Anne Peters
P.O. Box 3926
Midway, KY 40347
(859) 846 - 9794
pedgoddess
@yahoo.com

The Kentucky Freshman Sire Class of 2025, those with their first 2-year-olds racing in 2025, is a bit smaller than the previous year's, represented by 19 stallions who entered stud in 2022 versus 26 stallions in 2021.

This year's freshman sires are led by dual champion Essential Quality, whose initial stud fee was a hefty $75,000, which matched the previous year's leader, Authentic. Essential Quality covered 162 mares his first season, a relatively conservative first-year book although typical for Darley stallions, versus the larger books served by Yaupon, who was the leader by number of first year mares bred with 242 and stands at WinStar Farm which welcomes larger books.

Charlatan was second by stud fee at $50,000, and also second by mares bred with 222 mares at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. Maxfield, another Darley stallion was third by stud fee at $40,000 and covered 163 mares. Two stallions came in at $30,000: Knicks Go at Taylor Made who bred 151 mares and the WinStar's Yaupon, with 242 mares. Silver State entered stud at Claiborne at $20,000 and covered 171 mares, which is rather high for Claiborne, another traditionally conservative farm as far as book size.

The most popular fee for this group of stallions was the $10,000 bracket, filled by 8 young studs: Code of Honor (92 mares), Independence Hall (202 mares), Known Agenda (166 mares), Lexitonian (90 mres), Modernist (142 mares), Raging Bull (FR) (121 mares), Rock Your World (219 mares) and Tacitus (188 mares).

I'll detail each of the stallions who entered stud at a fee of $6,000 or more in more detail. Just to clarify, my picks here aren't which horse I think will become the best stallion overall, but which stallions I think will come out on top in their first year with 2-year-olds racing. The main factor that I think is important in the freshman sire race is, not surprisingly, a stallion's early maturity in the guise of good juvenile form, and specifically good form earlier in the season (before say, October), and at shorter distances (shorter than a mile). My observation is that a horse can be a a late season router at 2 but that doesn't mean he'll sire a lot of precociousness himself.

A personal favorite, Essential Quality was the champion of his crop at 2 and 3, which is unusual for this day and age. A Godolphin homebred, he made 3 starts at 2, first in his debut by 4 lengths at Churchill in September going 6 furlongs, then the Breeders' Futurity-G1 (8.5f.) by 3 1/4 lengths, and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile-G1 (8.5f.). At 3 he won the Southwest Stakes-G3 (8.5f.) by 4 1/2 lengths and the Blue Grass Stakes-G1 (9f.) in a stretch battle with Highly Motivated to win by a neck. Favored in the Kentucky Derby-G1, he had a rough start and was forced wide most of the way but finished fourth within a length of the winner and was moved up to third on the DQ of Medina Spirit. Skipping the Preakness (won by Rombauer), in the Belmont Stakes-G1 (12f.) Essential Quality was in front after a mile and stayed there. He took the Jim Dandy Stakes-G2 (9f.) and in the Travers Stakes-G1 (10f.) he dueled with pacesetter Midnight Bourbon to win by a neck. In the Breeders' Cup Classic-G1, he closed to finish third behind Knicks Go and Medina Spirit. Essential Quality retired sound with 8 wins from 10 starts, from 6 to 12 furlongs and proved himself dead game in a stretch drive. He had the rare combination of both precociousness and stamina, which is not so unusual considering his pedigree, by Tapit, who has sired both juvenile champions and Belmont Stakes winners, out of a Grade 3-placed sprinting daughter of Elusive Quality who is also a half-sister to Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Folklore. Essential Quality stands 16.2 1/2 hands and is a rangy, handsome, correct horse. He bred 162 mares his first year, 132 in his second and 137 his third year. His first yearlings averaged $174,746, a little disappointing considering his fee and being third by yearling average behind Charlatan and Maxfied. As Champion at 2, even though he didn't start until September, I expect he'll have a lot of good juveniles in his first crop but they'll probably be even better with age and distance.

The brilliant Charlatan is by Champion Sprinter Speightstown out of Grade 2 winner Authenticity by Quiet American. This pedigree and his good looks resulted in a $700,000 yearling price tag. Unraced at 2, his first start was delayed until mid-February at 3, when he won a 6 furlong maiden at Santa Anita by 5 3/4 lengths in 1:08.85. A month later he won an allowance (8f) by 10 1/4 lengths. His next start was in the first division of the Arkansas Derby-G1 (9f.) (delayed until May 2 due to Covid 19), which he won from the gate by 6 lengths. He was initially disqualified for a lidocaine positive which was reversed a year later as possible contamination. Charlatan came back from a work in early June with an ankle injury and had surgery to remove some chips. He returned in late December to win the 7 furlong Malibu Stakes-G1 by 4 1/2 lengths. At 4 in February he was second to Mishriff in the Saudi Cup-G1 (9f.). His nagging ankle flared up after a workout in mid-May and he was retired. From just 5 starts, Charlatan had 4 wins from 6 to 9 furlongs. He appears to be the spittin' image of Speightstown, standing 16.0 hands and heavily muscled. Retiring with a fee of $50,000, he bred 222 mares in his first season, 223 in his second, and 128 in his third year. His first yearlings averaged an impressive $248,627, putting him at the top among freshman sires. With his penchant for speed, he should get a lot of quick juveniles although they may be more sprinter/miler types as they mature. Both he and his sire were late getting to the races despite their own brilliance, so they may need to be handled with patience to move forward.

Grade 1 winner Maxfield was always near the top of his class at 2, 3 and 4. The Godolphin hombred is the result of the prolific Street Sense/Bernardini cross and his dam Velvety is a three-quarters-sister to the top juvenile Sky Mesa. At 2 Maxfield won twice, a mile maiden at Churchill in September and the Breeders' Futurity (8.5f.) in October. An ankle chip put him on the shelf in November. His return at 3was in late May with a win in the Matt Winn Stakes-G3 (8.5f.) at Churchill (this was the Covid year, so the Derby was delayed until September). He came back from a work in early June with a condylar fracture in his right front and was laid up again. Back in action in December, he won the Tenacious Stakes (8.5f.) at Fair Grounds. At 4, he ran the full season, starting with a win in the Mineshaft Stakes-G3 (8.5f. FG) in February, was third in the Santa Anita Handicap-G1 in March, won the Alysheba Stakes-G2 (8.5f.) in April, won the Stephen Foster Stakes-G2 (9f) in June, was second in the Whitney Stakes-G1 in August and second in the Woodward Stakes-G1 in October. His final start was a win in the Clark Stakes-G1 (9f.) in November. Very much like his sire Street Sense in type, Maxfield stands 16.3 1/2 hands and shows a lot of both Street Sense and Bernardini, being a rangy, strongly made, muscular horse. He bred 163 mares his first season, 134 in his second and 141 his third year. Off an initial fee of $40,000, his first yearlings were well received with an average of $199,910, second only to Charlatan. A high-class juvenile with a pedigree full of high class juveniles, he should be able to make a good showing as a freshman sire in 2025 but his runners should be better over a route like he was.

Lethal front runner Knicks Go made all his victories wire to wire, leading him to Horse of the Year honors at 5. He was an $87,000 yearling, one of the highest for his sire Paynter that year, and his dam is the stakes winner Kosmo's Buddy by Outflanker. He won his debut at 2 in July at 5 furlongs at Ellis making all the calls and scoring by 3 1/2 lengths. He was third in the Arlington-Washington Futurity, and later won the Breeders' Futurity-G1 (8.5f.) by 5 1/2 lengths before finishing second to Game Winner in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile-G1. At 3, Knicks Go couldn't find the winner's circle in 8 starts, his best effort being second in the Ellis Park Derby in August by half a length to Gray Magician. At 4 an improved Knicks Go won an allowance (8.5f) at Oaklawn by 7 1/2 lengths but an ankle injury put him on the sidelines. He returned inl October, winning an allowance (8.5f.) at Keeneland by 10 1/4 lengths. This set him up for an easy win in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile-G1, setting a new track record at Keeneland in 1:33.85. Back at 5, Knicks Go was hard to beat. He won the Pegasus World Cup Invitational-G1 (9f.), was fourth in the Saudi Cup-G1, and fourth in the Metropolitan Handicap-G1. He won the Cornhusker Handicap-G3 (9f.) by 10 1/4, the Whitney Stakes-G1 (9f.) by 4 1/2, the Lukas Classic-G3 (9f.) by 4 and the Breeders' Cup Classic-G1 by 2 3/4, stretching to 10 furlongs, beating Medina Spirit and Essential Quality in 1:59.57. At 6, he was second in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational -G1 in January, losing a speed duel to another front runner, Life Is Good. He retired after 5 years of racing, 24 starts with 10 wins from 5 to 10 furlongs, all won as pacesetter. In his first year at stud he bred 151 mares at $30,000, 79 in his second and 84 in his third season. Unfortunately his first yearlings averaged a droopy $53,969. Knicks Go was precocious, winning at 5 furlongs in July, and one of the best 2-year-olds of his year, so it would be no surprise if he gets precocious juveniles like himself and he should have enough to make a good showing year-end.

Grade 1-winning sprinter Yaupon is a son of top class Uncle Mo and out of Grade 1-placed Modification by Vindication. He was a $350,000 yearling and RNA'd at $485,000 as a 2-year-old in March but sold finally for $255,000 at the OBS June sale. Too fast for his own good as the pin-firing on his legs will attest, his first start was delayed until June of his 3-year-old year when he won his debut going 6 furlongs at Churchill. In July he wired an allowance field at Saratoga at the same distance against older horse, then scored in the Amsterdam Stakes-G2, same distance, same track, same tactic in 1:08.50. He won the Chick Lang Stakes-G3 (6f.) at Pimlico, then had a rough trip in the Breeders' Cup Sprint-G1, finishing eighth as favorite. His debut at 4 was an eighth in the Dubai Golden Shaheen-G1 (6f.) at Meydan. Back in the U.S., he won the Lite the Fuse Stakes (6f.) at Pimlico, the stepped up to win the Forego Stakes-G1 (7f.) at Saratoga beating a furious Firenze Fire who bit him several times in the stretch. In late September, Yaupon returned from a morning gallop and was discovered to have fractured a sesamoid in his left hind. He retired with 6 wins from 8 starts from 6 to 7 furlongs, so although a limited sprinter, a very talented one. Yaupon is 16.2 hands and is very much in the mold of his sire Uncle Mo, leggy, handsome, good body, good hip, good legs. His first year attracted 242 mares, 2020 in his second and his third season drew 197. His first yearlings had a strong average of $165,349 off his $30,000 fee. While his sire and broodmare sire were both champion 2-year-olds, Yaupon wasn't ready to run at 2 and although he'll no doubt have 2-year-old winners, they'll need to be handled with care.

Classy Silver State is by Hard Spun out of Supreme by Empire Maker and he hails from the famed Golden Trail family. His powerful good looks made him a $450,000 yearling. At 2, he made his September debut a winning one at 6 1/2 furlongs at Churchill but in a dead heat with Relentless Dancer, 9 3/4 lengths in front of the third place horse. He was second by a nose next time out in November on a sloppy track. Proven a fighter, his 3-year-old year started with a second in the Lecomte Stakes-G3 by half a length, a third in the first division of the Risen Star Stakes-G2, then seventh in the Louisiana Derby-G2. He came out of that race with a minor issue and it was decided to let him grow into his frame. He returned in October as a monster, romping in an allowance (7f.) at Keeneland by 7 and another one (7f.) at Churchill. At 4, he won the Fifth Season Stakes (8f.), the Essex Handicap (8.5f.), the Oaklawn Handicap (9f.) and the Metropolitan Handicap-G1 (8f.). His 6-race streak ended when third to Knicks Go and Maxfield in the Whitney Stakes-G1. He was second in the Parx Dirt Mile Stakes to Mind Control then fifth in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile-G1 after stumbling at the start. He retired with 7 wins from 14 starts, winning from 6 1/2 to 9 furlongs, although 1 1/16 miles seemed his best distance. Silver State is a brawny 16.3 hands, looking a lot like his sire Hard Spun, with that strong musculature on a leggier frame than the usual Danzig type. He bred 171 mares his first year, which dropped to 68 in his second, then 28 mares in the third year, previewing a disappointing yearing crop that averaged $43,818 off his original $20,000 fee. Although a winner at 2, Silver State really needed more time to mature into his big frame, so I wouldn't expect him to be a freshman sire standout.

Hard luck Code of Honor was one of the best of his year. By Frankel (GB)'s full brother Noble Mission (GB), his dam was the Grade 3 winner Reuinted by Dixie Union. He was an RNA at $70,000 as a yearling, so Farish raced the homebred who only made 2 starts at 2. He wired a 6 furlong maiden in his debut at Saratoga, and was second in the Champagne Stakes-G1 to Complexity after a bad start but a fever kept him out of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. At 3 he was fourth in a roughly run Mucho Macho Man Stakes, then won the Fountain of Youth Stakes-G2 (8.5f.), only to come in third in the Florida Derby-G1 after a bumpy start. In the Kentucky Derby-G1 he was moved up to second behind Country House after Maximum Security was DQd. He won the Dwyer Stakes-G2 (8f.) by daylight despite his rider losing his whip, then won the Travers Stakes-G1 (10f.) by 3. He met older horses in the Jockey Club Gold Cup-G1 (10f.) when beaten a nose by Vino Rosso who was DQd for bumping. He ran poorly in the Breeders' Cup Classic-G1 won by Vino Rosso. At 4 Code of Honor won the Westchester Stakes-G3 (8.5f.) then ran third in the Metropolitan Handicap-G1 (8f.) behind Vekoma, then fourth in the Whitney Stakes-G1 before seconds in the Kelso Handicap-G2 and Clark Stakes-G1. At 5 he was fifth in Pegasus World Cup-G1 in January, and won the Philip H. Iselin Stakes-G3 (8.5f.) after a long layoff. He was fourth in the Woodward Stakes-G1, second in the Fayette Stakes-G2 and ended his career when fifth in the Cigar Mile-G1. He won 7 out of 20 races over 4 years. Code of Honor wasn't a big horse, only 16.0 hands but he was eye catching with 4 white legs and a blaze. He bred 92 mares his first season at a $10,000 fee resulting in 63 foals. He died that December, 2022, from colic so only has this singular crop. His yearlings averaged a weak $24,155. A good 2-year-old himself, the odds are against him as a long term success, but he's got this one good shot at sire fame.

From the first crop by Constitution, Independence Hall is out of Kalahari Cat (by Cape Town) the dam of 2 other stakes winners including Black Onyx-G3. He was a $100,000 yearling but a 2-year-old RNA at $200,000. In 2 starts at 2, he won his maiden at 7 furlongs at Parx in September by 4 3/4 lengths and in November won the Nashua Stakes-G3 (8f.) at Aqueduct by 12 1/4 lengths. He ran back on January 1 at 3 winning the Jerome Stakes-L (8f.) by 4 then met his first loss when second in the Sam F. Davis Stakes-G3 (8.5f.) at Tampa and fifth in the Florida Derby-G1. Given some time off for freshening, he won his return in an allowance (6.5f.) in November going at Del Mar, then was fifth in the Malibu Stakes-G1. At 4 he was third in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational-G1, fourth in the Santa Anita Handicap-G1, third in the Californian Stakes-G2, fifth in the Pacific Classic-G1 and second in the Lukas Classic Stakes-G3. He was back in the winner's circle after the Fayette Stakes-G2 (9f.) by 7 1/4 lengths at Keeneland. His final start was a seventh in the Cigar Mile-G1. A winner from 6.5 to 9 furlongs, Independence Hall showed moments of real brilliance early on. He's a big (16.2 hands) black horse showing a lot of the Seattle Slew blood of which he carries 3 strains (5x6x4). He's got a long neck, good shoulder and hindquarter, and good bone. Starting at a fee of $10,000 he was popular, getting 202 mares, 145 in his second year, dropping to 76 in his third. His 2024 yearlings averaged $54,340, which is good return on his stud fee. Having shown his best as a 2-year-old, I'd expect him to get some good juveniles and with those numbers, he could do well his freshman year.

Kentucky Derby favorite Known Agenda is by the mighty Curlin and out of Grade 1 winner Byrama (GB) by Byron (GB). He was a Saratoga yearling RNA at $135,000. In 3 starts at 2 he was second on debut in September, then won next out at 9 furlongs in November at Aqueduct, then third in the Remsen Stakes-G2 at the same distance in December. At 3 he was fifth in the Sam F. Davis Stakes-G3, then won an allowance (9f.) by 11 lengths at Gulfstream before an impressive win in the Florida Derby-G1 (9f.). Favored for the Kentucky Derby-G1, he finished ninth behind Medina Spirit, skipped the Preakness, then came in fourth to Essential Quality in the Belmont Stakes-G1 in his final start. He didn't post a work after the Belmont and his retirement was announced in August at Spendthrift at a fee of $10,000. He bred 166 mares his first year, 94 his second and 47 in his third season. His first yearlings averaged a light $21,974. Known Agenda is a good-looking Curlin type, the farm lists his height at 16.1 hands but he appears smaller and is more refined. He didn't break his maiden until November and all of his 3 wins were at 9 furlongs, which suggests that he's not going to sire a precocious speedy type, so he's not among my top choices in this category, but there may be some late season juveniles that do well as he did.

Gutsy sprinter Lexitonian is a Calumet homebred by Speightstown out of Riviera Romper, a daughter of Grade 1 winners Tapit and Swap Fliparoo. Precocious enough to win first time out at 2 going 5 furlongs at Belmont in June, he was sixth in the Sanford Stakes-G3 and fifth in an allowance at Keeneland in October. At 3 he was fifth in his season debut in May, and off that won the Chick Lang Stakes-G3 (6f.) at Pimlico by a head. He was 10th in the Woody Stephens Stakes-G1, then won the Concern Stakes (7f.) in July beating Royal Um and Mind Control. Third in the Bruce D Memorial Stakes at Arlington, he was seventh in the Franklin-Simpson Stakes-G3 (6.5f.) at Kentucky Downs in his first time on turf, then ran third in the Phoenix Stakes-G2 at Keeneland. At 4 Lexitonian was unplaced in April in the Count Fleet Stakes, then won an allowance (7f.) at Churchill. He was second in the Bing Crosby Stakes-G1 (6f.) at Del Mar by a nose to Collusion Illusion, but ended the season with unplaced efforts in the Forego Stakes-G1 and Phoenix Stakes-G2. At 5, Lexitonian was fourth in an allowance at Gulfstream in March, then lost the Churchill Downs Stakes-G1 (7f) by a head to Flagstaff. He was sixth in the Metropolitan Handicap-G1 at a mile but returned to sprinting, won the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes-G1 (6f.). His final 2 starts were off the board in the Forego Stkes-G1 and Breeders' Cup Sprint-G1. Lexitonian retired to stud at Lane's End Farm for $10,000 where he bred 90 mares his first year, dropping to 46 in his second, and was moved to Calumet for his third, getting 33 mares. He stands 16.1 hands and appears to be a typical blocky, powerful Speightstown but with a little more size. His first yearlings averaged $37,667, which is not bad for the fee. Although a winner from 5 to 7 furlongs, he was best at 6 furlongs. He was a winner in his debut in June as a juvenile, so has every right to get a good number of early 2-year-olds in 2025.

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Nine furlong specialist Modernist is by Uncle Mo and out of unraced Symbolic Gesture by Bernardini out of Broodmare of the Year Sweet Life. The pedigree is impeccable, and also noteworthy being inbred 4x3 to the Roberto scion Kris S.. He was late coming to the races in September, fifth in his debut and third next time out in December at a mile at Aqueduct. He broke his maiden (9f.) in January at Aqueduct, winning by 4, and graduated in the second division of the Risen Star Stakes-G2 (9f.) in February. He ran third in the Louisiana Derby-G2, then took some time off before running seventh in the Belmont Stakes-G1 (at 9 furlongs during this Covid year), fifth in the Peter Pan Stakes-G3 in July then was off for the rest of the year. Returning at 4, Modernist was second in the Challenger Stakes-G3 at Tampa, then won the Excelsior Stakes-G3 (9f.) at Aqueduct in April, then ran second in the Pimlico Special (9.5f.). He was sixth in Knicks Go's romp in the Cornhusker Handicap-G2 in his final start. Modernist retired to Darby Dan Farm for a $10,000 fee and bred 142 mares, then 89 in his second year and 49 in his third. His first crop of yearlings averaged a disappointing $16,263, suggesting they may be later maturing types like their sire. Modernist stands 16.1 hands and is that handsome Uncle Mo type with some robustness from Bernardini and Kris S.. It's unlikely he'll get a lot of precocious juveniles but when the distances stretch out, his pedigree should kick in.

Outstanding turf miler Raging Bull (FR) is by the Irish speed sire Dark Angel (IRE) and out of the French stakes-placed miler Rosa Bonheur by Mr. Greeley. He sold as a yearling in Ireland for 90,000 euros ($100,953) and came to the U.S. to race. He didn't start until he was 3, winning his debut at Keeneland (8f. turf) in April by 2 lengths, followed by an allowance (8f.T) at Belmont in June. In July he was second in the Manila Stakes (8f.T), then won the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes-G2T (8.5f.T) and the Saranac Stakes-G3T (9f.T). After a fifth in the Hill Prince Stakes-G2T, he won the Hollywood Derby-G1T (9f.T) at in December. At 4, he didn't manage a win but ran fourth in the Maker's Mark Mile-G1T and Old Forester Turf Classic-G1T, was third in the Manhattan Stakes-G1T, second in the Fourstardave Handicap-G1T, and third in the Woodbine Mile-G1T. At 5, Raging Bull won the Shoemaker Mile-G1T in his season debut, then was third in the Marker's Mark Mile-G1T, fifth in the Fourstardave-G1T and second in the Shadwell Turf Mile-G1T before running tenth in the Breeders' Cup Mile-G1T. At 6, he won the Marker's Mark Mile-G1T, was second in the Poker Stakes-G3T, sixth in the Fourstardave-G1T and third again in the Woodbine Mile-G1T. He ended the season and his career when fourth in the Breeders' Cup Mile-G1T. A Grade 1 winner on turf at 3, 5 and 6, Raging Bull's best distance was a mile. He retired to Gainesway at a fee of $10,000. Although his pedigree is mostly foreign, he's worth a look, standing 16.1 hands and really good looking. He bred 120 mares his first year and the resulting yearlings averaged a happy $48,293. He bred 59 in his second year and 39 in his third. Although unraced at 2, he's from a European line that produces a lot of precocious speed so he's got a shot, especially with juveniles on turf.

Versatile Rock Your World showed flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be a very interesting stallion prospect. He's by the proven sire of sires Candy Ride (ARG) and his dam Charm the Maker is a stakes winner/Grade 1 placed performer by Empire Maker from a strong family. He was a $650,000 yearling who didn't race at 2. He won first time out on New Year's Day as a 3-year-old in a 6 furlong turf run at Santa Anita. Next time out he won the Pasadena Stakes-L (8f.T) in February, then scored impressively in the Santa Anita Derby-G1 (9f.), his first time on dirt, beating Medina Spirit. He had a bad trip and finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby-G1, then ran a tiring sixth in the Belmont Stakes-G1. Given a rest, he returned with a respectable second in the Shared Belief Stakes-L (8f.) behind Medina Spirit. Put back on grass in his final start, he led early but finished 9th in the Twilight Derby-G2T (9f.T) in late October. He retired to Spendthrift Farm at a $10,000 fee. He bred a whopping 219 mares his first year, 118 in his second and 53 in his third. His first yearlings averaged $29,115. Rock Your World is inbred 4x4 to Fappiano and shows it, standing a lengthy 16.2 hands, a big horse more in the mold of his dam's sire Empire Maker than Candy Ride. Since he was unraced at 2, I wouldn't expect his forte to be precocious juveniles but with the right kind of speedy mare, you never know what might pop up late in the season, on dirt or turf.

Classy and consistent Tacitus is by Tapit out of Champion Close Hatches by First Defence. He's a full brother to 2 new Graded stakes winners in 2024 and his dam is a full sister to the dam of Champion Idiomatic, so his pedigree is a loaded gun. A later maturing colt, he was 4th in his juvenile debut in October then won in November going a mile at Aqueduct. In his first start at 3 he won the Tampa Bay Derby-G2 (8.5f.), then the Wood Memorial-G2 (9f.). He was third in the Kentucky Derby-G1 after Maximum Security was DQd, then skipped the Preakness. In the Belmont Stakes-G1 he was second behind Sir Winston after a bumpy trip, then was second in the Jim Dandy Stakes-G2 to Tax, second in the Travers Stakes-G1 to Code of Honor and third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup-G1 against older horses behind Honor Code and Vino Rosso. At 4 he was fourth in the Saudi Cup-G1 in February, fourth again in the Oaklawn Handicap-G2, then put in a stellar performance winning the Suburban Handicap-G2 (10f.) by 8 3/4 lengths. He was second in the Woodward Stakes-G1 to Global Campaign and third again in the Jockey Club Gold Cup-G1, then fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic won by Authentic. Returning at 5, Tacitus was seventh in the Saudi Cup-G1 in February then was off until reappearing in the Lukas Classic Stakes-G3 in October, but he finished fourth in his final start. He retired to Taylor Made at a fee of $10,000 and bred 188 mares his first season, 112 the next year and 82 mares his third year. His first yearlings averaged a very strong $63,087, among the top 5 sires with their first crop. A big, rangy, lengthy grey who stands 16.2 hands, he strongly resembles his ancestor Unbridled's Song. Since he was a late developing juvenile whose shortest win was a mile, he's doesn't fit my profile for a top sire of 2-year-olds but he's got the stamina and quality of pedigree that suggests he could be something special if the market is patient enough.

Hopeful Stakes-G1 winner Basin was the first winner for Liam's Map and out of Appenzell by Johannesburg, so a half-brother to G3 winner Rise Up. A $150,000 yearling, he made 3 starts at 2, running second by a nose in his debut in June at Churchill, then winning next time out in July at Saratoga going 9 furlongs. Next time out, he romped in the Hopeful Stakes-G1 (7f.) at Saratoga, winning by 6 1/2 lengths on a sloppy track then was off for the rest of the year. He returned at 3 at Oaklawn, running second in the Rebel Stakes-G2 in March, losing to Nadal on a sloppy track. His next start was a fourth the Oaklawn Stakes in April, then ran second in the first division of the Arkansas Derby-G1 (9f.) losing to Charlatan. The winner was then DQd for a lidocaine positive which moved Basin up for the victory but he was demoted back to second after the drug positive was overturned. Basin was 10th in the Blue Grass Stakes-G1 run in July, then ran second in the Amsterdam Stakes-G2 (6f.) to Yaupon at the end of August and was off for the rest of the year. Basin's 4-year-old debut was a win in the Sir Shackleton Stakes (7f.) in March at Gulfstream. He was unplaced in his final 3 starts when 8th in the Churchill Downs Stakes-G1 in May, 7th in the Salvator Mile Stakes-G3 in June and 6th in an AOC in July at Belmont. Basin was then retired with 3 wins from 12 starts, winning at 6 and 7 furlongs. He entered stud at Spendthrift for $7,500 and bred 93 mares his first year, then 65 and 40 mares in his second and third years. His first yearlings averaged a moderate $23,008. Basin stands 16.0 hands and is an attractive horse, lengthy and muscular. Being as good a juvenile as he was with a Grade 1 win at Saratoga, he should get a good number of juvenile winners this year and he has the numbers to do well, even if the market needs to be convinced.

Tough and consistent By My Standards is from the first crop of Goldencents and is out of stakes winner and multiple stakes producer A Jealous Woman by Muqtarib. He sold for $150,000 as a 2-year-old but was a slow developer, running second in maiden races in November and December. At 3, he was third in January then finally broke through winning in February at Fair Grounds at 8.5 furlongsby 4 lengths after being bumped. In March he won the Louisiana Derby-G2 (9f.) but got a very rough trip in a roughly run Kentucky Derby-G1, finishing 11th, and was off for the rest of the year due to a quarter crack. His comback at 4 was a 3-race win streak starting in an AOC (8.5f.) in February at Fair Grounds, then the New Orleans Classic Stakes-G2 (9f.), and the Oaklawn Handicap-G2 (9f.). In June he was second in the Stephen Foster Stakes-G2 to Tom's d'Etat, second in the Whitney Stakes-G1 to Improbable, then won the Alysheba Stakes-G2 (8.5f.) in September. He ended the season 8th in the Breeders' Cup Classic-G1 and 7th in the Clark Stakes-G1 in late November. At 5, By My Standards started with a win in the Oaklawn Mile in April, was second in the Metropolitan Handicap-G1 (8f) in June to Silver State, and fifth in the Whitney Stakes-G1 in August with a bad break and losing a shoe. His retirement was announced in November due to another quarter crack. Over 4 years he had 7 wins, 5 seconds and a third from 17 starts, earning $2,279,230. By My Standards entered stud at Spendthrift Farm at $7,500 and bred 106 mares, 105 his second year then a drop off to 57 in his third. His first yearlings averaged only $19,422. By My Standards is a leggy 16.1 1/2 hands and was known as a slow developing horse so is not expected to get a lot of precocious 2-year-olds but his offspring should move up as they mature, just as he did.

Ohio Derby-G2 winner Core Beliefs is by Quality Road out of the winner Tejati by Tactical Advantage and was a $45,000 yearling pinhooked into a $350,000 2-year-old. He was unraced at 2 and was third in his debut in January at 3 at Santa Anita and third again in February before winning in March going 8.5 furlongs at Santa Anita. He ran third in the Santa Anita Derby-G1 behind Justify and Bolt d'Oro, then was second in the Peter Pan Stakes-G3 in May, losing by a head to Blended Citizen. He won the Ohio Derby-G3 (9f.) in June, was 4th in the Haskell Invitational-G1 and fifth in the Pennsylvania Derby-G1 in September, then was done for the year. At 4, Core Beliefs opened with a win in the New Orleans Handicap-G2 (9f.) in March. The rest of his year wasn't so bright, 6th in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita-G1 in May, 4th in the San Diego Handicap-G2 in July and fifth in the Fayette Stakes-G2 in October. He returned at 5 with a third in an AOC at Churchill in June, 7th in the Monmouth Cup-G3 in July and fifth in the Champions Day Overnight Stakes in September at Churchill. He was back at 6 with a third in another AOC in June at Churchill, fourth in the Alydar Stakes and second in an AOC in September. He retired with 18 starts over 4 years, winning 3 races, once at 8.5 and twice at 9 furlongs. He entered stud at Walmac Farm at $7,500 late in the season, but still managed to cover 36 mares, 42 in his second year and 24 in his third. His first yearlings averaged a healthy $34,063 for the stud fee. Core Beliefs stands 16.2 hands and is a good-looking horse. He was unraced at 2 so I don't expect him to have a lot of first crop juvenile winners, especially since he has the disadvantage of having a small first crop. He'll have to have a couple of good ones this year to hold interest, but they should improve at 3.

Durable True Timber raced 5 seasons, made 29 starts and won 5 races, earning $1,215,150. By Mineshaft out of Queens Wood by Tiznow, he sold for $170,000 as a weanling. He was a winner in his second start at 2 in a maiden at Aqueduct in December. At 3 he didn't win but was third in the Jerome Stakes-G2, second in the Withers Stakes-G3 and third in the Sir Barton Stakes. At 4, he won 3 allowance races at 6 and 7 furlongs in New York. He also placed second in the Bold Ruler Handicap-G3 ad Cigar Mile-G1. A 6, he won the Cigar Mile-G1 and placed in the Forego Stakes-G1 and Lafayette Stakes. Primarily a sprinter/miler, True Timber stands 16.2 hands. He retired to stud at Calumet Farm for $7,500 but only bred 2 mares and 1 yearling that resulted sold for $9,000. Although a winner at 2, his first crop is just too small to expect any position among the leading freshman sires.

Brilliantly fast Beau Liam is by Liam's Map out of the Grade 2 winning juvenile filly Belle of Perrintown by champion 2-year-old Dehere. A Stonestreet homebred, Beau Liam was a $385,000 RNA as a yearling. He was unraced at 2 but came out flying at 3 in May, winning a 6 furlong maiden at Churchill by 7 1/2 lengths in 1:08 3/5. Next time out he battled to win a 7 furlong allowance at Saratoga by a nose in July. In late August, he sizzled in another allowance going 6 1/2 furlongs to win by 6 lengths in 1:15. In October, he was pitched against older horses in the Ack Ack Stakes-G3 (8f.) at Churchill to bow to Plainsman by a length. This was his last start due to an injury that kept him out of the Cigar Mile. Beau Liam retired to Airdrie Stud at $6,000 and covered 162 mares his first year, dropping to 52 and 38 in his next 2 seasons. This will probably change since his first yearlings averaged a solid $49,995. He stands 16.1 1/2 hands and appears to be a handsome hunk. Although he didn't race until late May of his 3-year-old year, he has the blasting speed and pedigree to suggest he'll get juvenile winners. His dam and dam's sire were both top class 2-year-olds.

Now that we've seen the facts, it's time to get down to my predictions. This year is very easy for me since I see no reason to back off my fandom for Essential Quality, who was the champion of his crop at 2 and at 3, danced every dance and did his job like the high class, professional he is. His pedigree is of the highest class. If he fails, that's just one of those breeding mysteries, but I don't think he will.

The hard part is going to pick who else might give him a run for the money as Leading Freshman Sire. My next choice is going to be Charlatan. Even though he was unraced at 2, he broke his maiden at 3 in February at 6 furlongs. Something tells me that like his sire Speightstown, his progeny will probably not show up early and get better with age but he's getting every chance and has tons of commercial support so I can't ignore him.

Maxfield, Knicks Go and Lexitonian all showed good form relatively early in their juvenile season so their progeny should have enough precociousness to do well. My wildcard choice is going to be Beau Liam, based on his strong yearling sales off a low starting fee.

Copyright by Anne Peters 2025