News Letter
News Letter
WTR Newsletter
The Hunt Continues: New York-Bred Market Update
We’ve taken two strong swings at acquiring a New York-bred in recent weeks—and came up just short both times. In each case, we were competitive but ultimately outbid, a clear reflection of how strong the New York market has become.
Demand is as high as we’ve seen it, driven by rising purses, the new Empire State incentives, and the introduction of the Empire Trillium Series. The value of a competitive New York-bred has never been more apparent—and buyers are responding accordingly.
We also vetted two additional New York-breds who, unfortunately, did not pass the veterinary examination. As always, discipline matters. We won’t compromise on soundness.
While it’s frustrating to come close without securing the right horse, this is part of the process—and we remain confident in staying patient and selective.
Next up: the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in Timonium, Maryland in the coming weeks. Another opportunity, and we’ll be ready.
Fasig-Tipton Midatlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale
This sale is one of the premier sources of ready-to-run talent in the country, featuring nearly 110 NY-bred two-year olds.
Notably, the sale has produced elite runners—including graded stakes winners and even a Kentucky Derby winner—proving it’s a true launching pad for high-level racehorses.
The right horse is out there—we’re just getting started.
Stable Update
Kat Stormy caught a slight cold as a flu went through the Mott barn in recent weeks. She has recovered well and is expected to get an entry soon now that turf season is in full swing. We’re excited to see how she does after a winter on dirt!
Kat Stormy
Did You know?
Why Some Horses Improve Dramatically Second Time Out
A horse’s first race is often less about winning — and more about learning.
Many horses improve significantly in their second start because they’ve now experienced race-day conditions: the paddock, the post parade, the starting gate, and running in traffic. That initial exposure helps them settle mentally and respond more efficiently the next time.
Trainers also use the first race to build fitness. Unlike workouts, a race pushes a horse in a way that’s difficult to replicate in the morning, often moving them forward both physically and mentally.
You’ll often see improvement in:
• Break from the gate
• Positioning during the race
• Ability to finish
It’s not just about talent — it’s about experience.
The first race teaches them how to run. The second race shows what they are.
News Letter
News Letter
Condition Book
News Letter
News Letter
Around the Circuit:
Derby Season
With just weeks until the Kentucky Derby, the field is still coming into focus as the final prep races conclude.
Unlike later in the cycle, this stage is less about clear favorites and more about which horses are progressing at the right time.
• Several prep winners have secured enough points to qualify
• Others remain on the bubble, needing strong final efforts
• Late-developing horses are still emerging into contention
At this point, the separation between contenders is often minimal — and small details begin to matter more:
Here are some of the horses that are expected to race!
• Renegade — Current betting favorite around 4-1, coming off a major prep win (Arkansas Derby) and showing dominant form.
• Commandment — Around 7-1, one of the most consistent performers with multiple prep wins and sitting near the top of the points leaderboard.
• The Puma — Improving rapidly after a strong prep season, trending upward late in the cycle.
• Chief Wallabee — Talented but slightly questioned after losses in key preps; still firmly in the mix.
News Letter
News Letter
This Month in Racing History:
April 5, 2008 — Big Brown Wins the Florida Derby
Big Brown delivered a dominant performance in the Florida Derby, winning by over five lengths and establishing himself as the clear Kentucky Derby favorite.
Breaking from the outside, he quickly secured position and took control of the race, drawing away effortlessly in the stretch — a performance that signaled he was operating on a different level than his competition.
Big Brown went on to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes — unfortunately he fell short of the Triple Crown and came in last at the Belmont Stakes due missing training time from a cracked hoof and he actually lost a shoe during the race.