Alcibiades

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is the GI Kentucky Oaks, second only in stature at Churchill Downs to the GI Kentucky Derby. The Derby isn't alone as the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the U.S. The Oaks is right there with it, having been held every year, without interruption for wars or pandemics, since racing first began at Churchill in 1875 when the Louisville oval was known as the...

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Keeneland's GI Darley Alcibiades S., a race with a number of notable producers to its credit. Keeneland's first president, Hal Price Headley, held that position until 1951. The next year, the Alcibiades S. was inaugurated in honor of his exceptional homebred two-time champion. The Kentucky Oaks winner was an even better broodmare than racehorse. Among her best foals were champion and influential sire Menow, while...

A trio of 'TDN Rising Stars,' including unbeaten Thoughtfully (Tapit), will square off in Friday's GI Darley Alcibiades S. at Keeneland, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. The rail-drawn Thoughtfully, tabbed as a 'Rising Star' out of a blowout debut win for Steve Asmussen at Churchill Downs June 11, made good on the promise with a sparkling performance in Saratoga's GII Adirondack S. Aug. 12. The $950,000 FTSAUG graduate tries two turns for the first time here. Drawn one to her outside is fellow...

For an instructive snapshot of what's wrong with this business, just take a look at the plunge in the going rate for yearlings by almost all sires represented by their second crop. Not even the most precocious, remember, have yet launched half their named foals onto the track; while most of those whose stock will only flourish with maturity, and two turns, have barely dipped a toe in the water. Yet only a handful, having achieved an early impact from a low base, have actually advanced their averages. For the...