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The afternoon of Sunday, February 1, at the Gávea Racecourse will be remembered as one of those moments that transcend sport itself and become part of the collective memory of international racing. In Rio de Janeiro, under the Brazilian sun and in front of an expectant crowd, Frankie Dettori won the final race of his career as a professional jockey, and he did so in the most meaningful way possible: by capturing a Group 1, the Grande Prêmio Estado do Rio de Janeiro, the opening leg of the Brazilian Triple Crown and the country’s equivalent of the 2,000 Guineas. It was not a symbolic farewell nor a romantic gift of fate; it was a genuine, demanding victory in a race that requires class, composure, and a flawless tactical reading. Bet You Can (Can The Man) dominates the 2022 generation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. // João Cotta The Grande Prêmio Estado do Rio de Janeiro (G1) is a race reserved exclusively for three-year-old colts, contested over one mile on turf, and it represents one of the first major tests of the generation. Traditionally, it draws large fields, strong early tempos, and a competitive level that forces participants to perform at their peak early in the season. In this context, Bet You Can responded with authority, displaying a blend of tactical maturity and competitive ability that set him apart from the rest. With Dettori in the saddle, the colt positioned himself efficiently without expending unnecessary energy, advanced when the race dynamics allowed, and resolved decisively in the final stages, holding off his challengers and crossing the wire with a clear, if not overwhelming, advantage. The significance of the victory is magnified by the fact that it was the final one of an unparalleled career. Frankie Dettori needs no introduction: winner of more than 500 Group races, multiple champion across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, protagonist of legendary afternoons such as his historic “Magnificent Seven” at Ascot, and a central figure in global racing for more than three decades. His ability to read races, adapt to different horses, and deliver under pressure made him an icon beyond statistics and trophies. That his final victory came in Brazil, in his first and only professional appearance in the country, adds an unexpected and deeply symbolic dimension. Dettori now steps away from professional riding to begin a new chapter as an international ambassador for AMO Racing, one of the most dynamic and ambitious operations in global racing today. His role going forward will be tied to the promotion of the sport, institutional representation, and advisory work, channeling his experience and charisma into a different but equally influential position. He closed his riding career, however, exactly as he lived it: winning, in a Group 1, aboard a young horse, in a demanding race, and before a crowd that fully grasped the magnitude of the moment. The equine protagonist of this story, Bet You Can, was no secondary figure in the tribute, but rather a legitimate winner on pure merit. Bred and owned by Haras Estrela Nova, one of Brazil’s most progressive breeding operations, the colt represents a modern breeding model built on solid foundations and clear long-term vision. All horses from the operation are raised at Haras Fronteira in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, a region historically associated with the quality of the Brazilian Thoroughbred, where breeding is understood as a comprehensive process that goes far beyond pedigree alone. The victory in the Grande Prêmio Estado do Rio de Janeiro marked Bet You Can’s first Group 1 success, achieved in a race of maximum difficulty for his age and stage of development. It was not a tailor-made scenario nor the product of favorable circumstances; it was a direct confrontation with the best of his generation, resolved with poise and efficiency. That triumph immediately places him among the most relevant colts of the year and validates the work of everyone involved, from breeding through to race management. From a genetic standpoint, Bet You Can is a son of Can The Man, a stallion who has found fertile ground in Brazil to express his potential. Can The Man, a direct son of Into Mischief, was an elite racehorse and a Group 1 winner, and his relocation to Brazil generated significant expectations. His progeny has shown a fairly consistent pattern: he transmits speed, precocity, and competitiveness up to one mile, producing effective and reliable runners over intermediate distances. He is not, generally speaking, a natural source of extended stamina, but he does impart functional quality and responsiveness in demanding race scenarios. Bet You Can’s dam, Bar Rouge, is a daughter of Pounced and had already demonstrated her value as a broodmare. Prior to Bet You Can, she produced Barzana, a daughter of Verrazano (More Than Ready), bred by Haras Legacy, also trained by Luiz Esteves, and a Group 3 winner in Brazil, clearly excelling in sprint and speed-oriented races. This detail is fundamental to understanding the colt’s true profile: his female line is not geared toward classic stamina, but rather toward efficiency over short to intermediate distances. Bet You Can, therefore, is not a genetic anomaly, but a coherent expression of his pedigree. In that sense, his victory over the mile at Gávea becomes even more valuable. He performed at the upper limit of his optimal range, maximizing his resources without compromising his physical structure. This naturally raises an intriguing question regarding his immediate future. Racing logic suggests he will attempt the second leg of the Carioca Triple Crown over 2,000 meters. Strategically, it is a natural step after winning the 2,000 Guineas; genetically, it represents a significant challenge. Those additional 400 meters constitute a major leap, not only physically, but also in terms of energy distribution and mental resilience. Should Bet You Can manage to adapt to that distance, his status would rise considerably. If, on the other hand, stamina proves to be a clear limitation, an alternative path is already well defined. Returning to the mile, where he has already proven competitive at the highest level, and targeting the Grande Prêmio Presidente da República during the Grande Prêmio Brasil meeting on June 14, 2026, at Gávea, emerges as a logical and sporting option. That race, one of the most prestigious mile events on the Brazilian calendar, could become the ideal stage for him to consolidate his position as one of the best specialists of his generation. The impact of Can The Man during the classic meeting was not limited to Bet You Can. Earlier that same afternoon, the Brazilian 1,000 Guineas, the Grande Prêmio Henrique Possolo (G1), were contested, with victory going to Veil, a filly also by Can The Man, bred at Haras Santa Julieta by veterinarian Dr. Aline Vivian. Veil confirmed that the stallion is capable of producing Group 1 winners in both colts and fillies, reinforcing his standing within the Brazilian breeding landscape. Second in that race was Like It Hot, a filly bred by Haras Estrela Nova and sired by the national stallion Arrocha (Pounced), another proven name within the local breeding program. This dual prominence, Bet You Can in the 2,000 Guineas and Veil in the 1,000 Guineas, places Can The Man (Into Mischief) at the very center of the Brazilian classic scene and confirms that his arrival in the country was not a mere experiment, but a breeding investment with tangible results. At the same time, it underscores the strong momentum of operations such as Estrela Nova and Santa Julieta, which are successfully translating planning, selection, and management into top-level outcomes. Frankie Dettori overcome with emotion after winning aboard Bet You Can. // João Cotta Frankie Dettori’s final victory, therefore, was not an isolated episode, but rather the point of convergence of multiple narratives: the farewell of a legend, the consolidation of a breeding project, the validation of an imported stallion, and the emergence of a competitive generation within Brazilian racing. Bet You Can proved to be the perfect vehicle for that conclusion: a young colt with proven talent, a clear genetic profile, and an open future. Time will ultimately determine how far he can go. If he adapts to 2,000 meters, he will enter a higher dimension altogether. If not, his quality over a mile ensures continued prominence in the sport’s biggest events. What can never be taken away is that he was the final Group 1 winner ridden by Frankie Dettori, a distinction that forever secures his place in the history of world racing.

Nearly, a colt by the prolific sire Not This Time, burst onto the North American three-year-old scene with a decisive victory in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. His win, achieved after a tactically patient trip and a powerful finishing kick, confirmed the talent his connections had been seeing in the mornings and placed him among the leaders on the road to the Kentucky Derby. This article aims to analyze in depth the rise of the Centennial Farms runner, recovering testimony from his connections, reconstructing his brief but effective campaign, breaking down his pedigree and the strength of his female family, and projecting his chances heading toward the Run for the Roses. Nearly (Not This Time) remains undefeated in the track of Gulfstream Park. On January 25, 2026, racing attention focused on Gulfstream Park, where ten three-year-old colts contested the Holy Bull Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile (1,700 meters) race awarding qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby. Nearly went off as the second choice in the wagering, tracking pacesetter Cannoneer through the early stages. The opening quarter in 23.81 seconds and the half-mile in 45.96 reflected a selective pace. Rounding the far turn, jockey John Velazquez asked the dark bay for more; the response was immediate, sweeping past the leader on the outside and drawing off with authority, stopping the clock in 1:44.52 for the full distance. The race demonstrated his ability to accelerate in the stretch and, above all, to sustain a strong rhythm around two turns. After the race, trainer Todd Pletcher, a nine-time Eclipse Award–winning conditioner, explained that his pupil had taken a step forward: “He was traveling at a good rhythm and when John asked him, he responded. We liked what we saw, because it was his first experience around two turns and he handled it very professionally.” Pletcher also commented that they were pleased to have another prospect after losing a champion—an allusion to the injury of multiple Grade 1 winner Ted Noffey (Into Mischief)—and that the victory confirmed Nearly as a horse with a bright future ahead. In the same vein, jockey John Velazquez highlighted the colt’s maturity: “He broke well, got comfortable, but when the pressure came he responded; I got the feeling he has no problem running on the outside.” These statements reflect the confidence the team has in the colt and their satisfaction with how he adapted to a higher level of competition. The owners’ reaction was equally enthusiastic. Don Little Jr., president of Centennial Farms, stated that the patience and work of the team were being rewarded: “We’ve been buying six to eight colts a year, and when you get two classic prospects in a row [after Antiquarian, winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup], it feels really good. We have a long way to go, but we’ve taken the first step.” Little emphasized that the operation had regained the excitement of pursuing the Triple Crown, an objective the ownership sets every year. Pletcher, for his part, noted that after winning three consecutive races at Gulfstream, they would consider staying at the track for the Florida Derby (G1) on March 28, though other routes could also be evaluated depending on how the colt recovers. The Holy Bull was Nearly’s third career start and his graded-stakes debut. His campaign began the previous fall, when he debuted at Aqueduct in October. That day he looked immature, was uncomfortable among horses, and finished sixth, twelve lengths back. Undeterred, his handlers decided to send him to Gulfstream Park in search of a more favorable environment. On November 22 he contested a Maiden Special Weight over seven furlongs; he sat third and, entering the stretch, accelerated to win by nine and one-quarter lengths, a striking maiden-breaking performance. The impression was so strong that Pletcher chose not to move him immediately into stakes company, instead giving him another conditional race to build confidence. On January 2 he faced an Allowance Optional Claiming, also at seven furlongs, and won by five lengths, showing greater maturity and tolerance to pressure. These prior efforts laid the foundation for his step up in the Holy Bull, where he encountered a longer distance and more seasoned rivals. The progression from his debut to his graded victory can be interpreted as a reflection of his pedigree. Nearly is a son of Not This Time, the Taylor Made stallion who has become one of the most sought-after sires in North America. A son of Giant’s Causeway, Not This Time won the Iroquois Stakes (G3) in his short racing career and finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile before an injury curtailed his campaign. As a stallion, he began covering modest books but quickly rose to prominence: in 2025 he ranked second by percentage of stakes winners (13% of runners), third by number of black-type horses (31), and fourth by graded winners (7) in North America. His success has been built by runners such as Epicenter (winner of the Louisiana Derby and runner-up in the Kentucky Derby), Just One Time (G1), and sprinter Princess Noor. With a current stud fee of $250,000, the demand for his services reflects breeders’ and owners’ confidence. Another key to Not This Time’s success is his compatibility with mares descending from A.P. Indy, a cross that has produced route horses such as Epicenter. Nearly represents that combination. His dam, Ib Prospecting, is a daughter of Mineshaft, the 2003 Horse of the Year and a son of A.P. Indy himself. According to an analysis by Centennial Farms, Ib Prospecting is a three-quarter sister to Frolic’s Revenge, winner of the Calder Oaks (G3), as both are by Mineshaft and out of daughters of Lindsay Frolic. Ib Prospecting’s second dam, Stormy Frolic, won two stakes in 2003 and is a daughter of champion Summer Squall, a full brother to A.P. Indy. This maternal branch has produced tough, durable horses; Lindsay Frolic also produced multiple winner Friendly Frolic, Wind Warrior, and broodmare Not Regular. In this way, Nearly’s pedigree combines the toughness and stamina of his female line with the class and precocity of Not This Time. Ib Prospecting’s family also stands out for its continuity: the mare has produced other colts currently in training. Her 2022 colt by Munnings was well regarded at auction, and her 2024 foal, a colt also by Not This Time, is already generating interest among breeders. The decision to repeat the cross with Not This Time reflects the belief that the initial pattern is sound and offers the right balance between speed and stamina. Observers who saw Nearly in the yearling sales recall his physical presence. While not exceptionally large, he showed a harmonious outline, with a well-set neck and a muscular hindquarter. John Velazquez noted after the Holy Bull that the colt had become more aggressive, a sign that he was “moving forward.” Agents such as Don Little Jr. have pointed out that Nearly’s conformation resembles that of his sire, with a strong back and a powerful hip suggesting stamina as distances increase. This assessment aligns with comments from breeders who view Not This Time’s offspring as long-striding, well-angled, and elastic—qualities that facilitate the transition to longer distances. Another aspect to consider is the patient handling of his campaign. Pletcher is known for not rushing his colts; he prefers to build confidence and experience before asking for major efforts. In Nearly’s case, the trainer explained that the goal was to give him a two-turn race before deciding on the next step. This approach seeks to avoid premature wear and ensure the colt reaches summer in peak condition. Thus, planning toward the Kentucky Derby involves assessing how he exits the Holy Bull and how many points are needed to secure a spot. For now, with his Holy Bull victory, Nearly earned 10 qualifying points. The Centennial Farms and Todd Pletcher team has several options to increase that total. A logical route would be to remain at Gulfstream and contest the Florida Derby (G1) in late March, which awards 100 points to the winner. This option is attractive for two reasons: the colt is unbeaten at the track, and the proximity to Pletcher’s base allows him to maintain his routine without travel. Alternatively, they could target the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) in February or even the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) in March, depending on the colt’s recovery and logistics. Owner Don Little Jr. indicated that no decision had yet been made, but that it was exciting to have such discussions. Analyzing his campaign with the Kentucky Derby in mind also requires reviewing the competition. The 2023 crop has produced several standout colts, and Nearly joins a growing list of Not This Time sons with classic potential. Other offspring of the sire, such as Just Steel (winner of the Southwest Stakes) and Braves Notion (runner-up in the Breeders’ Futurity), are also accumulating points. Within the same barn, Todd Pletcher has other candidates such as Paladin, Ottinho, and Iron Honor (trained for different owners), which will eventually force Velazquez to choose mounts as the Derby approaches. The abundance of talent is a “good problem” for Pletcher, but it brings management and strategic challenges. Beyond the numbers, the quality of his pedigree suggests that Nearly has the tools to excel over the Derby’s mile and a quarter. The influence of Not This Time provides precocity and cruising speed, while the Mineshaft and Summer Squall line contributes stamina and finishing power. Thoroughbred Daily News highlighted that Ib Prospecting is a three-quarter sister to multiple winner Frolic’s Revenge and that the maternal family produced Stormy Frolic, underscoring the line’s consistency. Moreover, the success of the Not This Time × A.P. Indy/Giant’s Causeway blend, as demonstrated by Epicenter and Just One Time, supports the projection that Nearly can deploy his natural stamina down the long Churchill Downs stretch. To assess his future, it is worth remembering that the Holy Bull has served as a springboard for several champions. Barbaro won the race in 2006 before capturing the Kentucky Derby. More recently, Tiz the Law took the Holy Bull in 2020 and later won the Belmont Stakes and the Travers. However, there are also cases of colts who shone in winter only to fade in spring. Hence Pletcher and Centennial Farms emphasize caution. “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves; we know the season is long,” the accomplished trainer said. Their strategy will focus on protecting the colt’s integrity and selecting races where he is comfortable. Managing his workload also involves spacing out morning works. As is customary in Pletcher’s barn, Nearly has recorded light breezes between races and a sharper work about ten days before each start. This method—sometimes dubbed “the Todd school”—aims to maintain fitness without taxing the muscles. According to statements from Gulfstream Park, the team planned to give him a brief rest after the Holy Bull to evaluate his weight and attitude before making the next decision. Health is another crucial consideration. Not This Time sires robust stock, but ensuring that hocks and hooves withstand the rigors of route racing is essential. Veterinarians such as Dr. Larry Bramlage note that Not This Time’s progeny typically have good bone structure and correct conformation, but recommend close monitoring of the lumbar region and growth plates to prevent injury, especially during adolescence. To date, no serious issues have been reported in Nearly, reinforcing the decision to proceed cautiously. From a market perspective, the popularity of Not This Time and the strength of the female family were reflected in the yearling sale where Nearly was purchased for $1,000,000. Don Little Jr. and magnate Peter Brant (owner of White Birch Farm) joined forces to bid on the colt, viewing him as a medium-term stallion prospect. The price paid underscores the faith of experienced investors that, beyond his potential on the racetrack, his genetics will allow him to pass on his talent. Moreover, the combination of an emerging sire with a proven female family is always attractive at auction. Another point to highlight is Centennial Farms’ policy of acquiring horses with a long-term vision. In recent years, the operation has sought lines that combine speed and stamina, and the partnership with Todd Pletcher has been fundamental in developing their top colts. Antiquarian’s victory in the 2025 Jockey Club Gold Cup and Nearly’s emergence in the Holy Bull place them in a privileged position. Their executives state that they will continue to prioritize quality over quantity, translating into purchasing fewer but more carefully selected yearlings. The influence of the connections also extends to the racing press. Thoroughbred Daily News reported that Pletcher was pleased with Nearly’s efficiency around two turns, emphasizing that the colt is manageable and responds well to his rider. This trait is essential for tackling races with traffic and sharp turns like the Kentucky Derby. The same article noted that Ib Prospecting had produced other well-sold colts and that her 2024 colt by Not This Time would be a point of interest at future sales. As the season progresses, fans will closely follow Nearly’s development. On an ever-changing Derby Trail, the Centennial Farms colt stands out for his progression, genetic solidity, and the backing of an experienced team. His Holy Bull Stakes (G3) victory showed that he can compete with the elite of his generation and possesses the mentality needed to stay focused over increasing distances. The coming weeks will be decisive: preparation plans, point allocation, and physical condition will determine whether he ultimately earns a place at Churchill Downs. What is certain is that the colt has emerged as one of the circuit’s leaders, and his story combines elements that captivate breeders and fans alike: a select origin, an upward-trending campaign, a motivated team, and the dream of reaching the Kentucky Derby.

Canaletto announced his arrival on the big stage with a debut that did not go unnoticed at Gulfstream Park. The dark bay three-year-old colt, a son of Into Mischief, appeared in an $80,000 Maiden Special Weight over one mile on dirt, a demanding test for a debutant both in terms of distance and the competitive context of the South Florida circuit. From the break, he showed an unusual level of maturity for an inexperienced horse, settling into a stalking position without wasting unnecessary energy, allowing the race to develop in front of him. From the far turn, Canaletto began to advance with authority, took control with ease, and progressively drew away from his rivals, crossing the wire with a wide margin, close to eight lengths, without his rider needing to ask him at any point. Beyond the margin, what ultimately convinced observers and professionals alike was the manner: a sustained acceleration, a clear change of gears, and the ability to continue increasing the advantage in the final stages, going from a seventh furlong in 12.75 seconds to an even faster final furlong in 12.31, a detail rarely seen in debutants and one that speaks both to athletic condition and mentality. Canaletto (Into Mischief) winning by eight lengths alongside Flavien Prat in his debut. That initial impact on the track immediately shifted the focus to the horse himself and to everything surrounding him. Canaletto is not an improvised project nor a casual surprise. He is an individual conceived, bred, and acquired within the logic of the world’s leading international programs. Bred by Lothenbach Stables, he was foaled on February 28, 2023, and from an early stage was identified as a colt with physical presence and high-level structure. That perception was confirmed when he entered the ring at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, where he was purchased for $1,000,000. Behind the hammer were names that need no introduction: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter M. Brant, and Brook T. Smith. The presence of Magnier and Tabor, historic pillars of Coolmore, alongside Brant, one of the most influential owners in the United States, not only validated the colt’s quality but made it clear from that moment that Canaletto was viewed as more than just a racehorse: he was a long-term project, with an eye toward both the racetrack and, eventually, the breeding shed as a stallion prospect for Ashford Stud. Canaletto (Into Mischief) in the Fasig-Tipton sales ring in New York in August 2024. That level of investment is rarely explained solely by an attractive physical appearance. The deeper support lies in the pedigree, and in Canaletto’s case, the genetic analysis is as solid as it is appealing. On the sire line, he is by Into Mischief, the undisputed leader among North American stallions, capable of producing champions, classic winners, and stallions of enormous commercial impact. Into Mischief has shown uncommon versatility, transmitting precocity, class, and a notable ability to adapt to different distances and surfaces, an essential trait for programs seeking both racing success and residual stud value. But if the sire is a guarantee, it is the female line that elevates Canaletto to another level. His dam, Distorted Music, is a daughter of Distorted Humor, one of the great genetic pillars of recent decades, responsible for transmitting toughness, mental quality, and a proven ability to perform at the highest level. The Into Mischief–Distorted Humor cross is one of the most successful nicks in modern racing and has produced horses of enormous impact, both on the track and at stud. That genetic pattern is no accident, and in Canaletto it is reinforced by an exceptional female family. Distorted Music is a granddaughter of the influential Note Musicale, from whom branches one of the most powerful maternal lines in the modern Stud Book. Note Musicale, a daughter of Sadler’s Wells, did not race but became an extraordinary broodmare. She produced Musical Chimes, a classic winner in France, and Music Note, one of the leading fillies of her generation in the United States. Music Note, a daughter of A.P. Indy, was a multiple Grade 1 winner in New York, including races of the stature of the Coaching Club American Oaks, Mother Goose, Gazelle, Ballerina, and Beldame, earning more than $1.4 million and confirming herself as an elite runner in both class and consistency. Music Note’s influence did not end on the racetrack. As a broodmare, her impact has been equally significant. She is the dam of Mystic Guide, by Ghostzapper, winner of the 2021 Dubai World Cup (G1) and now a stallion on the Darley roster, representing this family at the highest international level. She is also the dam of Gershwin, by Distorted Humor, winner of the Penn Mile (G3) in 2021 and currently a stallion at Haras La Valkiria in Argentina—a fact that not only reinforces the family’s genetic projection but also demonstrates its ability to adapt and leave its mark in different markets and breeding systems. That a half-brother to Mystic Guide and Gershwin is now emerging as a rising figure in the United States is no coincidence, but rather the logical continuation of a female line that has proven, generation after generation, its ability to produce top-class horses. From a genetic structure standpoint, Canaletto also presents a very interesting balance. There is no close inbreeding between sire and dam, which provides genetic freshness, yet there is a concentration of proven influences in terms of class and stamina. This is exactly the type of profile sought by operations such as Coolmore when considering a potential stallion for Ashford Stud. Canaletto is a horse capable of winning or competing at the highest level, with a pedigree attractive to both the U.S. and international markets, and with a female family capable of sustaining his value beyond individual race results. That genetic potential is reinforced by the physical, a key aspect in Canaletto’s evaluation dating back to his yearling days. When observing images prior to his sale, his overall balance immediately stands out, a quality bloodstock agents and trainers consider fundamental. Craig Rounsefell often emphasizes that in elite yearlings, “the first thing you look for is balance: a long, well-sloped shoulder that connects naturally to a powerful hindquarter, forming a functional trapezoid that allows for an efficient stride.” Canaletto fits that description perfectly. His long, sloping shoulder suggests good reach, while his relatively short, strong back speaks to efficient energy transmission. Canaletto (Into Mischief) as a yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale in August 2024. His hindquarters—long and muscular—are another major strength. Trainers such as Robbie Griffiths have repeatedly pointed out that a well-developed rear end is key not only for acceleration but also for sustaining effort in the final stages, something Canaletto already showed in his debut. His limbs, straight and well aligned, with sufficient bone and clean joints, reinforce the idea of durability, a critical factor when projecting a horse for demanding campaigns and, eventually, for a stallion career. None of this is surprising when considering how he was selected and prepared. Chad Brown, his trainer, is not known for rushing processes or forcing timelines, especially with horses he views as long-term projects. In his barn, Canaletto joins a deep group of three-year-olds with major aspirations, alongside names such as Paladin, Ottinho, Iron Honor, and Hedge Ratio. Internal competition is fierce, which speaks both to the quality of the roster and to the challenge of standing out within it. Added to this is another significant factor: the presence of Flavien Prat, one of the most sought-after jockeys in the country, who will eventually have to decide which of these projects to align with on the classic trail, a decision that often proves as strategic as it is sporting. Canaletto’s immediate future opens up a range of possibilities as attractive as they are challenging. After his debut, the logical next step is to find a second start that allows him to continue gaining experience without compromising his development. In that sense, races such as the Fountain of Youth Stakes on February 28 appear as an ambitious but coherent option if the colt confirms in the mornings what he showed in the afternoon. Another plausible alternative is the Tampa Bay Derby on March 7, a race that has historically served as a platform for ascending horses on the road to the Kentucky Derby. It is also possible that his team opts for an intermediate-level allowance, aiming to polish details and build a stronger foundation before taking on the elite of his generation. Whatever path is chosen, the ultimate goal is to measure Canaletto against the best three-year-olds of the 2023 crop and assess just how far he can go. The Kentucky Derby is a comprehensive examination that tests genetics, physicality, mentality, and management. For a horse with Coolmore’s backing, the bar is necessarily high. Becoming a Grade 1 winner is not only a sporting dream, but the key that definitively opens the doors of Ashford Stud and international stallion status.

The victory of Six Speed (Not This Time) in the UAE 2,000 Guineas (G3) during Fashion Friday at Meydan Racecourse was far more than a graded success on the Dubai Racing Carnival calendar. It was a performance that combined authority, maturity, and international projection, placing the American three-year-old firmly on the Derby Trail map, with his sights set on the first Saturday in May and the ultimate goal of the Kentucky Derby. Six Speed (Not This Time) led throughout in the UAE 2,000 Guineas (G3). From the break, Six Speed made it clear that the plan would be simple and effective. With sharp early speed, he took control of the race without needing to force the pace, managing his energy with notable intelligence. Unlike other colts that rely exclusively on the lead, the son of Not This Time showed the ability to relax during the running, maintaining a fluid and economical action. Turning into the stretch, he responded with a sustained change of gear, pulling away from his rivals and crossing the wire with visual authority that confirmed his superiority. The reading of the race was impeccable and the result emphatic. Over a mile on dirt, a distance that often exposes tactical and physical limitations, Six Speed handled the challenge with ease, leaving the impression that there was still more in reserve. This was not a circumstantial victory nor the product of a favorable race flow; it was the win of a colt who displayed class, mental maturity, and a clear understanding of his job. With this success, Six Speed improved his record to four starts, with three wins and just one finish outside the board, accumulating USD 202,180 in earnings. He was also assigned a rating of 105 pounds, positioning him as the leading three-year-old on the Middle East circuit, and added 20 points toward the Kentucky Derby, a crucial reward within the qualification system. The architect of this campaign is Bhupat Seemar, a trainer enjoying a particularly strong moment. During this Meydan meeting, Seemar recorded four victories, consolidating his status as one of the leading names of the Dubai winter season. After the UAE 2,000 Guineas, the trainer was clear in describing his colt’s virtues, publicly stating that Six Speed is “a very tactical horse, with outstanding early speed, but with the ability to relax during the race, manage his energy in a mature way, and then accelerate strongly on the far turn.” These statements are not mere praise. Seemar knows the path to the American elite: he made his Kentucky Derby debut in 2022, an experience that now allows him to approach this new challenge with greater perspective. The trainer himself emphasized that the ultimate objective is Kentucky, while clarifying that the immediate focus remains on the upcoming Carnival targets, particularly the Al Bastakiya and, above all, the UAE Derby—the race that historically serves as the true passport to Churchill Downs. Six Speed races for an internationally ambitious ownership group composed of Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson, and Swinbank Stables. This is an ownership group willing to invest, project, and compete at the highest level, supporting a program that combines commercial judgment, sporting patience, and a clear long-term vision. Six Speed’s journey to this point began in one of the most demanding commercial arenas in the world. The colt was purchased as a breeze-up prospect at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale, where Bhupat Seemar acquired him for 220,000 guineas, approximately USD 315,000, directly from Lynn Lodge Stud. The operation was surgical: the trainer backed a colt that combined precocity, athletic action, and a deeply attractive pedigree. Today, that investment is not only justified, but clearly revalued in both sporting terms and future projection. From a genetic standpoint, Six Speed is a product that balances functional speed with classic inheritance. He is a son of Not This Time, a stallion who has established himself as one of the most influential of his generation in the United States. The progeny of Not This Time have shown versatility, dirt aptitude, and a notable ability to perform on major stages, producing fast horses with sufficient stamina to tackle classic challenges. Beyond individual names, Six Speed’s genetic value lies in the athletic architecture created by the cross. Not This Time transmits a physical pattern characterized by early power, efficient action, and the ability to sustain speed under pressure. What is truly relevant, however, is how that energy is structured when combined with a proven stamina-oriented female line. In Six Speed, one does not see “fragile” speed dependent on early expenditure, but rather functional speed capable of being maintained without mechanical deterioration—a trait increasingly sought in modern American racing. This quality explains his ease in dominating races on the lead without losing coordination or respiratory efficiency, a decisive factor when projecting his performance beyond a mile. On the dam side, the picture becomes even more compelling. His dam, Browse, is a daughter of Medaglia d’Oro, one of the great transmitters of class, stamina, and consistency in modern breeding. Browse was stakes placed on the track and has already proven her worth as a broodmare, having produced Pipit, a stakes winner in the United States by Quality Road. In addition, Browse is a sister to Imagining, a Group 1 winner, reinforcing the immediate competitive strength of the family. The depth of the female line is one of Six Speed’s greatest assets. He belongs to the legendary family 1-x, one of the most influential families in the Stud Book, whose tenth dam is La Troienne, a Reine-de-Course and true cornerstone of American breeding. This is not a distant reference without present impact: all of the last five dams in Six Speed’s pedigree are black-type producers, a compelling indicator of genetic continuity. His fourth dam is Dance Number, a daughter of Northern Dancer, a Group 1 winner and a cornerstone mare of the historic Ogden Phipps operation. Further back appears Daydreaming, a stakes winner who is a sister to Girolamo and Accelerator, and also the dam of Super Saver, winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1). This is no minor detail: America’s greatest classic is not unfamiliar territory for this family, but rather a goal already achieved from the same genetic root. The female line ultimately completes the picture. Family 1-x, with La Troienne as its taproot, provides not only historic class but a consistent transmission of mental toughness, durability, and suitability for major stages. In this context, the presence of Medaglia d’Oro as the sire of Browse acts as an amplifier of inheritable stamina, balancing the sire’s precocity with a solid aerobic reserve. The fact that this same family has produced Super Saver, a Kentucky Derby winner, is not anecdotal, but rather evidence that Six Speed’s genetic foundation has already proven itself at the highest level and over the classic distance. That combination of mental composure, genetic depth, and physical efficiency is what makes Six Speed more than just a fast colt, it positions him as a candidate with genuine genetic structure to sustain the 2,000-meter challenge. From a modern Derby perspective, Six Speed presents a particularly attractive profile. He is not an extreme stamina horse in the traditional sense, but rather a colt who combines efficient early speed, inherited aerobic capacity, and notable mental solidity, qualities increasingly decisive in 2,000-meter races where positioning, pace, and economy of motion are key. The cross of Not This Time over a Medaglia d’Oro mare, supported by family 1-x, offers an ideal balance between initial power and functional endurance. In terms of qualification, the 20 points already earned place Six Speed in a favorable position within the Kentucky Derby system. The next logical step is the UAE Derby, where not only decisive points will be at stake, but also the definitive validation of his ability to compete under maximum pressure and against a top-class international field. A solid performance in that race would make his trip to Louisville a natural consequence rather than a risky gamble. Six Speed is not a circumstantial product of the Dubai calendar nor a name inflated by a single performance. He is the result of an intelligent purchase, precise training, and an elite genetic structure, backed by a family that has produced champions for generations. From the Craven Breeze Up to the UAE 2,000 Guineas, his trajectory has been upward, coherent, and without shortcuts. The challenge now is to translate the talent shown at Meydan into confirmation on a global scale. If he can maintain his level in the UAE Derby, the road to Churchill Downs will be clear. And then, Six Speed will cease to be merely an international promise and become a genuine contender in the most famous race in the world.

On December 28, 2025, on the opening day of Santa Anita Park’s winter meet, the atmosphere in Arcadia, California, was different. For the first time since the 1950s, the California racetrack did not open its season on December 26, as heavy rainfall forced the postponement of the opening to Sunday the 28th. The new date generated controversy on social media because it coincided with NFL games. However, the public responded, and the track welcomed a strong crowd despite competing with the most popular sport in the country. That afternoon, California racing once again showed its best version, with the Malibu Stakes (G1) and the La Brea Stakes (G1) being contested, both for the 2022 crop, along with several runners trained by Bob Baffert who played leading roles throughout the day. Usha (Tiz The Law) wins her first Grade 1 in the La Brea at Santa Anita Park. Within the context of the opening day, the La Brea Stakes, a 7-furlong race on dirt for three-year-old fillies, was not the strongest Grade 1 on the calendar, but it was certainly an appealing contest. The presence of Bob Baffert with four runners added stature to what otherwise would have been a modest field. The California-based trainer, long a symbol of West Coast racing, used his fillies to sustain the competitive level of the circuit; without his participation, the race would have lacked depth. Even so, the public knew the filly to watch was Usha, a daughter of Tiz the Law trained by Baffert, who had already shown flashes of talent at Del Mar and was returning to the West Coast after a disappointing trip to Kentucky. Usha is owned by a partnership formed by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, longtime associates of Baffert and owners of several top-level runners. The filly took time to fulfill expectations, requiring five starts to break her maiden. After finishing second and third on multiple occasions, she finally put everything together at Del Mar in August, winning decisively and turning early frustration into optimism. Two weeks later, she captured a $50,000 Optional Claiming race by 5¼ lengths, again at Del Mar. Those performances established her as one of California’s leading fillies, but her trip to Keeneland in October for the Grade 2 Raven Run Stakes proved disastrous: she became unsettled in the paddock and never got involved, finishing seventh, more than ten lengths behind the winner, Kappa Kappa (Omaha Beach). Baffert later explained that the trip to Kentucky unsettled her: “She lost her composure in the Keeneland paddock and we couldn’t get her relaxed. When she came back to California and settled down, I knew we had to give her another chance.” On December 28 at Santa Anita, Usha repaid that confidence with a commanding performance. The La Brea Stakes (G1) unfolded as a more tactical race than an outright speed contest. Stablemate Silent Law set the pace with fractions of 21.85 seconds for the opening quarter and 44.43 for the half-mile. Baffert saddled four fillies and aimed to apply pressure throughout to set the race up for Usha. The betting favorite was Formula Rossa, while Usha went off as the third choice at 5.60-1. After breaking cleanly, she settled in sixth without expending energy. Entering the far turn, jockey Juan Hernández spotted an opening between Artisma and Silent Law and took it without hesitation, seizing the lead before straightening for home. From there, the race became one-sided. Usha widened her advantage with every stride and crossed the wire 5¼ lengths clear of Formula Rossa, stopping the clock in 1:21.68. The final fractions were emphatic: 1:09.38 for six furlongs, followed by a strong finishing kick that underscored her superiority. Simply Joking (Practical Joke) finished third, while another Baffert trainee, Silent Law, checked in fourth. Juan Hernández summarized the race simply: “Early on it got a bit tight and I had to find room. She can get a little nervous sometimes, but today she stayed calm thanks to the work the team did in the paddock.” Baffert, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with earning his tenth La Brea victory: “She showed the class we always believed she had. We thought she was going to win at Keeneland and it didn’t happen, so today she redeemed herself.” Usha’s victory was not only decisive, it also marked a milestone for her sire, Tiz the Law, who earned his first Grade 1 winner as a stallion. The 2020 Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes champion, retired by Coolmore after an outstanding racing career for Sackatoga Stable, had seen his early crops perform well, but none had previously captured a Grade 1. Usha’s success represents a major boost for the son of Constitution, who will stand the 2026 breeding season at Ashford Stud for a listed fee of $40,000, up $10,000 from the previous year. Beyond Usha, Tiz the Law’s early runners include Tiztastic, winner of the Louisiana Derby and tenth in the Kentucky Derby, as well as Buetane and Curtain Call, who finished second and third behind Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. While those offspring had shown promise, none had yet reached the top level. Usha’s victory positions Tiz the Law as a stallion to watch, especially given his pedigree blending the stamina of Seattle Slew through Constitution and the speed influence of Tiznow. The 2025 winter meeting at Santa Anita traditionally begins on December 26, a custom dating back to 1934. However, that tradition was broken this year. Weather forecasts predicted heavy rainfall, an “atmospheric river”, prompting officials to postpone opening day by two days to protect the racing surface. The decision sparked debate on social media, as it placed the opening card in direct competition with the NFL. Ultimately, attendance proved solid, and the crowd responded enthusiastically, enjoying a safe and successful opening day. Despite its Grade 1 status, the 2025 La Brea was not considered a classic renewal of the race. The Southern California calendar has thinned in recent years due to competition from Midwestern circuits and a shrinking local breeding base, often resulting in smaller, uneven fields. In this edition, the lineup lacked proven top-level winners, and Baffert’s quartet, Usha, Silent Law, Brilliantly and Formula Rossa, provided much of the depth. Still, the race delivered intrigue and served as an important measuring stick for the fillies’ future. Historically, the La Brea has launched the careers of elite runners, the latter later becoming a champion sprinter. Whether Usha can follow that path remains to be seen. Her future will depend on how she handles tougher competition and longer campaigns, especially given her previous nervousness away from home. Usha’s commercial story is also remarkable. She was purchased for just $30,000 at the 2023 Saratoga Yearling Sale. Less than eight months later, she brought $600,000 at the OBS April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, ranking among the sale’s top-priced offerings. That twentyfold increase reflected strong physical development, an eye-catching breeze, and buyer confidence in her upside. Usha was bred in New York by Esler & Raine and is out of Animal Appeal, a 2012 chestnut mare by Brazilian champion Leroidesanimaux. Animal Appeal won four races, earned $220,298, and placed in multiple stakes. She descends from the family of Chatique, a turf stakes winner, and of Ableton, a notable California sprinter. Animal Appeal was later sold at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale for just $9,000 while in foal to Solomini, a price that now appears extraordinarily low given her status as the dam of a Grade 1 winner. The third generation of Usha’s pedigree adds further depth. Leroidesanimaux, her maternal grandsire, was a champion in Brazil and a multiple Grade 1 winner in the United States, including the Citation Handicap. He is also the sire of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. This influence contributes stamina and class, complementing the speed inherited from Tiz the Law. Together, they form a balanced genetic profile ideally suited for elite American racing. Bob Baffert’s presence at Santa Anita continues to shape the local racing scene. After years of controversy and suspensions related to medication violations, his return has once again made him the central figure in California racing. His horses account for a large portion of graded stakes runners, a dominance that fuels both admiration and criticism. In the 2025 La Brea, four of the eight runners were from his barn, and he also captured the Malibu Stakes (G1) with Goal Oriented (Not This Time), underscoring his ongoing influence. Looking ahead, Usha’s immediate future will remain in California. Baffert has indicated that her campaign will be carefully managed, with potential targets including the Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) or the Las Virgenes Stakes (G3) before stepping up against older fillies later in the year. The ultimate goal is the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in October 2026 at Keeneland. With three wins from eight starts and a developing racing style, Usha has the tools to compete at the highest level. The victory in the La Brea Stakes not only elevated Usha’s profile but also reinforced the vitality of California racing at a time when the region faces structural challenges. It confirmed Tiz the Law’s emergence as a significant sire, showcased the value hidden in underappreciated broodmares, and reaffirmed that, when conditions align, Santa Anita can still produce performances of national relevance.

The 2025 Remsen Stakes (G2) not only crowned a new classic winner, it revealed the emergence of a colt who may define next year’s three-year-old crop. Paladin (Gun Runner), a striking chestnut with commanding presence, bred by Summer Wind Equine and acquired by a partnership led by Coolmore, White Birch Farm, and Brook Smith, showed in his first two-turn attempt that he possesses the precise combination of maturity and engine to legitimately aim for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. His victory, achieved under adverse conditions, made it clear that we are witnessing a horse capable of rising above his generation. Paladin (Gun Runner) wins the Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct. Paladin (Gun Runner) made his debut on the track under significant expectations. He was one of the most expensive yearlings at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, sold for US$1,900,000 by Lane’s End Farm on behalf of Summer Wind. That Coolmore purchased the colt, with Summer Wind retaining a share, confirmed that the horse had been selected for a classic campaign — and as a stallion prospect for Coolmore’s international breeding operation. The company led by Magnier rarely purchases colts without a clear projection for stud duty. In Paladin, the convergence of physicality, pedigree, and a classic maternal family justified the investment from the first glance. His victory in the Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct was a display of grit. With Flavien Prat aboard, Paladin overcame inside traffic, kickback, and a track that severely punished lack of balance. In the stretch, he produced a strong turn of foot, advancing with clean mechanics and a serious “stretch-runner” style typical of horses built for stamina. The context made it even more impressive: Paladin ran the entire stretch without a front shoe and with a laceration on a hind leg, as confirmed by Chad C. Brown’s assistant trainer. Yet he still won, showing the physical and mental resilience that defines true classic winners. Post-race comments were especially telling. Brown described him as “a fresh horse on the Derby Trail”, emphasizing that this was a formative victory, an educational experience that sets the stage for a classic campaign in the coming months. In the trainer’s words: “This was a real education. The horse overcame tough situations on a testing track and responded exactly the way we hoped. He’s a colt with a huge future”, declared Chad Brown. Paladin made the qualitative leap that separates a promising colt from a true classic horse, and responded as if he had already run over two turns several times. The consensus is that his competitive mentality, physical build, and pedigree make him one of the most serious prospects on the East Coast. From a genetic standpoint, Paladin is a deliberately engineered specimen. His sire, Gun Runner (Candy Ride), is one of the most influential stallions in the Northern Hemisphere, with a 2026 stud fee set at US$250,000. The Candy Ride (Ride The Rails) sire line has consistently produced horses capable of running fast and long, two essential attributes for the Derby trail, and Gun Runner is the most successful representative of this branch. His dam, Secret Sigh (Tapit), although unraced, is by the most influential stamina sire in North American breeding. Tapit produces daughters who become exceptional broodmares: they pass on structure, deep lung capacity, stride, and remarkable mental toughness. Secret Sigh adds genomic depth with duplications of Nijinsky and Mr. Prospector, reinforced in Paladin as 5D×5D, contributing to extended stride, elasticity, and functional speed. His second dam, India (Hennessy), was a Grade 2 winner of the Cotillion and a Grade 3 winner of the Azeri, confirming that the family possesses genuine classic class. India is a top-tier producer: she’s the dam of Kareena (Medaglia d’Oro), a classic filly campaigned by Godolphin, and the second dam of Padma (Tapit), a graded-placed filly at Gulfstream. India contributes tactical speed, early maturity, muscle power, and the resilience typical of elite American female lines. His third dam, Misty Hour (Miswaki), is the link that connects American bloodlines to elite European genetic architecture. Misty Hour is by Miswaki, making her a paternal sister to Urban Sea, the greatest broodmare of the modern Thoroughbred era and the dam of Galileo and Sea The Stars. This connection is no coincidence: Miswaki transmits extraordinary fertility, soundness, longevity, and the ability to produce both elite athletes and foundation mares. This deep-rooted lineage explains Paladin’s structural solidity and natural work capacity. The recent family history adds even more value: Secret Sigh is the maternal half-sister to Mozu Ascot (Frankel), a multiple G1 winner in Japan on both turf and dirt. Mozu Ascot is living proof that this family transmits versatility and adaptability, attributes that place Paladin in a genetically exceptional position for a future stallion career. Paladin’s inbreedings are placed with surgical precision. He shows a 4Sx4D in Storm Cat and 5Sx5Sx5D in Fappiano, the core of America’s aerobic engine, along with maternal duplications in Nijinsky and Mr. Prospector, well-balanced and functionally aligned. The result is a genetic architecture that reflects the blueprint modern breeders are searching for. The victory in the Remsen Stakes made him a serious contender for the 2026 classic campaign. After the race, he will ship to Payson Park, where Brown will allow the colt to recover, mature physically, and build a strong foundation. His next start will likely be in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) in January or the Fountain of Youth (G2) in February, both at Gulfstream Park. There, he may face Ted Noffey (Into Mischief), currently the top-rated colt of the generation. Chad Brown and Coolmore know that a matchup of this caliber will establish the East Coast pecking order and set the tone for the 2026 Derby Trail. Paladin has the engine to compete head-to-head with that level of rival. Paladin is, in short, a colt who checks every box to become a standout in his generation. His pedigree runs deep, his conformation is classic, his competitive mindset is that of a ready-made racehorse, and his Remsen win was proof that he possesses the talent and intelligence needed to navigate the Kentucky Derby trail. He is not merely a promising horse, he is a colt engineered to win major races, built to thrive over classic distances, and destined to leave a mark both on the track and eventually at stud.

The Tattersalls December Mare Sales 2025, held from December 1st to 3rd in Newmarket, once again solidified themselves as the global epicenter where a large part of the future of thoroughbred breeding is decided. With a turnover of 81,583,515 guineas and an average of 140,661 guineas per head, the sale displayed a sustained, deep, and extremely selective market, where the major operations of the world did not come to buy names, but structural pedigrees, complementary biotypes, and genetic tools that project entire generations. But beyond the figures, this edition stood out for its symbolism: the sale of the champion Porta Fortuna coincided with the retirement of the iconic auctioneer John O’Kelly, who received a spontaneous ovation from the public after lowering his gavel for the last time, in one of the most emotional moments in Tattersalls’ recent history. John O’Kelly, historic auctioneer of the English auction firm. In a catalogue loaded with depth, the sale presented a precise radiography of the genetic priorities of the Northern Hemisphere: refined speed, milers with stamina, daughters of new stallions, young maternal lines, and outcrosses compatible with the major stallions of the future. Europe, Japan, the United States, and Australia participated aggressively, showing how each region seeks to resolve its own internal needs through complementary mares. The 2025 edition also confirmed the growing value of in-foal mares by emerging stallions such as Auguste Rodin, whose first pregnant mares reached significant prices, reinforcing the idea that hybrid genetics (Europe × Japan) will dominate the next decade. Within that context, the great protagonist of the auction was Barnavara (Calyx), sold for 4,800,000 guineas to Sugar Whiskey Trading, becoming the most expensive in-training mare in the world in 2025. The filly comes from an ascending campaign: she won a G3 at Naas, captured the Blandford Stakes (G2), and crowned her progression by winning the Prix de l’Opéra (G1). Her trainer, Jessica Harrington, confirmed that the filly will remain in training, a decision that becomes clear when analyzing her physiological and genetic architecture: Calyx contributes explosive speed, while the maternal family supports an aerobic engine that only matures at four years of age. Barnavara recalls the case of Via Sistina, sold in 2023 and later turned into a multiple G1 winner in Australia. Everything in her profile indicates that she has not yet reached her ceiling. The other major strike was the sale of Porta Fortuna (Caravaggio), purchased for 4,200,000 guineas by MV Magnier (Coolmore). A winner of four G1s in two seasons, with victories in the Cheveley Park, Coronation, Falmouth, and Matron Stakes, Porta Fortuna retires immediately to stud. Magnier revealed that her first mating will be “most likely with Starspangledbanner,” an underestimated but extraordinarily effective stallion at producing juvenile champions such as Precise and Gstaad. The combination between Starspangledbanner and Caravaggio generates an inbreeding to Danehill 4x4, which has proven to enhance precocity without sacrificing biomechanical efficiency. For Coolmore, Porta Fortuna is a genetic anchor to reinforce the elite European speed line, at a time when the operation seeks to complement the dominant influence of Wootton Bassett and No Nay Never. Porta Fortuna (Caravaggio) consigned by the now international Taylor Made Sales. Another decisive move by Coolmore was the purchase of Tamfana (Soldier Hollow) for 2,600,000 guineas. The winner of the Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) will not continue racing: MV Magnier confirmed that she will be sent immediately to the farm and will be bred to Justify. The cross between the German toughness of Soldier Hollow and the North American power of the Triple Crown winner is highly appealing, especially because Justify has proven to transmit class, bone, and late-developing precocity, a pattern that fits perfectly with a mare who showed progression at four. Saqqara Sands (Oasis Dream), purchased for 2,100,000 guineas, will continue racing in the United States. Her agent, Stephen Hillen, explained that the mare has an ideal profile for racetracks with turns and that they consider an American G1 possible before her retirement. Meanwhile, Survie (Churchill), sold for 1,900,000 gns, does not yet have a defined destination: Magnier commented that they will decide whether she continues in training or enters stud, while her trainer and breeder, Nicolas Clement, expressed his desire to see her produce a top-class offspring. Among the finest purchases from a breeding perspective is Choisya (Night of Thunder), acquired by Anthony Stroud for 2,000,000 guineas. Stroud noted that the mare will remain in Europe and that they are interested in breeding her to Frankel, a mating that, if confirmed, would be one of the most coveted nicks of the 2026 season. Night of Thunder is one of the most consistent and undervalued stallions on the continent, and his daughters are becoming elite broodmares thanks to their physical balance and fertility. The presence of John Stewart and Resolute Bloodstock added an analytical dimension to the auction. Stewart purchased two extremely interesting mares from a genetic standpoint: Pintara (Pinatubo) for 1,800,000 gns and Understudy (Sea The Stars) for 525,000 gns. The former, undefeated in two starts and winner of the Montrose Stakes, combines the precocity of Pinatubo with the maternal depth of Altamira (Peintre Célèbre), a French family that produces stayers with exceptional aerobic efficiency. Stewart appears inclined to take her to the United States, where a selective campaign over a mile could further increase her residual value. Understudy, on the other hand, represents deep class: daughter of Sea The Stars and G2-placed at Royal Ascot, she is exactly the type of mare that amplifies quality in the second generation. Sea The Stars transmits elasticity, longevity, and a second acceleration, a group of attributes that Stewart seeks to install as a hallmark of his future production. Resolute’s strategy reveals a long-term plan aimed at creating a broodmare base that integrates European speed, classic stamina, and impeccable biomechanics. One of the most deliberate and technically coherent operations was that of Sam Sangster Bloodstock, which acquired a group of young mares with a unified objective: all will be sent to the new stallion Diego Velázquez, recently retired and now at The National Stud, Newmarket. Among their notable purchases were Miss Justice (Justify) for 750,000 gns, Galilei (Lemon Drop Kid) for 450,000 gns, Neverland (Quality Road × Marvellous) for 310,000 gns, Shelaka (Lope de Vega) for 180,000 gns, and Dervla (Bated Breath) for 110,000 gns. Diego Velázquez, bred and raced by Coolmore, was privately sold to Sangster and, after a brief stint in the United States, represents one of the new mile-oriented projects most strongly supported by European breeders. He is a son of Galileo with a clean outcross relative to Danehill and Scat Daddy, a modern and refined biotype perfectly compatible with speed-oriented mares. Sangster Bloodstock is building a carefully curated broodmare base for a decade of production: young, correct mares with solid pedigrees and, above all, maternal lines that allow a clear reading of what the stallion transmits. Sangster is executing a plan comparable to the one that fueled the early success of Kingman, Night of Thunder, or Showcasing: supplying the stallion with diverse but high-quality mares to maximize initial variability and quickly identify the best nicks. Japan also left a deep mark on this edition. Katsumi Yoshida, director of Northern Farm and one of the most influential personalities in global racing, invested 2,350,000 guineas in three carefully selected mares: Lady of Spain (Phoenix of Spain) for 900,000 gns, Rage Of Bamby (Saxon Warrior) for 750,000 gns, and Tax Implications (Mehmas) for 700,000 gns. Yoshida does not buy for today; he buys for two generations ahead. Lady of Spain brings classic European speed, Rage Of Bamby introduces the Japanese branch of Deep Impact via Saxon Warrior combined with a European base that enriches genetic variability, and Tax Implications adds the precocious explosiveness of Mehmas, a type of speed the Japanese program uses strategically to reinject quickness every two or three generations. The average of his purchases, 783,333 gns, underscores that Yoshida does not compete by volume, but by precision. Japan values, and pays heavily for— mares that can produce horses with wide stride, the ability to sustain strong fractions, and a competitive mindset, the three pillars that define the modern Japanese champion. Another key element of the 2025 market was the impact of the first mares in foal to Auguste Rodin, whose pregnancies sold between 110,000 and 180,000 gns. Angelica Tree, Bahama Girl, and Dolphin were among the most notable. This initial success confirms that the son of Deep Impact and Galileo will be a pillar for Coolmore and for breeders seeking to combine Japanese explosiveness with European classic structure. In-foal mares by emerging stallions always act as a market confidence thermometer, and Auguste Rodin exceeded expectations in his first appearance as sire of broodmares sold at auction. If anything became clear in this December Mare Sale, it is that the global racing world is in a moment of genetic transition: Europe is recharging with refined speed and hybrid lines; Japan continues collecting European outcrosses to feed its stamina stallions; the United States searches for mares capable of sustaining fast miles; and private operations such as Sangster’s design ten-year plans based on structural depth. The high values were not explained by immediate commercial return, but by the ability of these mares to reshape entire populations. The 2025 auction will be remembered for strong figures, intelligent purchases, and new genetic directions. But it will be remembered above all because a cycle closed: the ovation to John O’Kelly, lowering his gavel for the last time while Porta Fortuna left the ring.

The Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2), run at Churchill Downs, once again fulfilled its historic role as one of the most important races for evaluating colts aiming for the Kentucky Derby trail. Although it is run after the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the race brings together very high-quality colts seeking to take a step forward toward the following spring. In 2025, the absolute standout was Further Ado (Gun Runner), a colt who had already attracted national attention after breaking his maiden at Keeneland by 20 lengths, a margin rarely seen in a $120,000 Maiden Special Weight. Further Ado (Gun Runner) crossing the wire at Churchill Downs for the first time. Further Ado had shown since his debut at Saratoga that he was an athlete beyond the ordinary. His overwhelming victory during the past Keeneland meet not only demonstrated his superiority but also his competitive maturity. Bred in Kentucky by John C. Oxley, trained by Brad Cox, one of the most efficient conditioners at the American elite level, and carrying 122 pounds under Irad Ortiz Jr., one of the jockeys with the highest win percentage in North America, and purchased for $550,000, Further Ado entered the Kentucky Jockey Club as the logical favorite. The race at Churchill Downs reaffirmed all his potential. Further Ado ran comfortably throughout, tracking a solid pace (the first half-mile in 46.76) before launching his decisive attack in the final stretch. His acceleration was immediate, powerful and unquestionable, dominating the race with authority and stopping the clock in 1:43.33 for the mile and one-sixteenth, equivalent to 1700 meters. This son of Gun Runner (Candy Ride) is a colt with classic presence and an ideal physique for middle distances; he made it clear that he will continue improving, and Cox’s team dreams of winning a Kentucky Derby on the track. After earning 10 points toward the Kentucky Derby, Brad Cox told Lineage Bloodstock that his next start will be “in the Rebel or the Risen Star,” confirming that the colt will take the Derby path at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, Louisiana, or at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. With a margin of 1 ¾ lengths, the runner-up was Universe (Global Campaign), who delivered an excellent performance and confirmed the strong opinion his trainer, Kenneth McPeek, has of him. Having been relegated early, running from the three-path, he began to advance around the far turn, swinging to an outside lane as wide as six paths. He finished strongly, drifting inward in the final strides and securing second place at the wire thanks to his solid late kick. Universe demonstrated strong tactical poise and a sustained finish, projecting himself as an attractive Derby Trail prospect, possibly targeting the Oaklawn Park circuit in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where Kenneth McPeek is based during the spring. His developing campaign and his pedigree by an emerging stallion like Global Campaign make him an interesting prospect for the coming months. Soldier N Diplomat (Army Mule) finished third after pressing outside the leader from the start, staying in contention through the stretch and briefly taking the lead turning for home. However, despite his bravery, he yielded when Further Ado overpowered him and then lost additional position in the final yards. Regarding his genetics, Further Ado carries an extremely commercial and proven pedigree. He is a son of Gun Runner, one of the most reliable and sought-after stallions in the Northern Hemisphere, known for transmitting tactical speed, stamina, and professionalism. His dam, Sky Dreamer (Sky Mesa), added quality and a strong aerobic engine, being a consistent producer in the marketplace. Sky Dreamer also produced the miler Kimbear (Temple City), a G2 winner in Dubai. In terms of value, Further Ado went through the select sales rings, having been a high-priced yearling due to his physical type and highly desirable pedigree. From family {19-b}, his third dam is Beautiful Pleasure (Maudlin), the multiple Grade 1-winning champion who won top-level races at ages 2, 4 and 5. This family also includes the Grade 1 winner Dream Dancing (Tapit). Irad Ortiz Jr. greeting Brad Cox after winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). Further Ado’s victory adds to an exceptional year for Spendthrift Farm, which is experiencing one of the strongest juvenile generations in its recent history. The operation led by Eric Gustavson, with Ned Toffey at the managerial helm, has several two-year-olds from the 2023 crop who have already won graded stakes and are aiming firmly at the first weekend of May as primary targets. Among them stands out Ted Noffey (Into Mischief), the best colt seen so far from the generation, a Grade 1 winner in three different states and the absolute leader among males. Also noteworthy is Tommy Jo (Into Mischief), a multiple Grade 1 winner at Saratoga and Keeneland, dominating the filly division. In addition, Brave Deb (Authentic) established herself as a Grade 3 winner in California, reinforcing the quality of the farm’s lineup. With this race, Further Ado has earned $320,000 in prize money, after winning a $120,000 Maiden Special Weight and this Grade 2 stakes, which contributed $242,470 to the winner. He projects to be a major colt for the upcoming semester, where his potential will be further tested, but he is undoubtedly expected to become part of Spendthrift’s stallion roster in Lexington, Kentucky. Gun Runner (Candy Ride) has emerged as an interesting candidate as a broodmare sire or sire of sires. In recent years, several sons of the chestnut have been retired to stand at top American stud farms, the most notable examples being: Sierra Leone (Ashford, Versailles, Kentucky), Locked (Gainesway, Paris, Kentucky), Taiba (Spendthrift, Lexington, Kentucky), Cyberknife (Spendthrift, Lexington, Kentucky), Gunite (Ashford, Versailles, Kentucky), Gun Pilot (Three Chimneys, Versailles, Kentucky), Disarm (Hidden Lake, Stillwater, New York), among others. The 2025 Kentucky Jockey Club not only confirmed Further Ado as a colt with enormous classic potential, but also reaffirmed Spendthrift Farm’s supremacy in producing early talent of international quality. With a roster of juveniles already dominating on multiple fronts, the operation is poised to enter 2026 with several strong contenders for both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Further Ado leads that group as one of the most solid and exciting prospects of the season.

After winning the Japan Cup (G1), the most important race on the Eastern racing calendar, Calandagan (Gleneagles), the Aga Khan’s star runner, remains the highest-rated horse in the world (130) and validates the recent “Horse of the Year” title awarded by Cartier. Calandagan (Gleneagles) winning the Japan Cup (G1). The Japan Cup, held annually at Tokyo Racecourse over 2400 meters, equivalent to a mile and a half or 12 furlongs, and awarding more than 300 million yen to the winner (approximately U$D 1,920,000), is Japan’s most prestigious international race and one of the richest in the world. Created in 1981 to attract the best horses on the planet, it quickly became a benchmark event comparable to the Breeders’ Cup Turf in terms of purse and international standing. However, since 2005, when the British runner Alkaased (Kingmambo) defeated Heart’s Cry (Sunday Silence), no foreign horse had managed to win the race, nor even finish on the podium, reflecting the spectacular progress of Japanese breeding. The 2025 edition broke that 20-year streak with the victory of the Irish-bred gelding Calandagan (Gleneagles), a triumph that underscores the strength of the Aga Khan’s operation. The 2025 running, held before a massive crowd at Tokyo Racecourse, delivered a thrilling spectacle. Masquerade Ball (Duramente), a prominent performer in last year’s Japanese Triple Crown, set the pace over firm going while Calandagan (Gleneagles) tracked from a stalking, mid-pack position. The stretch run produced a memorable duel: the European contender, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, launched a long sustained rally on the outside and caught Masquerade Ball (Duramente) 100 meters from the wire. The pair ran head-and-head until the visitor found the slightest advantage in the final strides to prevail by half a head, stopping the clock in 2:20.3. Local favorite Danon Decile (Epiphaneia) finished two and a half lengths back in third, while Croix du Nord (Kitasan Black), another major Japanese runner and winner of the Japanese Derby, finished fourth. The second- and third-place finishers were both bred by Shadai Farm in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan. Calandagan (Gleneagles) is an unusual profile for the top level: a four-year-old gelding who began his career in France. A son of Gleneagles (Galileo) out of Calayana (Sinndar), he has shown steady improvement and uncommon versatility. Unable to compete in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe due to being a gelding, he nonetheless won multiple Group 1 races throughout 2025, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Champion Stakes, establishing himself as the world’s number one horse even before traveling to Japan. His record now stands at 14 starts with 8 wins, 5 seconds, and 1 third, a remarkable display of consistency. As a gelding, he has no breeding future, meaning his value lies entirely in his performance and the prestige he brings to his breeder, The Aga Khan Studs. Calandagan’s female line is one of the strongest aspects of his profile. His dam, Calayana (Sinndar), was third in the Prix Minerve (G3) and belongs to the family of Clodora (Linamix), a foundation French broodmare who produced the classic champion Clodovil (Danehill) and the classic-placed Colombian (Azamour). His second dam, Clariyn (Acclamation), is a half-sister to Canndal (Medicean), runner-up in the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1) on turf. Four of his last five dams are black-type winners, a lineage that explains the blend of class and stamina the gelding shows. The influence of Sinndar (Grand Lodge) through Calayana contributes depth and temperament, while Gleneagles, through his dam You’resothrilling (Storm Cat), adds a highly efficient aerobic engine. The tight finish between Calandagan (Gleneagles) and Masquerade Ball (Duramente). The Aga Khan Studs, breeder of Calandagan (Gleneagles), is one of the pillars of global Thoroughbred breeding. Founded in the early 20th century, the operation of Aga Khan IV and his family has produced countless champions such as Shergar, Azamour, Sinndar, Daryaba, Dalakhani, Zarkava, Mahmoud, Valyra, and Sea The Stars, among others—combining European lines with rigorous selection. Their philosophy of “breeding to race” means maintaining a core band of high-quality broodmares and crossing them with carefully chosen stallions to achieve a balance of speed and stamina. Calandagan fits perfectly into this tradition; bred by the French branch of the stud, he was kept to race for the Aga Khan after showing early promise as a youngster. For experienced French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program in 2005, this victory marked his first Japan Cup. Just like his compatriot and colleague Robert Collet, who won the same race in 1987 with Le Glorieux (Cure The Blues), both achieved the feat with a French jockey, Mickael Barzalona in 2025 and Alain Lequeux in 1987. Calandagan’s victory in the Japan Cup carries implications beyond statistics. From a sporting perspective, it confirms that Europe’s best runners can still succeed in Japan and may encourage more foreign owners to target the race again, as was common in the 1980s and 1990s. From a genetic standpoint—despite his lack of breeding future—his triumph reinforces the value of crossing Galileo lines with German-Irish stamina families like Clodora’s, further elevating the prestige of his female line. It also bolsters the perception of Gleneagles as a sire capable of producing top-class stayers, whereas he had previously been known mainly for milers. For Japanese racing, the defeat does not diminish the strength of their local program: after two decades of dominance in which no foreigner had lifted the Cup, Calandagan’s arrival places their current level in context and suggests that continued international genetic exchange remains essential to maintaining global competitiveness.

The chestnut filly Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger) once again elevated the prestige of Argentine turf by claiming a commanding victory in a $130,000 allowance race at Keeneland, in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. Her 4¼-length triumph over Poppy The Princess (Cairo Prince) not only confirmed her complete adaptation to American turf courses, but also extended the brilliant legacy of her trainer Ignacio Correas IV, who marked his 301st U.S. win with this race, more than two decades after settling in the country. Ayra Stark’s story is one of a filly who, without coming from a globally renowned pedigree, crossed borders and surfaces to succeed. In her native Argentina, the daughter of local stallion Cosmic Trigger, a sire of notable domestic success, won 4 out of 7 starts, all on the dirt track of Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo. That includes a dominant six-length win in the prestigious Ramón Biaus (G2), defeating the top fillies on dirt. From early on, her competitive spirit was evident: she won on debut, finished second in a G1 in just her third start, and ran fourth in two G2 races during Argentina’s graded stakes circuit before closing that phase with back-to-back allowance wins in Palermo. She was, without question, a filly with international projection. Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger) wins an allowance at Keeneland. After her Group 2 win in Argentina, Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger) was sold to Haymarket Farm and exported to the United States. There, under the patient care of Ignacio Correas IV, the chestnut filly adapted brilliantly. Correas discovered that American turf suited her perfectly, bringing out a more agile version of the filly—one whose closing kick is ideally suited for the more tactical pace scenarios typical of Northern Hemisphere racing. At Keeneland, facing a field of six other 3- and 4-year-old fillies, Ayra Stark once again proved herself to be a serious, professional racehorse. This win carried special weight, as it came during the final stretch of Ignacio Correas IV’s distinguished training career in North America. Since moving to the U.S. in 2001 and launching his own operation — IC Racing — “Nacho” Correas has become a respected and admired figure, particularly for his outstanding work with fillies. It’s no coincidence that the majority of his stars have been female: names like Dona Bruja (Storm Embrujado), Blue Prize (Pure Prize), Didia (Orpen), Le Da Vida (Gemologist), Nanda Dea (Fortify), Nanabush (Il Campione), and now Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger) form a constellation that reflects both his training philosophy and long-term vision. In Argentina, Correas was always held in high regard, especially by top breeding farms. He trained for leading studs like El Turf, Abolengo, and his own family’s operation, Haras Las Ortigas, all known for their focus on developing high-quality fillies for future breeding. His methodical approach and long-term planning made him the preferred choice for breeders looking to build strong careers for their fillies before sending them to the breeding shed. With Ayra Stark’s win, Correas begins his farewell to the sport. News of his departure has spread quickly across the American racing world. After the Breeders’ Cup, he plans to return to his native Argentina, where his family, his partner Marina, and their dogs, who already began the journey back, await him. His return will close a career that spanned more than two decades and helped elevate the global standing of Argentine turf in the most competitive racing circuit in the world. In recent years, Ignacio Correas became something of an unofficial ambassador for South American talent. His method has followed a near-mathematical precision: import fillies with strong Southern Hemisphere campaigns, give them time to acclimate, and then gradually expose them to the competitive demands of North American racing. Time and again, this formula has proven successful, Ayra Stark being the latest example. Ignacio Correas IV after winning the Spinster Stakes (G1) with Blue Prize (Pure Prize) in 2018 First came Blue Prize (Pure Prize), the unforgettable Argentine mare who won the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). Then followed Didia (Orpen), who became a multiple graded stakes winner, and later Le Da Vida (Gemologist), Nanda Dea (Fortify), Nanabush (Il Campione), and now Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger), all imported from the Southern Hemisphere with accomplished campaigns in their home countries, mainly Argentina and one from Chile. The pattern is clear, South American mares, with stamina, and a genetically solid foundation, enabling them to perform at a high level on the demanding North American circuits once they adapt to the rhythm and surfaces. Correas has known how to translate that genetic potential into results. His meticulous approach to training, emphasizing recovery, adaptation, and patience, contrasts with the speed-driven mindset of many U.S. programs. Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger) emerged as the epitome of that philosophy: calm in waiting, decisive when attacking, and physically complete, responding effortlessly to the smooth handling of José Luis Ortiz. The race, contested over a mile and a half (2400 meters) on firm turf, brought together a field of seven fillies with solid regional form. From the break, Statement Made (Always Dreaming) took the lead, setting even fractions of 25 seconds every two furlongs (800 meters), while Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger), piloted by José Luis Ortiz, tracked in second, about two lengths off the pace. Behind them, Poppy The Princess (Cairo Prince) raced patiently in third. In the final turn, Ortiz began to nudge the chestnut forward, and she responded with a powerful stride. As Statement Made tried to hold her ground, Ayra Stark drew even effortlessly and, turning into the stretch, took command decisively. In the final 200 meters, Ortiz urged her only once with his left hand, the margin widened to 4¼ lengths, and he guided her comfortably to the wire. Poppy The Princess (Cairo Prince) finished a good second. The final time of 2:31.23 was solid for the class, confirming that Ayra Stark not only won, she dominated. The winner’s sire, Cosmic Trigger, is a genetic jewel of Argentine turf. A son of Lizard Island (by Danehill Dancer), he is a maternal half-brother to the legendary Candy Ride (Ride the Rails), one of the most influential stallions ever exported from the Southern Hemisphere. Like Candy Ride, Cosmic Trigger was bred and raised at the historic Haras Abolengo, owned by the Menditeguy family, where both shared the same dam — the great Candy Girl (Candy Stripes). Cosmic Trigger’s career was brief but brilliant, unbeaten in his only two starts over a mile at Palermo. A premature injury forced his retirement, cutting short what could have been an exceptional racing career, but his stud potential quickly became evident. Since 2016, he has stood at Haras Abolengo, where his famed brother was also born, and his results speak volumes. Out of 287 runners, 175 have won, an impressive 61% strike rate. Moreover, he has already produced six G1 winners, a remarkable figure for a domestically based stallion, placing him among the elite sires of South America. The nick between Cosmic Trigger and mares by Exchange Rate (Danzig) has proven especially successful: out of six foals, five are winners, including Ayra Stark, who reached graded-stakes level. The cross tends to produce fast, long-striding, and competitive offspring, traits that are clearly expressed in Correas’ mare. Ayra Stark’s female family also helps explain her quality. Her third dam, Dama Imperial (Mariache), was a top-class sprinter who carried the silks of Haras Vacación, winning five races, including the Lotería Nacional (G3) in 1994, a performance that secured her place among Argentina’s elite mares and later as a valuable broodmare. From that line descended Data (Roy), later exported to Japan, and through several generations emerged Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger), reaffirming the strength of her maternal line. That family, carefully cultivated by Haras Vacación, carries in its DNA the depth of Argentine breeding through Mariache (Dancing Moss), a line that the local breeding industry has skillfully preserved in its crosses with North American bloodlines. It is no coincidence that daughters of Cosmic Trigger out of such mares stand out for their consistency and Ayra Stark is, so far, the most illustrious representative of a lineage that promises to extend even further in the coming years. The cross between Cosmic Trigger and Exchange Rate mares has become a model worth studying. Statistically, among six foals registered from this combination, five have won, and Ayra Stark is the only graded winner. The success of this nick lies in genetic compatibility and the reinforcement of Danzig (Northern Dancer) 3Dx5S, which contributes stamina. In Ayra Stark, this manifests clearly: she is a long-bodied, well-balanced filly capable of handling different surfaces while sustaining her drive through the final stages, a crucial trait in demanding North American races. Keeneland, steeped in history, remains one of the great proving grounds of American racing, a place where many names are forged before rising to prominence on the East Coast or in the Breeders’ Cup circuit. The $130,000 purse for an allowance of this class is far from trivial; it attracts fillies in transition between lower-level divisions and stakes company, ensuring a strong field. Ayra Stark’s next target is likely a Grade 2 or Grade 3 race, though now under a new trainer’s care. The victory came under the ride of José Luis Ortiz, one of the most consistent and tactically astute jockeys in the U.S. Familiar with the South American style of racing, Ortiz guided Ayra Stark with the perfect balance of patience and determination. The result was a flawless performance, leaving the door open for the filly to soon appear in higher-level stakes, perhaps before the year’s end. Ayra Stark’s achievement weaves together two intertwined narratives, Ignacio Correas’ farewell and the international projection of Cosmic Trigger’s bloodline. Both symbolize the same principle: the capacity of Argentine racing to produce world-class quality. Like other great South American trainers, Correas mastered the art of interpreting each horse’s rhythm and translating it into results within the highly competitive North American system. His retirement, set for November 2025, after the Breeders’ Cup, marks the end of an era during which the Argentine flag flew proudly across the world’s greatest racetracks. For her part, Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger) embodies the promise of continuity, a filly bred and raised in Argentina, by a domestic stallion, descended from a consolidated family, and capable of winning decisively at Keeneland, the very heart of the Bluegrass. Her victory is more than just a statistic; it is a tribute to the collaborative effort of breeders, trainers, and professionals who, from the Southern Hemisphere, continue to nourish the pulse of a global industry. Ayra Stark’s triumph at Keeneland is far more than a line in the official race chart. It stands as a testament to a well-constructed campaign, sound genetic vision, and meticulous craftsmanship. It is also another link in the chain connecting Palermo to Keeneland, Argentine breeding farms to Kentucky pastures, and the passion of Southern breeders to the professionals who dare to cross borders.

The 41st Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) over 2000 metres on turf distributed a purse of US $300,000. It was contested on Saturday, 18 October at Hipódromo da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under sustained rain, high humidity and a track that went from soft to heavy as the day progressed. This edition was decided in favour of Obataye (Courtier), a 5‑year‑old, ridden by João Moreira and trained by Antonio Oldoni for the colours of Haras Rio Iguassu, in a time of 1:58.59. The race kept the tactical line historically characteristic of the Latinoamericano, with a strong early pace from the start and reward for those who saved ground by the rail on a battered turf. The result extended Brazil’s number of wins in the event’s historical statistics to 12, the most among participating countries. The initial phase was held by Seiquevouteamar (Verrazano), who assumed the lead with demanding fractions and kept at bay immediate challengers such as Gracie (Drosselmeyer) and Vundu (Suggestive Boy). Obataye (Courtier) was handled by Moreira in a second group, hugging the inner rail, between seventh and fifth depending on the segment, sheltered from the loose sand and the more heavily worn areas of the turf. On the backstretch, the leader found sustained pressure, while Vundu (Suggestive Boy) attempted a challenge, while Gracie (Drosselmeyer) and My Way (Mendelssohn) remained in contention. Obataye (Courtier) continued gaining positions on the inside without additional effort, awaiting the decisive point. Obataye (Courtier) winning the Latinoamericano (G1). Around the turn, Seiquevouteamar (Verrazano) attempted to escape, Vundu (Suggestive Boy) began to fade, and Obataye (Courtier) moved efficiently into second lane entering the straight, then switched to middle lanes seeking better traction for the finish. At 150 metres from the post, Obataye (Courtier) caught and overtook the leader decisively. From the rear, Medjool (Constitution) advanced to capture second place in the final metres, and a tie for third ensued between Seiquevouteamar (Verrazano) and My Way (Mendelssohn). The favourite Vundu (Suggestive Boy) did not find an answer after his bid on the turn and finished 11th, well behind, but kept sound and ready to now target the Pellegrini 2025. The tactical reading is clear: savings of metres along the rail, shifting to slightly firmer lanes in the final 300 m and a sustained change of pace were decisive in the winner’s performance. The victory of Obataye (Courtier) is part of a high‐level selective sequence, as he had just won the Matías Machline (G1) over 2000 m on the turf at Cidade Jardim, São Paulo, on 2 August, and in 2024 had captured the Grande Prêmio Brasil (G1). With this Latinoamericano, his campaign stands at 17 starts: 9‑2‑2, including three G1 wins and six graded victories. The horse was bred by Haras Palmerini, and in addition to his successes at Gávea and Cidade Jardim he has added group wins at Tarumã, consolidating a profile of efficacy over 2000‑2400 m on different tracks and under varying footing conditions. In economic and wagering terms, the World Pool mutuel report reflected the market’s perception: Obataye (Courtier) paid $15.00 to win, $7.60 to place and $4.80 to show; Medjool (Constitution) returned $13.60 and $9.40; for the show payout: Seiquevouteamar (Verrazano) at $4.80 and My Way (Mendelssohn) at $5.60. These values confirm that the winner was not the most backed in the betting, whereas the favourite Vundu (Suggestive Boy) finished outside the first three, altering the payout structure in the trifecta and superfecta. At the local Gávea sport pool, Obataye paid $5.30 to win — three times less than the World Pool payout. The sectional pace line, with the lead held by Seiquevouteamar (Verrazano), pressure from Vundu (Suggestive Boy), expectation around My Way (Mendelssohn) and the advancing inside move by Obataye (Courtier), correlates with the differential response to the state of the footing. On wet turf, with internal lanes initially less worn, Moreira’s strategy of keeping his mount close to the rail and then shifting to the middle lanes at the critical point maximised the effective metres covered/velocity ratio, reducing exposure to slips and avoiding weaker footing areas. This operational choice explains the effective surge in the final 300 m and the margin observed at the finish. Luis Felipe Pelanda and his father Paulo Pelanda with their winner and João Moreira. João Moreira’s ride was a high-impact factor. Obataye broke cleanly, and Moreira positioned him without needing to fight for position, calmly controlled the tempo of the field, assessed the condition of the course, and timed his attack perfectly when guiding the horse off the rail into less waterlogged lanes. The jockey’s post-race statement—“Nothing could be more special for me than winning this race in front of the Gávea grandstand, for the people of Rio de Janeiro”—was consistent with the emotional context of a local victory in a historic Southern Hemisphere event and with the objective fact that this was one of the few major races missing from his international résumé. From the training perspective, Antonio Oldoni confirmed with this result a work philosophy based on stamina development, adaptability to different racetracks, and race-specific tactical strategies. Obataye (Courtier) has shown consistency at both Gávea and Cidade Jardim over classic distances, executing performances that blend cruising pace with sustained finishes. The campaign management, which targeted the most prestigious races in the Brazilian calendar, is fully validated by the G1 sequence achieved in the most recent competitive cycle. On the genetic front, Obataye (Courtier) presents several points of interest. He is one of four G1 winners sired by Courtier (Pioneerof the Nile), out of Soothing Touch (Touch Gold), a leading freshman sire in Brazil who has seven racing-age crops and a group of 19 black-type winners—approximately 7% of his starters—including 10 graded winners. On the dam’s side, Surfi’N USA (Crimson Tide) brings a highly efficient anchor, as she belongs to the {1-x} family of La Troienne (Teddy). The winner’s pedigree features a 4x4 duplication of Unbridled (through Empire Maker on Courtier’s sire line and Unbridled’s Song on the dam’s side) and a 5x5 duplication of Mr. Prospector, through third dams that are both daughters of Mr. Prospector: Coup de Génie on the sire side, from the prolific {2-d} family, and Hidden Garden on the dam side. These equivalent and inverted crossing patterns between Northern Dancer and Mr. Prospector/Fappiano translate functionally into a balance between speed and stamina, a conformation suited for classic distances, and strong traction on soft surfaces—traits Obataye (Courtier) consistently displays. Courtier (Pioneerof the Nile) was bred in Kentucky by Juddmonte Farms, one of the world’s most prestigious breeding operations, and he hails from one of the most influential female lines in Thoroughbred history: the {2-d} family. This line descends directly from Almahmoud (Mahmoud), the foundation mare who gave rise to a dynasty that includes Natalma (Native Dancer), the dam of Northern Dancer (Nearctic)—placing Courtier within the most significant genetic lineage of the 20th century. His third dam, Coup de Génie, was an exceptional G1 winner and full sister to Machiavellian (Mr. Prospector), another pillar of modern Thoroughbred breeding. In other words, Courtier is supported by a remarkably successful maternal family, a determining factor in the racing breed, where female-line consistency is key to transmitting quality. Sired by Pioneerof the Nile—best known as the sire of American Pharoah—and out of Soothing Touch (by Touch Gold), Courtier combines North American power with a classic, well-balanced genetic structure. Despite his elite origin, his arrival in Brazil did not initially generate major expectations, and during his first seasons at stud, he wasn’t viewed as a top-tier stallion by local breeders. However, results proved otherwise: Courtier has sired a series of outstanding runners, ranging from sprinters to long-distance horses with international potential. Among them are Dashing Court, a precocious colt who won the Turfe Gaúcho and G1 races over 1500 and 1600 meters at Cidade Jardim; Fast Jet Court, champion among the fillies of her generation with G1 victories in the João Cecilio Ferraz and Barão de Piracicaba; Ethereum, fifth in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano and named 2024/2025 “Horse of the Year”; and Obataye (Courtier) himself, winner of both the Grande Prêmio Brasil (G1) and the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1). Also among his standout progeny is the sprinter Rihanna do Iguassú, who runs under the same silks, further consolidating Courtier’s profile as a versatile and consistently effective sire. Overall, his offspring have shown that, although initially underrated, Courtier (Pioneerof the Nile) has become a cornerstone of modern Brazilian breeding—capable of transmitting class, stamina, and physical balance, backed by a genetic heritage that traces directly to the roots of Thoroughbred excellence. At the national level, this was Brazil’s 12th win in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, reinforcing its status as the most successful nation in the event. At the individual level, Obataye secured his third G1 win, adding to the GP Brasil (G1) and GP Matías Machline (G1), consolidating his status as a leading reference in turf racing over 2000–2400 meters in South America. In terms of connections, it represents a high-profile triumph for Haras Rio Iguassu and confirms Haras Palmerini’s role as a top-tier breeder on the continent’s elite calendar. The international context of the Latinoamericano remains active: since 2016, the winners have received invitations to Ascot (UK), with the possibility of entering a compatible G1 or the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at the Royal Ascot meeting, subject to planning, ratings, and logistics. On the regional rotation, the scheduled host for 2026 is Monterrico (Peru), maintaining the event’s tradition of rotating among South America’s top racing venues. Operationally, Obataye’s (Courtier) recovery following a demanding effort over heavy turf and the planning of future targets—including a potential international campaign—are short- and medium-term decisions for his team to evaluate. The next major event on the South American racing calendar will be the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Hipódromo de San Isidro, Argentina. This race, the region’s most prestigious turf contest and one of the oldest on the continent, will once again bring together the top representatives from each country to compete over 2400 meters on grass, with a significant purse and a world-class competitive field. Next stop: Carlos Pellegrini, San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina Among the confirmed names, or those on the verge of confirmation, stand out Obataye (Courtier) himself and his runner-up Medjool (Constitution), whose connections have already expressed their intent to travel from Brazil and Chile, respectively, to compete on the great international day hosted by the Hipódromo de San Isidro. In Argentina, they will be welcomed by local representative Vundu (Suggestive Boy), who will seek redemption after a discreet performance in Rio de Janeiro, reappearing on his preferred surface and distance. From Peru, Stud Jet Set is preparing a multiple-horse delegation with the intention of not only participating in the Pellegrini but also in the other Group 1 events that make up the traditional International Day at San Isidro. Uruguay’s main card will be Master Of Puppets (Put It Back), who must first pass a test in the local Carlos Pellegrini (Listed) on Montevideo’s turf to confirm his participation in Argentina’s top event. The Jockey Club Argentino expects a technically high-level edition with broad continental representation, including international figures such as star jockey João Moreira, who will be one of the highlights of the day. Within this context, the 2025 Carlos Pellegrini is shaping up as a race of deep sporting significance, reaffirming its status as the Grand Prix of South America and the culminating event of the turf season in the Southern Hemisphere. The statistical summary of the day is rounded out by the final order of finish and the performances of some notable contenders. Medjool (Constitution) validated his strong late kick under adverse conditions to secure second place; Seiquevouteamar (Verrazano), a brave front-runner in a strong pace over a heavy track, managed to hold third place in a dead heat with My Way (Mendelssohn); Ethereum (Courtier) completed the field, advancing without threatening the leaders. Vundu (Suggestive Boy), the overwhelming favorite, confirmed that the energy expended on the turn cost him dearly in the home stretch. In summary, the precise tactical execution by the Obataye/Moreira duo, marked by ground-saving maneuvers, smart lane selection, and impeccable timing, was instrumental in securing the win. Second, the genetic and physical aptitude of the winner, ideally suited for classic distances and soft turf, aligns with his inbreeding profile and reflects the proven qualities of his sire, Courtier (Pioneerof the Nile). Third, Brazil’s continued dominance in the race’s historical record was reaffirmed with another commanding performance.

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – known simply as the Arc in racing circles – is the pinnacle of the European racing season. Since 1920, when it was inaugurated at Longchamp in tribute to French soldiers who fought in World War I, this 2400-meter contest has been held every first Sunday of October on Parisian turf. Its prestige is such that many breeders consider it the “race of champions,” where victory exponentially increases the value of a stallion or a broodmare. Numerous legends have etched their names into Arc history: Sea Bird, Alleged, Dancing Brave, Zarkava, and Enable, among others. The 2025 Arc carried additional anticipation: not only was it the 104th edition, but it also followed the recent passing of Aga Khan IV, whose iconic green and red silks were seeking a historic eighth win. Despite unstable weather, Longchamp was packed. The morning dawned humid with intermittent showers; during the undercard races, sunlight filtered through low clouds, but rain showers persisted, leading the course to be rated “soft.” A specialized report warned that the ground was soft and that more rain was expected on Friday and Saturday, though Sunday might dry out. This mix of sun and rain made for a tactically complex afternoon, with deep but not extreme turf. As a result, horses fanned out to the middle of the track in the stretch. Daryz (Sea The Stars) and Minnie Hauk (Frankel) in the Arc definiton. The 2025 edition assembled a field of 18 runners, headed by the undefeated Minnie Hauk (Frankel), who had swept the 1000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks, and Irish Oaks. Japanese contenders Byzantine Dream and Croix du Nord were also among the favorites. The script partially held: Coolmore’s filly tracked the early leaders Hotazhell (Too Darn Hot) and Croix du Nord (Kitasan Black). Midway through the race, Minnie Hauk made her move and took the lead entering the final straight. It seemed she might emulate Enable by defeating males as a three-year-old filly. However, stalking her throughout was Daryz (Sea The Stars). The French colt, third choice in the betting at 12/1, traveled smoothly near the pace, biding his time while Minnie Hauk showed her cards. In the final 200 meters, jockey Mickaël Barzalona angled him wide and asked for acceleration. Daryz responded with a powerful surge, catching the favorite in the final fifty meters and edging past her by just a head, stopping the clock at 2:29.17. Behind them, Sosie (Siyouni) finished third, over five lengths back. The Japanese hopes faded: Byzantine Dream came in fifth, while Croix du Nord weakened sharply to finish 14th. The result reaffirmed the Arc’s status as a race where tactics and the ability to quicken on soft ground are decisive. The man behind the green and red silks, Karim al-Husaynī, Aga Khan IV, passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88. He was the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims and one of the most influential breeders of the 20th and 21st centuries. After succeeding his grandfather as Imam in 1957, he seriously considered leaving the family’s racing tradition, but after winning the French owners’ championship in his first season, he was “hooked” on the turf. His breeding philosophy combined passion and science. In a memorable interview, he compared Thoroughbred breeding to “a game of chess against nature”: every mating decision is a strategic move whose results are revealed years later on the track. He also cautioned newcomers that learning is a long journey and each breeder must define their own criteria, grounded in both genetics and economics. Over six decades, the Aga Khan built a network of stud farms in Ireland and France with about 200 broodmares. He did not hesitate to strengthen his bloodstock by acquiring the herds of legendary breeders: in 1977, he bought the mares of François Dupré, and in 1978, those of Marcel Boussac, including Darazina, ancestress of the family that would produce Darykana (Selkirk) and eventually Daryz. His program produced Classic winners like Shergar, Sinndar, Dalakhani, Zarkava, and more recently, the filly Ezeliya (Oaks 2024). With Daryz’s victory, the green and red silks claimed their eighth Arc de Triomphe. The list begins with Migoli in 1948 and Saint Crespin III in 1959 (under Aga Khan III and his son Prince Aly Khan), followed by Akiyda (1982), Sinndar (2000), Dalakhani (2003), Zarkava (2008), and now Daryz in 2025. This win holds symbolic weight: it is the first since the death of Aga Khan IV and affirms the continuity of his vision. It also breaks the tie with Juddmonte (Khalid Abdullah), both previously with seven Arc victories, placing the Aga Khan operation at the top of the all-time Arc leaderboard. Daryz (Sea The Stars) belongs to an “Arc dynasty.” His damsire is Cape Cross (Green Desert), but most notably, Sea The Stars is a son of Urban Sea (Miswaki), the 1993 Arc winner, who herself produced Daryz’s sire. These three consecutive generations—Urban Sea, Sea The Stars, and Daryz—have each won the Arc de Triomphe. Sea The Stars, European Horse of the Year in 2009, is a top sire with over 140 stakes winners, including Stradivarius and Baaeed. However, Daryz is his first Arc-winning offspring. Daryz’s success is also rooted in his female line. His dam Daryakana (Selkirk) was an exceptional filly: undefeated at three, she won the Prix de Royallieu (G2), and against older males, captured the 2009 Hong Kong Vase (G1), storming from the rear to defeat Spanish Moon by half a length. According to Equineline, she retired with 5 wins in 8 starts and earnings of $1,372,923. At stud, she has produced seven winners, including Dariyan (Shamardal), winner of the Prix Ganay (G1), Devamani (Dubawi), a G2 winner in the U.S., and now Daryz. The second dam, Daryaba (Night Shift), was also a champion, having won the Prix de Diane (G1) and Prix Vermeille (G1) in 1999, two of France’s top races. Daryaba produced other group winners like Darmasar and Daraybi. This family branch, cataloged as family 1-e, entered the Aga Khan Studs when he acquired Boussac’s mares, including Darazina. From this line, the Aga Khan has bred standouts like Darshaan (sire of Dalakhani) and Dariyan, showcasing the family’s enduring quality. Overall, Daryz’s pedigree blends the stamina and class of Sea The Stars, the finishing power of Daryakana, and the classic depth of Daryaba—an embodiment of the Aga Khan’s philosophy: merging strong sire lines with high-performance female families. The Irish filly Minnie Hauk (Frankel), trained by Aidan O’Brien for Coolmore and Juddmonte, entered the Arc undefeated after victories in the Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, and Yorkshire Oaks, emulating the path of the legendary Enable. At Longchamp, she seized the lead in the stretch but was caught late by Daryz, holding second place. With five wins in six starts, she is the standout three-year-old filly in Europe. Minnie Hauk is by Frankel (Galileo), the unbeaten champion who has become a leading sire in France and Ireland. Her dam is Multilingual (Dansili), a winless mare but full sister to Remote (Dansili) and half-sister to Kingman (Invincible Spirit). Multilingual has produced five runners, including Minnie Hauk and Tilsit (First Defence), winner of the Summer Mile Stakes (G2). Her second dam, Zenda (Zamindar), adds even more brilliance: she won the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (G1) in 2002 and was second in Keeneland’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1). Zenda is a half-sister to top sprinter Oasis Dream and dam of the sensational Kingman, an undefeated miler who captured the Irish 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes. This pedigree belongs to Juddmonte’s celebrated family 16. Its root traces back to the mare Bahamian (Mill Reef), a modest Oaks Trial winner at Lingfield, purchased by Prince Khalid Abdullah for 310,000 guineas in 1986. Bahamian, by Mill Reef out of Sorbus (Busted), produced, among others, multiple G1 winner Beat Hollow (Sadler’s Wells). Zenda and Minnie Hauk descend from this line, reflecting Juddmonte’s foresight in acquiring a seemingly modest mare with immense potential. Thus, Minnie Hauk embodies the blood of three Juddmonte pillars—Frankel, Dansili, and Zamindar—reinforced by the Bahamian family. Her exceptional finishing kick and domination over fillies explain her bold challenge against colts in the Arc. Daryz’s victory earned him an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Del Mar, as the Arc is part of the Win and You’re In series. Trainer Francis Graffard will consider whether to keep him in training at four. Should he continue, Daryz may aim for the elusive Arc–Turf double, a rare feat for Europeans due to the travel and short turnaround. Daryz (Sea The Stars) and Mikael Barzalona at the Longchamp post. Minnie Hauk, despite the loss, maintained her reputation as the best filly of her generation. She is likely to stay in training at four, with hopes of Arc redemption in 2026 and other major targets. Japan’s representatives will continue their pursuit of Arc glory, a dream still unfulfilled despite massive investment and high-caliber runners. The 2025 Arc de Triomphe will be remembered as a race of symbols and emotions. Paris’s fickle weather and the soft track added layers of tactical complexity. Mickaël Barzalona’s patient ride allowed Daryz (Sea The Stars) to reel in favorite Minnie Hauk (Frankel) and capture the race by a head. The victory paid tribute to the late Aga Khan IV, extended his operation’s Arc tally to eight, and reaffirmed the brilliance of his breeding vision. From a genetic standpoint, Daryz is the result of meticulous planning: he combines the paternal endurance of Sea The Stars, the class of Daryakana (Selkirk), and the foundational strength of Daryaba (Night Shift), all from the prolific 1‑e family. His triumph proves that great matriarchal lines can transmit excellence across generations to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Though defeated, Minnie Hauk confirmed the depth of Juddmonte’s legacy—her lineage from Frankel, Multilingual (Dansili), and Zenda (Zamindar), descendant of Bahamian (Mill Reef), exemplifies the genetic consistency sought by Prince Khalid Abdullah. The 2025 Arc crowned a new champion and delivered a masterclass in breeding, strategy, and legacy. Daryz’s win reminds us that in Thoroughbred racing, results are the fruit of decades of selection, investment, and passion—and that even under skies of rain and sun, the Sport of Kings continues to write stories worthy of legend.