2008 Saratoga Selected Yearlings

Evaluating the Pedigrees of the 1st Major Yearling Sale of 2008

The Top 10

10.) Hip 37
B.c. (Jan) Dixie Union-Rare Gift (Unbridled's Song)
This colt is by Dixie Union, who is getting better and better as a sire, is out of a daughter of Unbridled's Song and Rare Blend, a talented graded stakes winner of the Black-Eyed Susan. Rare Gift, herself, won the Ladies Handicap and finished third in the Black-Eyed Susan. She will add some size and endurance to the sprint-laden, smallish tendencies of the Dixie Union colts.
9.) Hip 72
Dkb/Br.f. (Mar) Gone West-Supah Jackie (Mecke)
This filly is by Gone West, who has recently made a comeback as a hot sire, while being out of a full sister to fantastic miler Supah Blitz. Mecke was a full brother to the classy champion Beautiful Pleasure (who went on to produce Dr. Pleasure), and this filly's granddam, Boots 'n Jackie, placed in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile FIllies while running a winning race (passing Eliza 5 strides after the wire). This is a filly who will run well early and have a strong closing kick.
8.) Hip 174
Gr.c. (Feb) Unbridled's Song-Home Court (Storm Cat)
Though his fillies are usually slightly superior to his colts, Unbridled's Song crosses very well with Storm Cat mares, especially those from strong female families. This particular colt is a grandson of the great Jewel Princess, who ran some of the fastest Beyer Speed Figures of any filly since their advent. She twice handed Serena's Song her hind quarters with style, and has had limited opportunity to produce her equal. Perhaps Home Court, her daughter, can do that for her... at least in male form.
7.) Hip 31
B.c. (Mar) A.P. Indy-Pyramid Lake (Broad Brush)
This colt just screams classic distance ability and a hell of a closing kick with Peinture Bleue as granddam, the dam of one of the fastest turf closers of our time, Peintre Celebre. Pyramid Lake has produced two winners from two starters, and this colt topped the first day of the sale for a reason.
6.) Hip 41
Ch.f. (Jan) Songandaprayer-Restless Cat (Storm Cat)
This January filly should come out firing, being by a speedy sire out of a full sister to Hennessy. Enough said.
5.) Hip 104
Dkb/Br.f. (Apr) Medaglia d'Oro-Atlantic Ocean (Stormy Atlantic)
If this filly isn't the size of a dump truck, it will be very surprising. Her dam was an extremely well bred daughter of the now popular Stormy Atlantic out of a Seattle Slew/Best Turn/Tom Rolfe dam pattern. Medaglia d'Oro has produced some early runners with an obvious future over a route of ground. This filly is the second foal of Atlantic Ocean, who ran on everything and could produce the same- but, I project a turf specialist who will be useful on the dirt and synthetics.
4.) Hip 90
Ch.c. (Feb) Songandaprayer-What a Knight (Tough Knight)
Bob Baffert will tell you that What a Song, the full brother to this colt, was a standout undefeated juvenile who tragically died before being able to show his brilliance. If this colt has half that colt's brilliance he will be worth the buy.
3.) Hip 190
Ch.c. (Feb) Tiznow-Life's a Dance (Gone West)
This is probably the most fashionable pedigree in the entire sale, being by a fresh and successful stallion of classic tendency, out of a family that is second to none. Both of this colt's siblings have been gelded, which is cause for alarm and drops him from the #1 spot to this. Despite that, a colt of this pedigree is an asset to any stable.
2.) Hip 23
B.c. (Feb) Tale of the Cat-Piedras Negras (Unbridled)
I believe this colt's genetic 3/4 sister, La Traviata, is one of the most brilliant filly sprinters we have seen in a few years. I believe she will eventually prove herself to be even better when given the opportunity, and this colt has the genetic make-up to do the same.
1.) Hip 179
Ch.f. (Feb) Ghostzapper-Incinerate (Groovy)
Ghostzapper ran 128, 124, and 123 consecutive Beyer Speed Figures. Groovy, this filly's grandsire, ran 131 and 133 speed figures (the highest ever) in seven furlong races. Incinerate was a great miler of the famous Hobeau farm family who has produced six winners from as many starters- including In the Gold and High Blitz, whose sires (Golden Missile and Lucky Lionel) will not be able to hold a candle to the projected success of the brilliant Ghostzapper. I expect big things.


(Just a taste of the wisdom Adolphson Thoroughbred Consulting has to offer.)