|
When the discussion
turns to pedigrees in modern racing, one thought comes to mind--speed.
The influence of such stallions as Mr. Prospector, Danzig, and
Raise a Native in the latter half of the century only emphasized
the point that the Thoroughbred breed is quickly declining in
stamina, while the speed is being introduced into breeding programs
internationally. However, some stallions still remain who are
an influence for stamina in the breeding program. A.P. Indy is
one of these sires. His son, Friends Lake, is a major Derby contender
this year, and can tackle the 1 1/4 mile distance with ease.
A.P. Indy
is a major stamina influence in today's breeding programs. He
has sired such notable stamina standouts as Horse of the Year
Mineshaft, a grade I winner in such historic handicaps as the
Woodward Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup (a 1 1/4 mile distance),
and Stephen Got Even, a grade I winner of the Donn Handicap.
His race record further emphasizes the point that he is a stamina
standout. A.P. Indy was a classic winner of the 1 1/2 mile Belmont
Stakes and a Horse of the Year. His pedigree further highlights
his stamina, as he is a son of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew.
His dam is Weekend Surprise, a blue hen mare who was also the
dam of Summer Squall, a Preakness winner and the sire of Horse
of the Year Charismatic, and the winning stallion Honor Grades,
a useful sire of multiple grade I victress Adoration. Weekend
Surprise's sire was Secretariat, the illustrious Triple Crown
winner and Horse of the Year, and her dam was Lassie Dear, a
grade III-winning daughter of great broodmare sire Buckpasser
(and Horse of the Year), and dam of European champion sprinter
Wolfhound.
Lassie Dear
was also the dam of stakes placed filly Lassie's Lady, in turn
the dam of Sanford Stakes (gr. II) winner Bite the Bullet and
English stakes winner and sire Shuailaan. The next dam, Gay
Missile, captured the Ashland Stakes, and was by Sir Gaylord,
a half-brother to Secretariat, making A.P. Indy inbred 3x5 to
the great matron Somethingroyal. She was the second dam of Cheveley
Park Stakes (Eng-I) victress Gay Gallanta, in turn dam of group
II winner Byron and Gallinule Stakes (Ire-II) victor Sportsworld.
The dam
of Gay Missile was the great broodmare Missy Baba. She was a
daughter of the good European classic sire My Babu, out of the
hardy Umidwar mare Uvira II. Umidwar was a champion stakes-winning
son of the great classic influence Blandford and the excellent
French filly Uganda. Missy Baba was the dam of stakes winner
Chokri, Dade Metropolitan Handicap winner Master Bold, stakes
winner and leading sire Raja Baba, grade I winner Sauce Boat
(broodmare sire of 1994 dual classic winner Tabasco Cat), and
stakes placed Sooni, dam of Canadian grade II winner Black Cash
and course record setter My Marchesa.
Many of
Missy Baba's best foals were by Bold Ruler, and her family crosses
very well with the descendants of that champion sire. A.P. Indy
also traces to Bold Ruler in tail-male, so he is another product
of the Missy Baba-Bold Ruler cross. Missy Baba's dam, Uvira
II, won the 1941 Irish Oaks, and was the dam of numerous other
stakes winners, including the good Argentine sire Francis U.
Uvira's dam was Lady Lawless, by champion and classic sire Son-in-Law.
This line traces back to the broodmare Mayonnaise, winner of
the 1,000 Guineas, and her dam, Picnic, also won that classic
race. This family also includes Barbelle, dam of the Derby and
St. Leger winner The Flying Dutchman (sire of Epsom Derby winner
Ellington), and Van Tromp, winner of the Ascot Gold Cup and
the St. Leger.
The female
family of Friends Lake is also known for hardiness and stamina.
His dam, Antespend, was a multiple grade I winner on dirt and
turf, and a daughter of Derby winner Spend a Buck. His second
dam, Auspiciante, was also a grade I winner on the turf. Auspiciante's
dam, Auxey, was by Right of Way, a descendant of English classic
winner Fairway. Auxey was a stakes winner in Argentina. Auxey's
dam, Gevrey, was the dam of numerous South American stakes winners.
Gevrey's dam, Fond de Cave, was also the ancestress of group
winner Braseante.
The dam
of Fond de Cave, Iquem, was a very good broodmare, being the
dam of the great filly La Mission, the only filly winner of
Argentina's Quadruple Crown. This family is a fine Argentine
family, tracing back to Bruce Lowe Family No. 12. Other members
of this family include the great sire Eclipse, Epsom Derby winner
Roberto, classic winner Bramalea, Glorious Song, Challedon,
and Commando. Because of the classic-oriented pedigree of Friends
Lake, he is extremely well-suited for the Kentucky Derby, the
greatest American race.
back to top
|
