A Boisterous Look to 2014

   Not many horses are accomplished enough to be considered a racing prospect at the age of seven, but Grade I winner Boisterous (Distorted Humor–Emanating by Cox's Ridge), is one such specimen. Consigned by Claiborne Farm, agent, on behalf of Phipps Stable, at last year's Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Boisterous was scooped up by agent Steve Young for $350,000. Young was drawn to the horse for multiple reasons. 
   “He [Boisterous] is a Grade I winner, a Phipps-bred, which most of the world, including myself is partial to, and he's a gorgeous, sound horse,” said Young. “Up until I bought him, he's made a million three [$1,325,959] and run against the best horses in America.” 
    Young was unconcerned with the age of the dark bay, and considered him to have good residual value. 
    “I think the horse could have brought more money,” stated Young. “He is an older horse–which it appears in the modern times the bidding public wants to go younger than older–but he was always a sound horse when I saw him run and train. He comes from a barn where they take great care of their horses. The fact that he's a tick older didn't bother us. I bought him for Todd Pletcher and Todd had one of his clients, Gary Barber buy the horse.” 
    For previous trainer Shug McGaughey, Boisterous numbered seven graded stakes victories highlighted by last year's GI Man o' War S. It could be expected that Young purchased the accomplished dark bay with a stud career in mind. However, Boisterous doesn't have any mares on his schedule. 
    “He was bought as a racing prospect, with the knowledge of knowing that he is a full horse and a Grade I winner at the end of the day,” explained Young. “When he's done racing, he's going to have value, but we bought him to run.” 
    Boisterous, who was unplaced in the GIII Knickerbocker S. Oct. 12 is posting solid works down at Palm Meadows in Florida, most recently a four-furlong effort of :48.50, (7/40) on Jan. 13. 
    “I see him train most day at Palm Meadows,” added Young. “He breezed well this week and is fitter than it would appear on paper. I know Todd's got high expectations of him, but I don't know where they are going to run him. He is a straightforward horse without complications as far as training at this point. He's a class horse and he knows how to do it [win].” 
–Heather Likins