Tag: Gunite

Conagher was a $9,000 purchase back in 2020. He is now a three-time winner after capturing his second consecutive allowance victory in near-record fashion Friday. (Image: Coady Photography)

Here’s Another 3-Year-Old to Watch: Sprinter Conagher

- 2 min read

In April, Conagher announced his presence with a 6 ¾-length blitzkrieg of a Keeneland allowance field. And just to remind everyone this is a 3-year-old to watch, Conagher nearly broke the Churchill Downs seven-furlong track record Friday. En route to his second allowance victory in as many starts, Conagher covered […]

Gun Runner's stud fee went from $50,000 in 2021 to $125,000 in 2022. He set the record for first-crop progeny earnings last weekend. (Image: Sarah Andrew)

Former Horse of the Year Gun Runner Sets First-Crop Sire Earnings Mark

- 2 min read

Gun Runner continued his climb up the stallion rankings this weekend, setting the record for all-time progeny earnings for a first-crop sire. The Three Chimneys’ stallion climbed over the $3.8 million mark when Shotgun Hottie captured a $92,000 maiden special weight race at Churchill Downs on Sunday. That sent Gun […]

It now costs 2 1/2 times more to breed a mare or filly to 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner. He is off to a promising stallion career, based on five graded stakes wins among his juvenile progeny. (Image: Three Chimney Farm)

Stallion Fee Roundup: Curlin Unchanged, Gun Runner More than Doubles

- 2 min read

Stud fees for two-time Horse of the Year Curlin remain unchanged at $175,000 as Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Xalapa, Kentucky, released its 2022 stallion roster and fees on Wednesday. Hill ‘n’ Dale was one of several breeding farms unveiling its roster and breeding fees. Among other farms announcing their […]

Gunite showed off his versatility winning the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga last month. He comes with 4/1 morning-line value for Saturday's Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. (Image: Sarah Andrew)

Champagne Stakes Bubbles With Four Legitimate Juvenile Contenders

- 4 min read

The Grade 1 Champagne Stakes predates the Kentucky Derby by eight years. In fact, the one mile juvenile test that sets the early bar for Derby prospects appeared only two years after the Civil War ended. Derby preps have to get their momentum somewhere, which is where the Champagne pours forth. Saturday’s test […]

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. salutes Wit after piloting the 2-year-old to an eight-length Sanford Stakes victory in July. Wit is the 7/5 favorite to win the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes on Saratoga's Monday closing card. (Image: Janet Garaguso/Coglianese Photos)

Remain Hopeful About Juvenile Derby Candidates in the Hopeful Stakes

- 3 min read

By several hours, the Hopeful Stakes get the honor of being the first Grade 1 of the year for 2-year-old males. That means it gives horseplayers the first glimpse of possible 2022 Kentucky Derby contenders. In this edition of the 117-year-old, seven-furlong sprint on Saratoga’s closing day, you get 11 […]