Gemologist retired to stud at WinStar for the 2013 breeding season
The 3-year-old Tiznow colt, Gemologist, after a promising start to his racing career big things were expected of him, and just before the Kentucky Derby, trainer Todd Pletcher was confident that Gemologist will land the second Kentucky Derby for him after
winning it in 2010 with another of WinStar’s Super Saver.
However, things didn’t go as planned, and Gemologist had a difficult trip in a difficult race, but after his dismal Haskell showing, Gemologist was not one hundred percent, and after encountering a minor setback in his training last month, the WinStar owned
colt was sent to a Kentucky based farm for rehabilitation.
The word was that Gemologist wouldn’t come back to take part in any major races in 2012, it was decided by his connections that the colt should be retired from racing, and consequently he will enter stud at Kenny Trout's WinStar Farm for the 2013 breeding
season.
The winner of the Grade 1 Resort World Casino New York City Wood Memorial, Gemologist was bought as a weanling for $310,000.
Gemologist started paying back by winning his first maiden race, and at Churchill Downs landing an allowance optional claimer, which followed up by victory in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club that made him the early favourites for the Kentucky Derby.
"Gemologist is one of the most talented horses WinStar has ever had the privilege to be a part of," said Elliott Walden, president & CEO of WinStar. "He's a grand-looking individual and displayed the speed, class, and determination of Tiznow, who we believe
is on his way to becoming a great sire of sires.”
Out of Mr. Prospector mare Crystal Shard, Gemologist, extended his 3-race win streak to his sophomore career by landing a mile long allowance race at Gulfstream Park, and then the big one at Aqueduct.
The poor showing in the Derby was a result of a bruised foot, which also contributed to his first career defeat.
"When I led Gemologist over that day, I thought I had a great chance to get my second Kentucky Derby win," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "I could not have been more confident."
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