Multiple graded stakes winner Arzak (Not This Time–Delightful Melody, by Tapit) has been purchased by Amsterdam Two Farm in Middleburgh, New York, where he will retire to stud for a fee of $6,000, with special consideration to approved mares.
A $575,000 OBS Spring 2-year-old in 2020, Arzak won the 2023 GII Woodford Stakes and 2024 GII Shakertown Stakes on the grass at Keeneland and he was also runner-up behind Cogburn (Not This Time) in the 2024 GI Jaipur Stakes. He won the 2022 GIII Jacques Cartier Stakes and Thorncliffe Stakes–where he set a new track record of 1:02.62 for 5 1/2 furlongs–on the Tapeta at Woodbine, and the 2021 Tom Ridge Stakes at Presque Isle Downs.
On the board in 16 of 36 starts, Arzak won eight times and earned $1,081,294 while racing in the colors of Marc Tacher's Sonata Stable for trainer Michael Trombetta.
“This horse was so sound and so willing–I never had a moment's problem with him,” Trombetta said. “Arzak was as clean-legged on retirement as the day he came to the barn. And I think, based on his sire's accomplishments and Arzak's own win going a mile at Tampa Bay in his third career start, his offspring will be well-suited to most distances offered at the new Belmont Park.”
Ken Williams, manager of Amsterdam Two, added, “Physically, Arzak is an absolute rocket ship. He's 16.2 hands, with tremendous bone, a powerful build and an absolutely monster walk–and he's got arguably the three most important qualities sought by New York breeders: speed, soundness and precocity. We knew we needed a special horse to launch Amsterdam Two's stallion operation, and Arzak fits that description to a tee.”
Bloodstock agent Michael Slezak brokered the deal to bring Arzak to New York and will stay involved to help Amsterdam Two sell shares and seasons.
Amsterdam Two has built a state-of-the-art stallion barn and will be offering an open house after Thanksgiving.
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