Anchor Down (Tapit), a multiple graded stakes-winning miler, has been retired and will enter stud at Gainesway. The gray is being syndicated and will stand for $10,000 in 2017. He is available for inspection at the farm from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. daily.
Out of a graded stakes-winning 2-year-old, Anchor Down is a half-brother to Grade I-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Sweet Lulu (Mr. Greeley) and a full brother to multiple graded stakes-placed Iron Fist.
Campaigned by Alto Racing and trained by Todd Pletcher, Anchor Down won his first two career starts as an early 3-year-old and had been targeting the GI Wood Memorial before being sidelined. In 2016, Anchor Down led from gate to wire and romped by 6 3/4 lengths in the GIII Westchester S. and was runner-up to Frosted in the Grade I Met Mile. He proceeded to wire the field in the GII Kelso H.
Oct. 8 at Belmont, earning a career-high 108 Beyer, before finishing fifth in the GI Cigar Mile H. Nov. 26 at Aqueduct to close out his racing career.
“He was very impressive in his first two starts and was on the course for a Kentucky Derby prep,” Pletcher said. “Ultimately his forte was as a brilliant miler. He had the ability to set a high cruising speed, which historically bodes well for him as a stallion prospect. I believe Anchor Down is one of only four horses ever to run a sub-1:33 mile at Belmont, so that's rarefied air.”
Anchor Down, who was bred by Gainesway, returns to his birthplace to take up stud duties. Gainesway president Antony Beck said, “Anchor Down's unique combination of pedigree, physical, and raw miler speed gives him the potential to make a very successful sire.”
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