November 13, 2010

A Yankee in the Commonwealth

It’s hard not to like the undefeated horse, and I’m here to tell you there is a new and exciting one in town. Well, sort of. Yankee Fourtune’s lifetime record actually shows 5 wins in 6 starts, but since the son of Yankee Gentleman set foot on the lawn in his second start, he has been untouchable. With an outside post in a deep field of 13, and other speed to run with early, today’s feature at Churchill Downs presented new tests for the burgeoning turf star. The test was passed with flying colors.

Under regular rider Victor Santiago, Yankee Fourtune showed a new and desirable facet to his repertoire, by relaxing in third in the early stages of the 1 1/16 miles race. When asked, he quickly collared leader Stormy Lord on the far turn, like a very talented horse, and went on to score a deceptively easy one-length victory over late running Guys Reward. Santiago now calls him the nicest horse he has ever ridden.  The win in the seventh running of the $121,900 Commonwealth Turf was Yankee Fourtune’s second in stakes company. The grade 3 victory matched the grey gelding’s score last month in the Hawthorne Derby.

Out of the Mi Cielo mare, Madam Ann, Yankee Fourtune was bred in Kentucky by former governor Brereton C. Jones, and is owned by Harvey A. Clarke and Andrew Albstein. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, he has yet to face a major challenge in his five grass wins. His streak has seen him win at Belmont, Saratoga, Hawthorne, and Churchill Downs, and each time in impressive fashion. This should be his final start of the season, as he is will be shipped south to Florida tomorrow. Yankee Fourtune will be pointed for turf stakes this Winter at Gulfstream Park. Today's win answered some questions, but to see how far this new turf star goes, we will need to wait until 2011.  Judging from his five starts in 2010, his future is bright. Bright green that is.

8 comments:

Amateurcapper said...

BZ,

I'm of the opinion this dude won't go farther than 9 furlongs in graded stake company. He's a nice gelding who should be around for a long time.

A rarity in the genes, he's a complete outcross through the fifth generation. He will be a very compelling story going forward.

I think that he'll handle dirt as he gets older. By Yankee Gentleman, out of Madam Ann (by Mi Cielo), the gray has the DNA and running style to do better on dirt.

Brian Zipse said...

Rob, the good ones can outrun holes in the pedigree, and with his record on turf, I would not put him on dirt anytime soon. His breeding is interesting, as you mentioned, but I feel it has almost equal turf and dirt influences.

Silent Sunday said...

Much respect for this horse after yesterday...as I discussed in my cnversation with myself...lol, he proved me wrong on every reason I gave why he would get beat. Glad I could donate my part to the sport on this day thanks to him! lmao

Brian Zipse said...

LOL, it's OK Tim ... all of us are wrong more often than we are right in this game. It is the nature of the beast. As for the winner, are you ready to say this horse may have a big future on the lawn?

Unknown said...

Guess it goes without saying, he & Awesome Feather will be 2 I'll be watching this winter! Hope they both make the long road to the Derby! :)
BTW, Awesome Feather was sold @ auction! Can you believe it?? Why would they do that?? If either one of these kids were mine, they couldnt pry the shank from my cold dead fingers!

Anonymous said...

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Silent Sunday said...

Yes I am!

Brian Zipse said...

Maybe he will get you up here for the Million next August, Tim. ;-)