale.  Call for information.   

Inca River Flows Smoothly to MSW Win

01/25/08

The list of Smooth Jazz winners continues to grow.  Inca River, a colt out of the Montbrook mare Willie Brook, became the latest to add his name to the list when he won a Maiden Special Weght race going five furlongs at Delta Downs.  The Smooth Jazz runner was content to race off the pace in the early fractions of the contest but found room between rivals and made his run in the turn for home.  By the time he entered the stretch, he had his sights set on the lead.  He took the lead and cleared the field by almost two lengths as he reached the wire.  Inca River was bred by Carlos Rafael and Briggs & Cromartie Bloodstock Agency.  The Olivo Inirio trainee is owned by Marvin Fiallos.  Smooth Jazz runners seem the type to get better with age, so look for more wnners soon.   

Wishing Wishes Waltzes To Win

01/25/08

Wishing Wishes picked up an impressive win for her sire Graeme Hall in Aqueduct's second race of the January 25th card, an allowance optional claiming event.  Going off at odds of 8/5, it's not like the win was unexpected.  The filly out of the Runaway Groom mare Arunforyourmoney, stayed close to the pace and didn't hesitate when asked by jockey Alan Garcia to take the lead.   Wishing Wishes easily took command and drove for the 1 1/2 length win.  The filly is owned by Edward Lipton, trained by Anthony Dutrow and was bred by Sez Who Thoroughbreds.  Graeme Hall stands at Winding Oaks Farm for a stud fee of $5,000.  Call us to nick your mare to millionaire Graeme Hall.

See Smooth Jazz at Open House

01/23/08

Breeders will get the chance to see Smooth Jazz and the rest of the stallion roster at Buckridge Farm in Kinderhook, New York during the farm's annual Stallion Open House on Saturday, January 26th from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.  Refreshments will be served and drawings held for complimentary seasons to breed to the stallions, including Smooth Jazz, the sire of G-2 Hutcheson Stakes winner Smooth Air.  The farm will also offer to breeders special pricing when signing contracts on site on this day.  Call Buckrdige Farm at (518) 392-5841 for details or directions. 

You Can Share In The Wealth

01/21/08

Buying the right shares at the right time can spell M-O-N-E-Y.  Buy while the price is right and you might just own a piece of a lucrative stallion.  We have shares available in young stallions on the rise.   Why rent when you can own?  Call for information on shares in Full Mandate, Limehouse, Smooth Jazz, Pure Prize, and Cashel Castle among others, and ask about lucrative bonus pools.    

Two Snuck In Winners

01/20/08

Snuck By and Sneaky Chic both scored wins for their sire Snuck In.  Sneaky Chic went off at odds of 9-1 in Oaklawn Park's first race of January 19th, but she looked like the favorite, leading comfortably from the gate to the wire, willing to move when asked.  This was the first win for the filly out of Sporty Chic by Believe It.   On the same day at Sam Houston Race Park, Snuck By, a proven winner out of the Secret Hello mare Lydia Jane, added to his win totals by taking race 8.  Snuck By went off the prohibitive favorite and, despite an awkward start, stayed in the thick of the race, vied for the lead throughout and drove to the win by 3/4 lengths.  Snuck In stands in Louisiana and is a good option for breeding back to take advantage of the potentially lucrative Lousiana state breeding program 

Prologue On A Roll

01/20/08

Ardmore Stud resident mare Prologue, by Theatrical, has proven she can produce runners.  She currently has two on the track that are showing promise.  Four-year-old Truelyonbroadway, by Yes It's True and 3-year-old Saratoga Russell, by Trippi, have both won quality races.  Saratoga Russel broke his maiden in December by over 7 lengths at Aqueduct and on January 19, 2008 Truelyonbroadway easily won in allowance company at Fair Grounds.  Prologue is currently in foal to Kentucky sire Exchange Rate.  Truelyonbroadway and Saratoga Russell were both foaled at Ardmore Stud and bred by Briggs/Cromartie & John Lankshear. 

Another Smooth Jazz Winner

01/14/08

Swinging Jazz showed some grit in breaking his maiden in the first race of Gulfstream Parks January 13th card.  The colt by Smooth Jazz out of Groom's Swing by Runaway Groom took the lead at 6 furlongs only to be passed in the stretch.  But the game colt was not denied his fiirst win.  He came back to pass his challenger then fought off two others to cross the wire in the lead by a head.  This winner is the 12th from the first crop by Smooth Jazz, including G-2 Hutcheson Stakes winner Smooth Air.  Swinging Jazz is trained by Fred Warren and is owned by Sally and Macy Pike.  Congrats to all.

Jimmy's Pride Back To Winning Ways

01/13/08

Snuck In runner Jimmy's Pride, got back to his winning ways when he won an allowance race at Laurel 1/12/07.  Jimmy's Pride stalked the pace from the outside, staying in close contention in second place, then took the lead at about 6 furlongs to easily finish out the one mile run 3/4 lengths ahead of his closest competitor.  Jimmy's Pride, a gelding out of Saint Gertrude, is a Scott Lake trainee and is owned by Wade D. Glosser.

Nice 'n Jazzy Turns It Up a Notch

01/07/08

After a weekend that saw Smooth Jazz become the sire of Grade-2 winner Smooth Air, one might expect the next week to be a let down, but Nice 'n Jazzy kept the a lively beat to avoid the post-Hutcheson-victory blues.   The Smooth Jazz filly out of Nice Crane (Fire Dancer) moved to a nice easy-listening pace early in the race but moved to a jazzy quick-step in the stretch to beat her competitors and win by a comfortable measure.   The Hobeau Farm bred Nice 'n Jazzy is owned by Nicole Hedus and trained by William Hedus.  Perhaps we'll see this one in a stakes race soon, too. 

Smooth Jazz Sires Grade-2 Winner

01/05/08

Smooth Jazz runner Smooth Air breezed past rivals in with a bold move around the turn for home and then easily held the lead at the wire to win the Grade-2 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park on January 5th.  Smooth Air had been improving with each start earning good Beyer Speed Figures en route to two strong stakes placings, so the possibility of his winning this race was not to be discounted.  The Hutcheson is considered a one of the early preps for the Kentucky Derby.  Smooth Air joins some elite company when his name is added to those of past winners of this race.  Past winners include Holy Bull, Swale, Spectacular Bid, More Than Ready, Yonaguska and Limehouse.  Congratulations to owner/breeder Mount Joy Stables, trainer Bennie Stutts, Jr., and jockey Manoel Cruz.  Watch for more Smooth Jazz runners on the rise in 2008.  

Read The Bloodhorse Story and See Video Of The Race

Hallway Just Misses Stakes Win

01/05/08

If there is one word to describe Hallway, it is game.  The gutsy son of Graeme Hall finished a very strong second in the Dixie Poker Ace Stakes at Fair Grounds on Saturday, January 5th.  Running a relaxed early half of the race, Hallway began to move steadily into contention in the second half but was stopped by traffic in mid-run.  Hallway steadied at the head of the stretch but when jockey Shaun Bridgmohan found space to run, Hallway had lots of it and he drove between horses in a rush to the finish, coming up a neck short of the win.   This horse can run and it's a matter of time before he breaks through for a big win. 

Smooth Jazz With Big Guns in G-2 Hutcheson

01/03/08

With stallions such as Seeking The Gold, Mineshaft, Silver Deputy, Tiznow and Grand Slam represented by runners in the Grade-2 Hutcheson Stakes in Gulfstream's opening weekend, Smooth Jazz looks to be placed among some big guns when Brian Burns' stakes-placed colt Smooth Air takes on the sons of these high profile stallions.   Tagged as an up-and-coming star in The Daily Racing Form (see DRF Article), Smooth Air looks to build on his budding reputation in this prestigious 7-furlong contest.   Smooth Air has shown great speed in his races and he comes by the speed honestly.  His sire Smooth Jazz is the son of pre-potent speed sire Storm Boot.  Smooth Jazz himself inherited the family's speed.  He has a high Beyer Speed Figure of 117 and a distinguishable Ragozin Number of 0 (zero) to his credit.  This field will force Smooth Air to prove that he is like his sire.  Good luck to the connections of Smooth Air.

11th Winner From Smooth Jazz's First Crop

01/03/08

Smooth Wind, owned and bred by Dr. Thomas Croley, became the 11th winner from the first crop of Smooth Jazz.  The 3-year-old-old gelding out of Windy Account by Top Account made a move to get into contention to win the opening race of Tampa Bay Downs' January 3rd race card, then moved past rivals in the stretch to catch and pass the leader in the final strides.  Congrats to Dr. Croley and trainer Anthony Pecoraro.

New Year is For Wishing Wishes

12/31/07

Okay, so it's not quite 2008 yet, but it's not too early to wish for good things to come.  Wishing Wishes, a three-year-old Sez Who bred filly by Graeme Hall out of the mare Arunforyourmoney, ended the year on a good note for her sire when she finished strongly in the stretch of the six-furlong race five ($49,000 Allowance) of Aqueduct's December 30th program to win by 3 1/2 langths.  This win over 11 other runners helps Wishing Wishes as she moves through her conditions to bigger and better things in 2008. 

A Boxing Day Bonus for Graeme Hall

12/27/07

New York bred Unbreelievable, a three-year-old gelding by Graeme Hall out of Minutes Into Hours, made a believer out 9 other runners in race 9 at Aqueduct on Boxing Day (December 26th).  The Sez Who bred set the pace to lead from start to finish of the one-mile contest on the dirt and drew away to win convincingly by 5 1/4 lengths.  Congrats to breeder Sez Who Thoroughbreds, owner Bree-N-Me, and trainer Kenneth Pellegrino.

Christmas Eve Valentine

12/25/07

The holiday season came full circle on Christmas Eve when St  Valentine made a Christmas Eve delivery.  Smooth Valentine, a February 14th foal, fullfilled Christmas wishes for owner Windstorm Stable, trainer William White and breeder Carol Kemp when he broke his maiden by 2 1/2 lengths on Christmas Eve at Calder.   The juvenile gelding by Smooth Jazz out of the Notebook mare Cuckoo Sue chased the early leaders and took command at the top of the stretch to pull away from the field.   Including international winners, Smooth Jazz now has 10 two-year-old winners from his first crop.  If Smooth Valentine improves off this effort and moves forward, perhaps the connections will have one more thing for which to be grateful next Thanksgiving.

G-1 Winner Outofthebox to Sez Who In New York

12/19/07

Grade-one winner Outofthebox will be relocated from Michael O’Farrell’s Ocala Stud in Ocala, Florida to Richard Simon’s Sez Who Thoroughbreds North in Stillwater, New York. Sez Who Thoroughbreds owns a majority of shares in the syndicated stallion and once stood Outofthebox at stud at their Florida operation when the son of Montbrook began his stallion career after a stellar career on the track.

During his racing days, Outofthebox won 5 times, was 4 times second, and 3 times third and earned a total of $734,008. At 2, he was second in the G-3 What A Pleasure Stakes and second in the Florida Stallion In Reality Stakes. At 3, he won the Super Derby [G-1] and finished second in The Fountain of Youth Stakes [G-1] and in The Florida Derby [G-1].

Outofthebox’s current sire statistics rank him among the top second-crop sires to standing in New York. The young stallion will stand for stud fee of $2,500 Live Foal Guarantee during the 2008 breeding season.



Firstfromthebox is First To The Line

12/19/07

Firstfromthebox, a two-year-old gelding bred by Sez Who Thoroughbreds out of the mare Ste Charlotte (St. Jovite), may not have lived up to his name early as he broke fifth from the gate to start race 3 at Aqueduct on the December 15th card, but he moved up steadily to claim the lead in the stretch of the one-mile run, then proceeded to extend that lead to almost two lengths at the wire to break his maiden.   The winner's sire, Outofthebox, stands in New York at Sez Who North and is one of the leading second-crop sires in the state and a good option for breeders who want a stallion to breed back to when they foal mares in New York. 

Saratoga Russell Scores Big

12/18/07

Saratoga Russell, a two-year-old colt by Trippi out of Ardmore Stud resident mare Prologue (Theatrical), made breaking his maiden look easy when he sped away from the field to win by 7 1/2 lengths in race 2 at Aqueduct on December 15th.  The young Briggs & Cromartie and John Lankshear bred colt was sent off the 1-2 favorite in this his second start after impressing in his debut by setting fractions of 21 and change and 44 and change to finish second.  Saratoga Russell seemed less in a hurry this time around and Jockey Eibar Coa seemed to have an easy time as the young colt responded to every move Coa made in maneuvering through the field to find room to run.  Once Coa found room, the race was over as quickly as it took for Saratoga Russell to unwind a few strides.  This strong performance earned Saratoga Russell the moniker of TDN Rising Star.  His dam, Prologue, is currently in foal to Exchange Rate.   See Equibase Chart.

Smooth Jazz 9 by 10 and 3/4

12/13/07

Recent Smooth Jazz winners have been leaving wide margins between themselves and their competitors.  Smoothability became the most recent winner when she ran away by 10 3/4 lengths over six furlongs at Caymanas Park in Jamaica.   The Jerry Robertson Florida bred filly won impressively in her first outing.  More wins are sure to come for Smooth Jazz when stakes placed Smooth Air and Louisiana Jazz, allowance winner Red Hot Jazz, and promising maiden winner Nice N Jazzy make their next start.  Also keep an eye out for the first starts of runners such as Chris Block trainee Lost Control.  Call us to update us on the progress of your Smooth Jazz trainee, yearling, or weanling.

Saint "Nick" Hard at Work

12/10/07

When breeders think of "nicks" they think of Werk's Nicks Ratings.  In our Florida market, the term "nick" has become synonymous with Werk's Nicks Ratings.  Team Werk has done an outstanding job of becoming the widely accepted "nick" in the land, but Jack Werk knows he is not the only nick in town.  He generously acknowledges and accepts criticism of his work.  In this time of giving, another Nick is hard at work.  The Chistmas spirit is alive at Briggs & Cromartie and Saint Nick is making his rounds. .  We are offering free mating analysis using APEX Stallion Ratings and Werk's Nicks Ratings to breeders, naughty or nice, who obtain breeding contracts through our office.   Call to submit your mares.  




Briggs & Cromartie Thoroughbred Consultants
P.O. Box 669 Ocala, FL  34478
Tel: 352.591.5888 • Fax: 352.694.0600 • Email: info@BCbloodstock.com

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