Fantasy Stakes Results Posted for Round 1
Congratulations to Bsamw85 the winner of Round 1. 7 contestants correctly chose the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers. Bsamw85 selected Big Brown winning by 4 lengths as the tiebreak - amazingly close! Round 2 will open once odds are posted for the Preakness.
Reports are Excellent on Suave's First Foals!
Suave's first crop are hitting the ground and turning heads. Breeders continue to rave about their size, conformation and intelligence. Click here to for photos and comments
Aldebaran - The Brightest Star
April 9, 2008
The second crop of Aldebaran 2 yr olds are of to a big start. Last night the Aldebaran colt out of Propriety, a full brother to Grace Anatomy, was purchased by B. Wayne Hughes for $675,000. The previous day he breezed 2 furlongs in :20 2/5 - the co-fastest time at the distance.
From the Bloodhorse: “He had a fantastic workout ,obviously,” Semkin said (Hughes' racing manager). “He was extraordinarily fast and very, very strong in the way he did it. He moved himself over the ground very impressively. The family helps with the full sister being as talented as she is. He was the only other horse we had on our list; we had the Cozzene (colt) and him.”
Hall-of-Fame trainer Richard Mandella, a member of Hughes’ buying team, said the Aldebaran colt was “an awesome specimen with great action and a big workout. It wasn’t just how fast he did it; it was the way he did it.”
Darby Dan would like to thank Mr. Hughes for his support and wishes him the best of luck with this talented colt!
Sun King Booked Full for 2008
April 1, 2008
Darby Dan and owner Tracy Farmer would like to thank all of the breeders who helped to make Sun King's first year a great success! He is booked full for 2008 and we look forward to his first crop of foals next spring.
Aldebaran 3 yr olds heating up!
March 25, 2008
Arcadia's Angle became Aldebaran's 4th stakes horse yesterday in a breathtaking photo finish in the Prix Omnium II, a listed stakes race at St. Cloud. The 3 yr old colt closed with a quick turn of foot getting up for second, only a nose behind the winner. See the photo finish here. Owned by the Niarchos family, who bred and raced Aldebaran, the colt improves his record to 4-2-1-1.
ALDEBARAN LEADS THE 2008 SECOND CROP SIRE LIST
Danon Go Go became the first stakes winner for Champion Aldebaran and launched him into the lead for the 2008 second crop sires. Danon Go Go closed in a rush to win the 6f Falcon Stakes on March 15th. He is next pointed to the NHK Mile Cup on May 11. The colt, who was a $400,000 2 yr old purchase, now has a lifetime record of 6-3-1-2 and earnings of $632,431.
GI Goldmine Stallion Match Added to Stallions
March 19, 2008
Darby Dan Farm is now offering the GI Goldmine Stallion match as a tool for breeders. Previously, this has only been available to subscribers of the Goldmine software. To access this new feature, select the GI icon from the Hypomating section of the stallion pages. Enter your mare's name (and pedigree if needed). The Stallion Match feature will show graded stakes winners from around the world with a similar mating pattern. GI Goldmine Stallion Match is available for Aldebaran, Perfect Soul, Suave and Sun King.
First Mare Confirmed In-foal to Sun King
February 25, 2008
Aunt Mottz, dam of GII placed Ten Cents a Shine, has been confirmed as the first mare in-foal to multi-millionaire Sun King. Although his first book is quickly filling, a few spots remain in his 2008 book.
A $400,000 Keeneland January yearling, Sun King competed at the highest levels throughout his four years of racing for owner Tracy Farmer and trainer Nick Zito. In just his third and fourth starts, he placed in the GI Champagne Stakes and GI Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Sun King placed in six additional GI stakes, including the 2007 Woodward Stakes to Lawyer Ron at
Sun King captured the GII Commonwealth Breeders' Cup Stakes at Keeneland and the GII Pennsylvania Derby, showing versatility by winning at distances from 7 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles. He won or placed in 17 of 27 races and earned $2,197,018.
January 16, 2008
Suave set the track record at
SUN KING TO DARBY DAN
Sun King, a millionaire and multiple GII winner, will enter stud at Darby Dan Farm in 2008 for a fee of $10,000.
“Darby Dan is honored that Tracy Farmer selected Darby Dan to stand Sun King,” commented co-managing partner John Phillips. “In an effort to insure the best possible mare book for Sun King, Mr. Farmer has decided to offer a free breeding to Sun King to graded stakes winning or graded stakes producing mares. Breeders are encouraged to contact Darby Dan regarding other unique and exciting incentives.”
A $400,000 Keeneland January yearling, Sun King competed at the highest levels throughout his four years of racing for owner Tracy Farmer and trainer Nick Zito. In just his third and fourth starts, he placed in the GI Champagne Stakes and GI Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Sun King placed in six additional GI stakes, including the 2007 Woodward Stakes to Lawyer Ron at
Sun King captured the GII Commonwealth Breeders' Cup Stakes at Keeneland and the GII Pennsylvania Derby, showing versatility by winning at distances from 7 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles. He won or placed in 17 of 27 races and earned $2,197,018. Sun King will not be syndicated and will remain the property of Tracy Farmer.
Breeders' Cup Challenge Results Posted!
DARBY DAN TRIVIA
Which Darby Dan stallion has a horse in the Breeders' Cup? Answer
Who bought the $400,000 yearling by Saarland this summer at Saratoga? Answer
GRACE ANATOMY - BREEDERS' CUP BOUND!
Grace Anatomy - a 2 yr old filly from the first crop of Champion Aldebaran will run in the Juvenile filly division of the Breeders' Cup according to trainer Doug O'Neil. The first foal out of the winning Storm Cat mare Propriety, Grace Anatomy ran third in the GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland in just her third start. Bred by Phillips Racing Partnership and raised at Darby Dan Farm, she was a $150,000 July yearling purchase. She has earned $97,160 for her owners Suarez Racing, Inc. Pablo Suarez, Paul LoDuca and J. Paul Reddam.
NIARCHOS FAMILY FINDS SUCCESS IN FRANCE!
October 15, 2007
The Niarchos Family, who bred, raised and raced Aldebaran, found success with his son Arcadia's Angle at Compiegne today. A 2 yr old colt from the first crop of Champion Aldebaran won at second asking, drawing away from the full field to finish the mile 2 1/2 lengths ahead of his competition. Pascal Bary trains the juvenile colt for the Niarchos Family.
IRISH SUCCESS FOR CHAMPION ALDEBARAN!
October 2, 2007
Provincial (GB) became Aldebaran's first European winner when he bested a full field at Roscommon October 1st in his first outing. Provincial (GB) ran in the silks of his owner and breeder Juddmonte Farms and is trained by Dermott Weld. "It was a display full of promise" - stated the charts after the race. The colt is out of the Group III placed mare Rustic.
SAARLAND YEARLINGS POPULAR AT KEENELAND
September 25, 2007
Many analysts predicted a downturn at the year's Keeneland sale. However, strong sale results fron first crop sires - including Saarland - helped to prove them wrong. For Saarland, the highlight of the sale came on the first Sunday when Zayat Stables purchased a colt out of the winning GIII placed mare Majestic Sunlight for $210,000. Overall, the Saarland yearlings were well received - exhibiting size, scope, good bone and an athletic walk.
BUYERS "BULLISH' ON ALDEBARAN!
September 21, 2007
The Keeneland September sale proved to be strong for the second crop of yearlings by Champion Aldebaran. Led by a daughter of Belva (dam of English Channel) who was hammered down at $350,000 to Ecurie Des Monceaux, Aldebaran posted strong sale results. A strapping colt out of the Saint Ballado mare Commanche Star was the highest priced colt of the summer at $320,000 and was purchased by the Siegel's Jay Em Ess Stable. Darby Dan wishes everyone who purchased a yearling the best of luck with their new acquisitions!
PERFECT SOUL DAY ONE STANDOUT!
September 10, 2007
A 1/2 brother to GII winner Tale of Ekati by Perfect Soul brought $775,000 at the first session of the Keeneland September sale. The strapping colt was consigned by Denali Stud and was purchased by agent Steven Silver. Tale of Ekati has garnered much attention lately for his owner and breeder Charles Fipke - also the owner of Perfect Soul and breeder of the $775,000 colt. Current plans pont him towards the Breeder's Cup in early November. With his dam back in foal on an early cover to Perfect Soul, Silence Beauty (JPN), is one of many outstanding mares already comitted to Perfect Soul's 2008 book.
FIRST STAKES HORSE FOR ALDEBARAN!
August 30, 2007
Champagne Miss made her debut yesterday in stakes company at Del Mar and finished a hard charging second. The filly, a California bred, topped the Barrett's June two year old sale and set a new record price for a 2 yr old sold at that sale. The filly out of SW and MGSP Almost Skint (Ire) was a $120,000 purchase for trainer Dan Hendricks acting as agent for Frank Scardino. Watch for her to run on in stakes company in the coming months!
SAARLAND - EVERY BIT HIS FATHER'S SON
August 8, 2007
Following in his sire's hoofprints, Saarland is producing outstanding yearlings. Showing size, balance, and scope, they are being very well received by the buyers. Most recently Team Valor, known for purchasing horses that are outstanding physical specimens, went to $400,000 to ensure that the filly out of La Sourbonne (ARG) would be theirs. Also from the Darby Dan consignment, agent for Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, was the filly out of Amalake that sold for $160,000 at the July select sale. Watch for more outstanding individuals as the summer continues.
HALCYON CRUISES TO EASY WIN!
July 30, 2007
Aldebaran's leading filly Halcyon left her competition in the dust Sunday, winner her 6 furlong Allowance test by a widening 5 lengths. Trained by Richard Small, this is her second win in three outings - finishing 4th in a stakes race in her only other career start for owner/breeder Higgens & Bowman Stables.
ALDEBARAN ON FIRE!
July 2, 2007
Aldebaran continued his hot streak this weekend with another first time starter breaking his maiden in MSW company. Brave Knight won by an easy 4 lengths for owners Blazing Meadow Farm and Brandywine Farm as Aldebaran's 4th winner. Saturday, Aldebaran's son Shotten Heimer ran a solid second at Churchill Downs in his MSW. Watch for him as the favorite in his next start. Overall, aldebaran has 4 winners from 5 starters - making him the leading freshman sire by % winners/starters (with 2 or more starters). Keep a watch out at the tracks - you'll not want to miss out betting on his first crop!
ALDEBARAN FILLY SETS NEW BARRETTS RECORD!
June 27, 2007
A California bred filly from Aldebaran's first crop topped the Barrett's two year old sale yesterday and set a new record price for a 2 yr old sold in June. The filly out of SW and MGSP Almost Skint (Ire) was a $120,000 purchase for trainer Dan Hendricks acting as agent for Frank Scardino. She worked 3/8 in :34 2/5 on Tuesday. Darby Dan wishes her new connections the best of luck with her!
ALDEBARAN CONTINUES TO IMPRESS!
June 23, 2007
Champion Aldebaran was represented by his third winner yesterday. C Alldastars won his MSW, besting a full field in his finishing the 4 1/2 furlong test in a salty 52.70. The colt won for owner Ben Rosencrants, trained by John Hall. Aldebaran remains 100% winners/starters with his win. C Alldastars is the second foal out of the his dam, Starship Contessa. CHART
ALDEBARAN IS SIRE POWER...SECOND STARTER - SECOND WINNER!
June 10, 2007
Champion Aldebaran was represented by his second winner today at Delaware. Halcyon won her first time out, besting tough company in her MSW finishing the 4 1/2 furlong test in 53.43. The filly won for her owners/breeders Bowman & Higgens Stable, trained by Richard Small with Luis Garcia in the irons. Aldebaran remains 100% winners/starters with her win. Halcyon is out of the Broad Brush mare Timely Broad who was a stakes winner of over $320K. She was purchased in foal to Aldebaran for $170,000. CHART
FIRST STARTER - FIRST WINNER FOR ALDEBARAN!
May 17, 2007
Champion Aldebaran was represented by his first winner today at Belmont. Ascot Hall won his first time out, besting tough company in his MSW finishing the 5 furlong test in 58.48. A $200K July yearling purchase, the colt won under the silks of TYB Stables, trained by Anthony Dutrow with Edgar Prado in the irons. Ascot Hall is the first foal out of the winning Unbridled's Song mare Look for Good and was bred in Kentucky by Dixiana Stables. CHART
Congratulations to Jim Tafel and Carl Nafzger!
May 7, 2007
Congratulations to all the connections of Street Sense in his impressive win this weekend. Darby Dan is proud of our longstanding association with Mr. Tafel - having stood Vicar and boarding his mares. Carl has also had success for Darby Dan Farm and trained a number of stakes winners for Phillips Racing Partnerships and Darby Dan Stables. We wish them continued success with Street Sense.
ALDEBARAN STONG AT TATTERSALLS!
April 18, 2007
An The Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up sale saw an Aldebaran sell for 100,000 Guineas (approx $210,700 US) - nearly twice the median of the overall sale. The 2 yr old colt out of Purr Pleasure was a $165,000 Keeneland September purchase. To date, Aldebaran's 2 yr olds average $175,730.
ALDEBARAN SIZZLES AT KEENELAND!
April 17, 2007
An Aldebaran colt sold for one of the highest prices at the 2 yr old sale at Keeneland - for $400,000. The colt is out of Group I winner Potrinner (Arg) who is also the dam of graded stakes winner Melhor Ainda. Congratulations to Katsumi Yoshida on his purchase of this outstanding individual.
WONDER AGAIN'S FIRST FOAL ARRIVES!
March 3, 2007
Wonder Again, a MGISW millionaire and full sister to Champion Grass Wonder, has foaled a lovely Distorted Humor colt. The colt was bred by Richard Santulli and Bobby Flay. Wonder Again is booked back to Gone West.
TRAINERS LOVE THEIR ALDEBARAN 2 YR OLDS!
January 3, 2007
First reports from trainers are exceptional. Across the board the Aldebaran 2 yr olds are showing themselves as atheletic and willing. Here are just some of the recent comments:
B. Wayne Hughes - "I was so impressed with the group of Aldebaran yearlings that I bought one for $500,000. He (Aldebaran/Soaring Softly) is training so well that we are breeding a number of mares to Aldebaran in 2007!"
Cash Asmussen - "My Aldebarans are both scopey, strong, good moving fillies that have gone the right way!"
Kip Elser - "I have 2 colts and 2 fillies. All are good movers with great attitudes. I'm really excited about all of them...and that's nothing but
the truth!"
Niall Brennan - "This colt is exceptional - athletic, big and scopey. He always gets noticed on the track"
Mike McMahon - "I love my filly...she is training great!"
Perfect Sales for Perfect Soul
November 14, 2006
The Making of a Perfect Book
November 7, 2006
Suave to stand at Darby Dan Farm
September 07, 2006
Strong Yearling Avg. for Aldebaran
August 28, 2006