Grade 3 winner Algorithms retired
Starlight Racing’s Algorithms burst onto the scene as a juvenile last year, and looked like the real deal, especially when he was named as another protagonist to take the 2012 Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, after defeating the-then early favourite, Hansen, in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes.
Todd Pletcher trained 3-year-old colt was set to set the Churchill Downs’ track ablaze, but then life happened, and an injury knocked him off the Triple Crown trail.
Winner of all three career starts, Algorithms underwent surgery at Ocala Equine Hospital, and after a seven month rehab period, the veterinarians gave the colt the green signal to race again.
The son of Bernardini was called to start training again at Belmont Park on 11 September, but unfortunately the recurrence of the previous injury had him sidelined once again, and ultimately the decision arose to retire the colt after he couldn’t even go through routine training.
"We were optimistic about his future and return to the track," Pletcher said in a statement. "He was one of the best 3-year-olds I have worked with. We had such great expectations of him last winter. It's a disappointment but he should have a great career ahead of him as a stallion."
Stud plans are yet to be finalised for Algorithms. Bred in Kentucky by Oakbrook Farm, Algorithms was put up in the 2010 Keeneland September yearling sale, and was bought by Starlight Racing agent, Frank Brothers for $170,000 from Valkyre Stud.
Algorithms broke his maiden at Belmont Park at first asking going over a distance of 5 furlongs on 3 June, 2011, and then went on to win an Allowance/Optional Claimer at Gulfstream Park over 6 ½ furlongs.
His real test came when he went against Hansen in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes, but Algorithms caught the front runner in deep stretch to land his first graded stakes victory.
"It's very disappointing," said Jack Wolf. "Unfortunately, it's part of the game. He's a wonderful colt and being a son of Bernardini he should move on to a promising stud career. Due to his top and bottom side and his physical attributes we've received a significant level of interest but no decision has been made yet as to where he will stand."
Tags: