Filly purchased in utero by Cullen Bloodstock breaks maiden impressively at Del Mar!
8/30/2010


Darling Ciana, a two-year-old filly purchased in utero by agency president Jim Cullen, made her second start a winning one when she easily bested four rivals to win the first race at Del Mar on August 25.

By Lion Heart, Darling Ciana is the second foal out of the winning mare Afternoon Krystal (Afternoon Deelites).

Afternoon Krystal was purchased by Cullen for $21,000 at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale. The beautiful chestnut mare was bought carrying the Lion Heart filly, and she actually gave birth to the foal the same evening she was purchased (picture).

"(Afternoon Krystal) had a modest race record, but I bought her because she was gorgeous," said Cullen. "She had good size and a pretty head and, being around her, there was just something about her that struck me. We were really pleased when she had her baby the same night we bought her - especially since she was born on my daughter's birthday - and she got right back in foal. It was perfect.

"Darling Ciana was a handsome baby from the start. She wasn't the biggest thing in the world but she was well balanced and had her mom's good looks. Judging by what I saw of her the other day she's still a great-looking filly, and it looks like she's got some ability too."

After an even performance in her debut, Darling Ciana returned with a vengeance. She broke a step slow and was last away from the gate, but she quickly cruised into contention on the inside. Moving easily, she collared the 9-to-10 favorite Darling Disarray at the three-eighths pole and ran in tandem with that one to the top of the stretch. From there jockey David Flores gave the filly her head, and she responded with a flashy turn of foot that propelled her to an easy win.

Darling Ciana won in a hand ride by a widening 4 1/4 lengths. Final time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:18.53.

"I talked with (trainer) Art Sherman after the race and he was really excited," said Cullen. "He thinks a lot of this filly and was happy she ran to his expectations. He told me he's going to wait until Hollywood Park to run her back unless a stakes pops up at Golden Gate. He thinks she's got a bright, bright future."

Cullen purchased Afternoon Krystal on behalf of former client John Trumbulovic. Darling Ciana becomes the third new winner in the past three months bred by Trumbulovic - either alone or in partnership - out of mares purchased for him by Cullen.

To view a replay of Darling Ciana's maiden victory click here.

Product of Cullen broodmare partnership runs off with $150,000 Best Pal Stakes (G2) at Del Mar
8/10/2010


With a performance that has many calling him the best two-year-old colt in California, J P's Gusto ran off with the $150,000 Best Pal Stakes (G2) at Del Mar on August 8.

J P's Gusto entered the 6 1/2-furlong Best Pal off two consecutive stakes victories, including a game win in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship (G3) on July 5. For the Best Pal the striking bay ridgling drew the rail in a field of five. Pat Valenzuela - who actually won the race aboard Best Pal in 1990 when it was known as the Balboa Stakes - picked up the mount after regular rider Joe Talamo went to the sidelines with a broken wrist.

J P's Gusto broke sharply and led through a quick opening quarter of 22.58 seconds. Valenzuela won the race after he nursed the colt through a second quarter in roughly 24 seconds, and the duo hit the top of the stretch with a 1 1/2-length lead.

Though challenged in deep stretch J P's Gusto looked like a winner throughout. He hit the wire a half-length clear of his closest rival to win in a good time of 1:16.61.

Following the race TVG analyst Simon Bray stated that J P's Gusto had "clearly stamped himself as the best colt on the West Coast." Valenzuela agreed with that assessment.

"He broke so sharp," Valenzuela told reporters after the race. "I didn't want the lead but I inherited it. This is a really nice colt, and he's got a great future in front of him."

Trainer David Hofmans indicated J P's Gusto would run back in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) on September 8.

"All (J P's Gusto) does is try," said Hofmans. "He reminds me of Awesome Again. They know the're the man. They just tolerate us."

J P's Gusto banked $90,000 to push his career earnings to $187,360.

J P's Gusto is the product of a Cullen Bloodstock broodmare partnership. Agency president Jim Cullen bought his dam, Call Her Magic, for $75,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November sale. He subsequently bred the mare to Successful Appeal in the spring of 2007, then sold her later that year to WinStar Farm for $90,000. The foal in utero would become J P's Gusto.

"I loved the mating of Successful Appeal to Call Her Magic," said Cullen. "The best attributes of each horse seemed to complement the other. It made sense on paper, but I thought physically it would work because he would inject some athleticism into the mare's babies. I guess it worked."

In addition to J P's Gusto, the Cullen partnership bred the colt's full sister, Magic Appeal. The now three-year-old filly broke her maiden in allowance company at Saratoga last summer before she placed in the prestigious Adirondack Stakes (G2) there. Magic Appeal also placed in the 2009 Wings of Jove Stakes at Belmont Park.

Unfortunately Call Her Magic died this spring after a bout with colic.

"I talked with (WinStar President) Doug Cauthen after the Hollywood Juvenile and he said the farm lost the mare," said Cullen. "It's a real shame because the whole family is taking off."

Call Her Magic is now dam of three stakes horses, and her half sister is the dam of Proud Spell, the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly of 2008.

For a recap of the race, including a video replay, click here. To view the official chart of the Best Pal click here.

Cullen purchase Astaire wins!
7/29/2010


Astaire, a six-year-old gelding purchased as a maiden by Jim Cullen, continued his winning ways when he ran off with the second race at Presque Isle Downs on July 27.

A gelded son of Distorted Humor, Astaire was purchased for $32,000 at the 2007 Keeneland November sale. The gelding - who was winless from seven starts when he was purchased - won two of his first three starts at Turfway for his new connections, including a maiden special weight race and an entry allowance tilt (pictured).

Astaire made quick work of his eight foes on Tuesday. He broke sharply under Willie Martinez and went right to the front. The gelding led by a length after opening quarters of 24.74 and 49.62 seconds, then extended his margin to three after six furlongs in 1:15.09. From there he cruised to the wire to win the mile contest by 3 3/4 lengths as the 7-to-10 favorite.

Final time was 1:41.61. Bill Denzik trains the winner for 5280 Racing Stable, for whom Cullen bought the gelding.

Astaire banked $7,800 for the fifth victory of his career from four seasons of racing.

"I'm happy for Astaire - he ran a good race," said Cullen. "He was much the best the other day, and if he's continued to be spotted properly it looks like he might still have some wins left in the tank."

To view the official chart of Astaire's most recent victory click here.

Filly bred by Cullen Bloodstock breaks maiden at Ellis Park
7/29/2010


Loosen Up Stable's Ella Pooh, a three-year-old filly bred by agency president Jim Cullen, finally put it all together and won convincingly a maiden race at Ellis Park on July 25.

Ridden by Jamie Theriot, Ella Pooh stalked the early leaders before she swept by to take control at the top of the stretch. The bay filly ran unchallenged down the lane to win by 1 3/4 lengths.

Final time was 1:13.31 for six furlongs on a fast track.

"Ella Pooh had come close in a couple races, but she was much the best on Sunday," said Cullen. "It's kind of neat - she's owned by a State Legislator who I went to high school with. We talked before the race, and after she won he invited me to get into the (winner's circle) picture. It will make a nice keepsake."

Ella Pooh is by Action This Day out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Dumas. She was bred by Cullen in partnership with John Trumbulovic.

"I originally claimed Dumas for $17,500 at Churchill Downs on behalf of my good friend and client Sue Cook," said Cullen. "She wanted something to breed to her stallion Dixieland Heat, and she liked the mating with this mare. I ended up buying this mare when Sue dispersed a bunch of horses a couple years ago and bred her to Action This Day."

Ella Pooh was sold for $5,200 at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Texas yearling sale.

"Dumas is from a good Henryk de Kwiatkowski family, and she has a solid pedigree. Her dam is a full or half to a four stakes horses, including the multiple graded stakes winners Posen and Truluck. Unfortunately Dumas hasn't produced any runners of note thus far, but I believe Ella Pooh is her fifth or sixth winner from as many to race. Hopefully this filly will go on to win a couple more races."

According to the owner of Loosen Up Stable, Ella Pooh will be given a break before being brought back to the races for a fall campaign.

To view the official chart of Ella Pooh's maiden victory click here.

Mare purchased, mated by Cullen Bloodstock produces first juvenile graded stakes winner of 2010!
7/6/2010


J P's Gusto, a two-year-old ridgling produced by a Cullen Bloodstock mating, became the first graded stakes winner in his division when he captured the $100,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (G3) on July 5.

Trained by David Hofmans for Gem Inc., J P's Gusto outfought a game Western Mood to win the six-furlong sprint by a neck as the 3-to-5 favorite. The win was the second consecutive stakes score for J P's Gusto, following his victory in the Williard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes as a maiden in May.

Final time was 1:10.48.

J P's Gusto banked $60,000 for the graded stakes victory to boost his earnings to $97,360 from three starts.

"For being so young (J P's Gusto is) so mature and very, very professional," said winning jockey Joe Talamo. "He was beat by a head or a neck then he really fought back. You really like to see that in a young horse."

"I think he's right up there with (multiple Grade 1 winner) General Meeting," Hofmans told reporters after the race. "He reminds me of General Meeting a lot - they're similar in their body style."

J P's Gusto is out of the stakes-winning mare Call Her Magic, by Caller I.D. That mare was purchased by agency president Jim Cullen for $75,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. Purchased in foal to Smart Strike, the mare was bought for an agency partnership.

In 2007, Call Her Magic's second foal, the good filly Kid Majic, placed in the $50,000 Lone Star Oaks at Lone Star Park. The following year, a sister to Call Her Magic named Pacific Spell was represented by the 2008 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly - and Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner - Proud Spell.

Cullen bred Call Her Magic to the exciting young sire Successful Appeal in both 2006 and 2007, then sold the mare in foal to that stallion after Proud Spell placed in the 2007 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes (G1).

"I cashed out in 2007 and took the profit," said Cullen. "The partnership made money with every foal we bred out of (Call Her Magic), and I hoped to close the partnership with a profitable sale of the mare. We did that and haven't looked back."

WinStar Farm purchased Call Her Magic for $95,000.

The final two foals bred by the agency partnership have both distinguished themselves. The foal of 2007 is a beautiful bay filly named Magic Appeal. Owned by Cobra Farm, Magic Appeal (pictured) broke her maiden at Saratoga at two before she placed in both the Adirondack Stakes (G2) and Wings of Jove Stakes. Her full brother J P's Gusto is the final foal produced by the partnership.

"Call Her Magic is one of those special mares that just keeps on giving," said Cullen. "She was great to us, she's obviously started off well for WinStar, and nearly all her foals have run well for their connections. The family has really exploded and added a ton of depth since I originally bought her. I just wish I still owned her!"

To view the official chart of the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes click here.

Sahalie keeps record perfect with allowance romp at Lone Star Park
6/15/2010


Sahalie, the product of a mare purchased and mated by agency president Jim Cullen, kept her record perfect from two starts when she ran off with an allowance race at Lone Star Park on June 10.

By Military out of the Rare Performer mare Smart'n Rare, Sahalie won her racing debut at Lone Star in May as the 1-to-2 favorite. She returned to make quick work of her rivals in last Thursday's feature race, a six-furlong sprint for older fillies and mares.

Sahalie broke cleanly under Bobby Walker Jr. and went right to the front. The bay filly led through opening quarters of 22.51 and 45.79, at which point she enjoyed a length lead over her closest pursuer.

Sahalie steadily extended that advantage to 3 1/2 lengths at the top of the stretch, and from there she cruised home to win by seven lengths in a hand ride.

Final time was 1:11.82.

"This was a really good race," said agency president Jim Cullen. "It's clear that (Sahalie) is fast, but it's also apparent she's got some quality as well. It was a very impressive performance."

Bret Calhoun trains the winner for owner and breeder Deborah Wilson.

"I couldn't be happier for Debbie," said Cullen. "She deserves a good horse because nobody enjoys them more than she does. She was so excited about the win she called me at eight o'clock the next morning. It looks like her filly has a bright future, and it couldn't happen to a nicer owner."

Sahalie banked $12,780 for the win to double her career earnings to $24,960.

Cullen purchased Smart'n Rare privately for $25,000 in 2005. He did so after getting an order from Wilson to "find a mare that would work in Texas".

"Debbie wanted me to find a broodmare she could take to Texas and enlist in the program there," said Cullen. "I thought Smart'n Rare was worth a shot because she was a really fast racemare with a 'sneaky-good' pedigree. The mare also had two foals at the races when we bought her and both had shown some promise. I contacted the mare's owner and we were able to come to terms and get the deal done. It's really worked out well for everybody."

Smart'n Rare was purchased in foal to Doneraile Court. The resulting colt has enjoyed a successful racing career as Court the King, a stakes-placed runner in California who was on the 2009 Triple Crown trail.

To date Court the King has won 3-of-6 starts and nearly $100,000.

Smart'n Rare had a Vision and Verse yearling in 2006 who is unraced, and Sahalie was foaled in 2007.

"I hope Sahalie gets some black type - she'd become the second stakes horse for the mare from just three foals since Debbie bought her," said Cullen. "Those are pretty nice updates to realize in such a short amount of time."

Sahalie is scheduled to run next in the $50,000 Valor Farm Stakes on Saturday, July 10.

To view the official chart of Sahalie's allowance victory click here.

Cullen homebred Kitts Fitz breaks maiden in third career start
6/8/2010


Florence Racing Stable's Kitts Fitz turned back a challenge at the quarter pole and then drew off to win a maiden race at River Downs on June 6.

Bred and trained by agency president Jim Cullen, Kitts Fitz is a three-year-old filly by Seattle Fitz (Arg) out of Melody Prospector (Gold Case). The filly was offered for sale as an uraced two-year-old during the 2009 Keeneland January sale, where she was purchased by Kristine Cullen for just $3,000.

"I sold the filly as part of my (business) reorganization plan, but for whatever reason nobody was really interested in her," said Jim Cullen. "She's an attractive, correct filly who looked the part, but just about everybody passed her by. When my wife saw the price she was bringing she couldn't believe it, so she jumped in and bought her. I'm glad she did - it looks like a pretty shrewd buy now."

Kristine Cullen is owner and operator of Florence Racing Stable.

Kitts Fitz had not hit the board in her first two starts, and after those allowance efforts she was dropped into a $7,500 maiden claiming event. The race, carded as the sixth on the River Downs card, was a one mile and 70 yard contest on the dirt.

"(Kitts Fitz) figured to need a race or two before she was ready for her best," said Cullen. "She's a big, long-striding filly who obviously wants to go a route of ground, so her first two starts were designed to get her some experience and fitness. I thought she was sitting on a big effort so I dropped her into a spot I thought she'd be much the best. We got lucky and it worked out like we planned."

Kitts Fitz made quick work of her four rivals. Breaking from post two under Juan Vargas, the filly broke cleanly and took the lead immediately as the field moved into the first turn. She gradually extended her advantage to two lengths down the backside, at which point Vargas was able to slow her down and give her a breather.

Race favorite Stan C Lisa moved up to challenge Kitts Fitz after six furlongs, and the two momentarily ran in tandem through the turn. However, Kitts Fitz dispatched that one at the eighth pole and cruised home to win in hand by 5 1/2 lengths.

Final time was 1:46.20.

"I'm really happy for Kristine - she's loved this filly since the day she was born," Cullen said. "It was a good effort, but the most important thing is to get a win under her belt. Now we can move Kitts Fitz to the turf - which is her preferred surface - and see how good she really is. She's not Zenyatta but she'll win a lot of races because she's sound, honest, and wants to go long. That's a good combination."

Cullen took a great deal of pride in the outcome as well.

"The race Monday was the culmination of a lot of time and hard work," said Cullen. "While working for West Point Thoroughbreds I helped buy Seattle Fitz at auction in Dubai, and I bought Melody Prospector specifically to breed to him. To have the resulting foal since birth, and then watch her progress all the way to the winner's circle, is something really special.

"Breeding any winner is hard, but to breed a horse and train it to win is especially gratifying. I have no delusions of grandeur - it was a pretty modest race - but it means a lot to my wife and I."

Cullen said Kitts Fitz would run back in a $15,000 turf race at River Downs on June 22.

To view the official chart of Kitts Fitz maiden victory click here.

Cullen purchase Bob and Rich wins!
6/7/2010


A switch in trainers seemed to do the trick, as one-time Cullen Bloodstock purchase Bob and Rich broke a nearly two-year losing streak and won the ninth race at Mountaineer Park on June 7.

A gelded son of Catienus, Bob and Rich was purchased by Cullen for $35,000 in the spring of 2007. He was originally bought on behalf of 5280 Racing Stable, a Denver-based partnership led by Kevin Geiger. Bob and Rich ran fourth in an allowance at Turfway in his first start for the new owners, then shipped to Woodbine and just missed when second in a $32,000 claiming race. He competed in allowance races and high-level claiming events at Woodbine for nearly a year, but after time off due to injury he has been competing in modest claiming races for the past 24 months.

Since mid-2009 Bob and Rich was trained by Bill Denzik Jr., who had little success with the dark bay runner. The gelding failed to win his last 12 starts for Denzik, including an 0-for-7 streak in 2010. The 5280 Stable made the decision to sell Bob and Rich privately for a reported $1,500 after he finished fourth in a $2,500 claiming race at Beulah in early April.

Despite his previous poor form, new owner and trainer Jimmy Dillon has enjoyed immediate success with his new charge. After one poor effort Bob and Rich finished second in a $5,000 claimer at Mountaineer last month, for which he earned back more than his purchase price. Dillon then wheeled the gelding right back to win that same race on Monday.

Bob and Rich dropped to the back of the field in the one-mile dirt contest, then rallied steadily into a contending position at the top of the stretch. Showing a kick that was lacking in previous efforts, the gelding finished strongly to best his rivals and win by a half length.

Final time was 1:40.98.

Bob and Rich has now earned $7,280 for his new connections in less than two months, including $5,460 for his most recent effort. The victory was the seventh for the gelding in five years of racing, and the winner's purse boosted his career bankroll to $93,253.

"I'm glad to see this horse win, especially for Jimmy," said Cullen. "Sometimes the best thing for a horse is a change in scenary, and that's obviously the case here. In a relatively short amount of time Jimmy has figured something out and really moved the horse up. It will be interesting to see where (Bob and Rich) goes from here: after Monday's race it looks like he still has some races left in the tank."

To view the official chart of Bob and Rich's victory on June 7 click here.

Mare purchased, mated by Cullen Bloodstock produces maiden allowance winner at Lone Star Park
5/24/2010


Sahalie, the product of a mare purchased and mated by agency president Jim Cullen, made her first start a winning one when she annexed the first race at Lone Star Park on Saturday, May 22.

A three-year-old daughter of Military, Sahalie proved much the best in her racing debut. The powerful bay filly tracked the leader through an opening quarter in 22.22 but took control through the turn for home. Sahalie spurted clear to lead by 2 1/2 lengths at the top of the stretch and edged away to win comfortably by 3 1/4 lengths.

Final time was 1:05.79 for 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track.

Trained by Bret Calhoun for owner and breeder Debbie Wilson, Sahalie banked $12,180 for her efforts.

"We've liked this filly since the first day she came to us," said Calhoun. "She's been training really well, and I was pretty confident heading into the race. She ran like we expected - she was very impressive and much the best."

Calhoun indicated that Sahalie would run back in an allowance race at Lone Star in June and point for the $50,000 Valor Farm Stakes there on July 10.

Sahalie is out of the multiple winning mare Smart'n Rare (Rare Performer). Cullen purchased Smart'n Rare privately for Wilson in 2005 while the mare was in foal to Doneraile Court. The resulting foal, a colt who sold for $37,000 as a two-year-old in training, was Court the King. Court the King became a stakes-placed runner who won half of his six career starts and $94,200 while on the 2007 Triple Crown trail.

"It's been a little while between drinks of water, but it looks like Debbie has a good filly on her hands," said Cullen. "(Smart'n Rare) doesn't have much pedigree, but she was a really fast racemare and a good-looking individual. Debbie wanted me to find a mare she could take to Texas in hopes of getting a stakes filly. So far we've gotten lucky - it looks like she's taken a big step toward that goal."

Cullen admitted the mating which produced Sahalie was not the most commercial, but he pushed Wilson strongly to move forward with it.

"I love the Danzig line for Smart'n Rare and have always thought Military is a lot of horse for the money. Physically it was also a good match - he figured to provide some much-needed size and bone to the mare's foal. It seems to have worked out well: Bret thinks Debbie has a nice filly on her hands.

Smart'n Rare is a half sister to Prissy Gold Digger, by Red Ryder. Prissy Gold Digger is dam of the stakes winner and multiple graded stakes performer Gold I.D., as well as the stakes-winning mare Say How You Feel, whose five winners from as many to race include 2009 Richter Scale Stakes (G2) winner How's Your Halo.

Prissy Gold Digger is also the dam of the good mare Faithful City, a stakes winner who has produced eight winners from as many to race, topped by the multiple graded stakes-winning millionaire It's a Bird.

"I hope (Sahalie) goes on to get some black type. If she does she'd become the second stakes horse out of the mare from the first three foals after I bought her."

To view the official chart of Sahalie's maiden victory click here.

It's a Yankee works for return to races on May 16
5/11/2010


After eight months on the sidelines, It's a Yankee will return to the races on Sunday, May 16 at Moutaineer Park.

The three-year-old son of Yankee Gentleman has not raced since he made his debut at Ellis Park in early September. The handsome bay exited the race with a slight muscle pull and has been battling minor juvenile problems since.

"He's never had anything major happen to him, just one minor setback after another," said Cullen. "After he healed from the muscle pull he popped a splint, then we gelded him. By that time the weather got bad and it was hard to train him with any regularity. He's definitely tried our patience, but hopefully we'll be rewarded when he hits the track this weekend."

It's a Yankee has been training forwardly in recent weeks, having most recently turned in a solid five-furlong breeze on May 8. The gelding stopped the clock in 1:04.80 while well in hand throughout.

To view the official work tab click here.

"Yankee didn't need to do too much," said agency president and trainer Jim Cullen. "He's plenty fit; I just wanted to make sure he finished strongly and galloped out well. I'm pleased with what I saw. He's ready to run - hopefully he'll be good enough to get the job done."

Cullen said It's a Yankee will have an easy week and gallop into the race. The Florence Racing colorbearer is all set to contest the sixth race on the card, a maiden allowance for three-year-olds going six furlongs. Aldo Canchano will ride.

It's a Yankee drew post six in a seven-horse field. Post time is 9:05 Eastern, and the purse is $19,600.

To view the entries for the May 16 card at Mountaineer click here.

Super Saver wins Kentucky Derby!
5/1/2010


Super Saver, who is a half-brother to a broodmare prospect purchased by agency president Jim Cullen in 2007, stamped his place in Turf history today by drawing off to win the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Super Saver got a perfect trip under Calvin Borel, rating off a torrid early pace before squeezing through on the rail at the top of the stretch. The son of Maria's Mon opened up on the field and then easily held sway to win by approximately two lengths.

Final time was 2:04.45 on a sloppy track.

Super Saver is out of the A.P. Indy mare Supercharger. In 2007, Cullen purchased the mare's two-year-old filly Quickest for $40,000 on behalf of former client Vincent Colbert. The mare was put into training, but problem ankles forced her retirement to the breeding shed for the 2008 season.

Quickest had a Bandini filly in 2009 but did not get back in foal that year. The mare reportedly was bred this spring to Rock Hard Ten, though it is unclear whether or not she is in foal.

Quickest easily becomes one of the most coveted broodmares in the stud book. In addition to being one of only two sisters to her historic half-brother, Quickest is out of a full sister to the top handicap horse Girolamo. Supercharger is also a full sister to the dam of the exciting freshman sire Bluegrass Cat.

"With Super Saver's win today Quickest becomes one of the most desirable mares in the world," said Cullen. "Her age helps her tremendously - she's only five - and her family is the most commercial in the industry right now. Her first two dams alone will feature three exciting stallion prospects in coming years, and there's no telling where Super Saver goes from here. I'm also told the two-year-old (a colt by Distorted Humor) is extraordinary. The whole family has just exploded.

"She's probably worth a million dollars now, but if she were mine there's no way I'd sell her. It's like hitting the lottery - it's what every breeder dreams about when you buy a mare. She's priceless."

Quickest is the only mare that Cullen has purchased for Colbert at public auction.

"It's funny: I bought this mare in January 2007 because I knew WinStar bought (Supercharger) for $160,000 the previous November. I also thought Bluegrass Cat had a chance to be a nice stallion, so I liked the fact that she was so closely related to him.

"She was a nice individual and worth the money, but I really bought Quickest hoping WinStar would produce some meaningful runners out of the mare. I was also banking on the fact that Bluegrass Cat would 'hit' and become a top sire. To have everything happen so quickly, and in such amazing fashion, is incredible."

Cullen thought Super Saver was a legitimate Derby prospect as far back as last September, after he saw the colt break his maiden at Belmont Park.

"I was so impressed with Super Saver's performance that day, along with his pedigree and connections, that I thought he had the potential to be a big-time colt," said Cullen. "On September 14 I posted a story on this site where I identified him as a legitimate Derby horse (to read scroll down), and sure enough it came to pass. He stood out to me then and today he lived up to my wildest dreams and expectations. He's a very talented colt."

To read more about the 2010 Kentucky Derby click here.

It's a Yankee ready to run after impressive work at training center
4/30/2010


Florence Racing Stable's It's a Yankee is just about ready to make his return to the racetrack after eight frustrating - and often testing - months on the sidelines. The three-year-old son of Yankee Gentleman signaled his readiness with a professional five-furlong breeze at the Thoroughbred Training Center near Lexington on April 29.

It's a Yankee debuted in a maiden allowance last September and ran well against a field that included subsequent Grade 1 winner and Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Noble's Promise. Unfortunately he exited that effort with a pulled hip muscle, and he has not raced since.

"Yankee has never had any major problems, just the little things that can happen to young horses, especially when they're as fast as he is," said agency president and trainer Jim Cullen. "The biggest problem we've had is getting him to relax and be more professional - he wanted to do everything as hard and as fast as he could. It's been a process, but in his last few works he's started to understand what we're asking of him. I'm confident that I could put him in a race now and he'd perform the way we'll need him to if he's going to beat nice horses."

Yesterday's breeze provided further evidence of how far the colt has come. It's a Yankee broke off from the five-eighths pole and eased through an opening three furlongs in 41 seconds and change. He picked it up on cue when asked, however, and finished up the final quarter mile in 24.40 seconds. He galloped out in 13.60, meaning he stopped the clock in 38 seconds for his final three eighths.

"Everything went fine," said Cullen. "He was in hand the first three furlongs, and if I had a criticism it's that the boy might have gone a bit too slow with him. But Yankee picked it up impressively when asked, and he changed leads like an old pro. It was exactly what I wanted to see."

It's a Yankee cooled out without incident.

Cullen indicated that It's a Yankee will return to the races in a maiden allowance race at Mountaineer Park on May 8, or a maiden race at Churchill Downs on May 15.

To view yesterday's complete worktab from the Training Center click here.

Love You Crazy confirmed in foal!
4/25/2010


Love You Crazy, a stakes-placed mare purchased and campaigned by agency president Jim Cullen, has been confirmed in foal. The six-year-old maiden mare is pregnant on an early March cover to the exciting freshman sire Sharp Humor.

By Touch Gold out of the multiple stakes winner Moonlight Affair (Friendly Lover), Love You Crazy was originally purchased as an unraced two-year-old prospect by Cullen for $35,000. She raced for Four-Board Stable, during which time she won three races, earned nearly $100,000 and placed in the $150,000 Ontario Lassie Stakes in 2006.

Love You Crazy was sold to dissolve the partnership at the 2008 Keeneland November sale. Offered as a broodmare prospect, the bay filly brought a final price of $25,000 from a former Four-Board client. The new owner chose to race her in 2009, but after failing to win for her new connections Cullen was able to claim her at Keeneland last October for $7,500 (pictured). The mare was claimed on behalf of a partnership that included Margaux Farm owner Steve Johnson.

Love You Crazy was retired to the Margaux broodmare band last December, and she was readied for her new career. She got in foal on her second cover to Sharp Humor, and early examinations have revealed a normal and healthy pregnancy.

"I'm so pleased for the partnership that Love You Crazy got in foal on such an early cover," said Cullen. "She was always such a classy mare, and it appears as if that class is carrying over to her new career. Maiden mares are often the most difficult to get in foal, so the fact she got pregnant just three months after racing is pretty amazing. I wish her nothing but success and will continue to follow her career closely."

Kitts Fitz can't overcome bad start, finishes off the board in maiden allowance
4/21/2010


Sometimes a race is lost in the final strides right before the finish line. Other times they're lost the moment the gates open, which is the fate that befell Kitts Fitz on April 20. The Florence Racing Stable colorbearer lost any chance of victory when she broke in a tangle and was left at the start. Despite closing fiercely the three-year-old filly finished off the board and well behind the winner in a maiden special weight race at River Downs.

Making the second start of her young career, Kitts Fitz entered the one-mile dirt race off a series of solid works. Expectations were high despite post-time odds of 15-to-1.

"I was confident she'd run well," said agency president Jim Cullen, who trains the filly. "(Kitts Fitz) is still a bit green, but she has the talent to compete with that field. I thought she'd come running and be right there in the stretch."

It wasn't to be. Jockey Jose Calo said Kitts Fitz' legs were knuckled beneath her when the gates opened, and she went straight up in the air at the start. By the time Calo got her straightened away and running the duo was left hopelessly behind. Kitts Fitz trailed the leader by 17 3/4 lengths after the opening quarter mile and 23 1/2 lengths after a half mile.

To her credit Kitts Fitz never quit running, and she made up some 15 lengths on the winner over the final four furlongs. The filly ultimately finished sixth, beaten 10 1/2 lengths for the win.

"Not much to say - her race was over before it started," Cullen said. "It's a shame because she actually ran fairly well. Dirt is not her best surface, but Jose said she would have won if she broke with the rest. Given that he won two races earlier on the card I'm prone to believe him, and he asked to ride her back.

"The important thing is she came out of the race in good shape physically. We'll regroup and find a race for her on the turf in early May and take it from there."

To view the official chart of the race click here.

It's a Yankee posts 'big boy' work at training center
4/17/2010


Florence Racing Stable's It's a Yankee turned in a scintillating work this morning as he continues to prepare for his return to the races. The impressive bay speedster breezed a half-mile in 48.20 seconds, the fastest time of the morning from 20 to work - by almost a full second!

"This was by far Yankee's best work to date, but not because it was his fastest time," said agency president Jim Cullen, who trains the three-year-old gelding. "We've been working with him for the past six months to slow him down and respond to his rider. The light kind of came on in his last breeze, but today he went as well as you could hope for. He was in hand early, very patient and relaxed, but he responded brilliantly when asked for run. It was a 'big boy' work - really impressive from start to finish."

It's a Yankee galloped out five furlongs in 1:01 and change and cooled out fine back at the barn.

"I actually timed (It's a Yankee) a bit slower than the clocker got him, but he was really rolling that last quarter," said Cullen. "I just need him to keep doing what he did today and keep learning. When he figures everything out and becomes more professional he's got a chance to be okay."

Cullen said he has not picked out a specific race yet for Yankee but that it likely will come in early May at Churchill Downs.

"I've always thought this colt had unique talent, and today just confirmed it for me. Barring injury he's got the chance to be a really, really nice horse. Hopefully he'll move seamlessly from now to the races and he can strut his stuff in the afternoon."

It's a Yankee has raced just once, that being a maiden allowance on the turf at Ellis Park last September. In that contest he hooked subsequent Grade 1 winner Noble's Promise. It's a Yankee ran with his rival on equal terms to the top of the stretch, at which point he faded after having pulled a muscle in his hip.

To view today's work tab from The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington click here.

Super Saver stamps ticket to Louisville with strong performance in Arkansas Derby
4/12/2010


In the most lucrative prep race of the Triple Crown season, WinStar Farm's Super Saver finished second in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn on April 10.

A half brother to a mare purchased by the Cullen Bloodstock agency, Super Saver has been among the leading candidates for the Kentucky Derby (G1) since he annexed the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) last November. He justified those lofty expectations with a game performance in the Arkansas Derby in just his second start of the year.

Super Saver broke cleanly in the nine-furlong race and tracked eventual winner Line of David throughout. Super Saver looked like a winner at the sixteenth-pole, but the Todd Pletcher trainee came up a bit short and fell a neck shy of victory.

Final time was 1:49.37.

Super Saver banked $200,000 for his effort to secure a place in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. The son of Maria's Mon has now earned more than $363,000, which places him in the top 10 of all those eligible for the Run for the Roses.

Super Saver is a half brother to the young mare Quickest, who was purchased by Cullen at the 2007 Keeneland January sale. Cullen bought Quickest as an unraced two-year-old for $40,000 on behalf of Vincent Colbert. The daughter of Forest Wildcat did not race and was retired to the breeding shed for the 2008 season.

Both Super Saver and Quickest are out of Supercharger, a winning daughter of A.P. Indy from the immediate family of Bluegrass Cat. Supercharger is also a full sister to 2009 Jerome Handicap (G2) winner Girolamo.

"It's funny how things work out," said Cullen. "I bought Quickest because WinStar had purchased Supercharger the previous November for $190,000. Knowing that, I wanted to buy into the family hoping WinStar would come up with a horse like (Super Saver) in the future. That's exactly how things have worked out, which is great. Looks like we hit a home run, and if Super Saver runs big on May 1 it could be a grand slam."

Even racing authority Steve Haskin has gotten in on the act, saying he was "Crazy about (Super Saver's) pedigree" in his most recent Derby Dozen.

To view the official chart of the 2010 Arkansas Derby click here. To read more about the race visit here.

Kitts Fitz, It's a Yankee breeze for upcoming races
3/28/2010


Florence Racing Stable's Kitts Fitz and It's a Yankee both worked this morning in preparation for starts in coming weeks.

Kitts Fitz was the first to hit the track. The three-year-old daughter of Seattle Fitz (Arg) warmed up in company but broke off at the wire and breezed a half mile on her own. The handsome bay filly (pictured) eased into the drill at the quarter pole and accelerated well. She got through the opening quarter mile in 25 seconds flat but leveled off to finish up the half in 49.2 seconds.

Kitts Fitz galloped out in 1:02.80 seconds and cooled out fine back at the barn.

The time was the third-fastest of the morning from four to work the distance.

"It was a good work," said agency president Jim Cullen, who trains both runners. "She's very fit and didn't need a whole lot, so we basically let her do it on her own. She's not a great workhorse but she picked up the bit and went on like I hoped. She's ready to run."

Cullen said Kitts Fitz will run in a maiden race at Mountaineer Park in early April.

It's a Yankee stepped onto the track some 30 minutes after his stablemate. The speedy son of Yankee Gentleman warmed up by himself before he turned around at the eighth pole to get into the work in earnest.

It's a Yankee was very keen early but settled well when asked to run. He moved easily through consecutive quarters of 24 seconds to stop the clock in an official time of 48.20 for four furlongs. The speedy colt galloped out in 1:02 flat.

"With (It's a Yankee) it's not a question of getting him to go fast; you have to train him to slow down," said Cullen. "He's a very eager and willing runner, so the biggest challenge is keeping him from doing too much. He's too fast for his own good, but he's gotten much more professional in his approach during the past couple of months. He's an exciting prospect, and I think he'll run well right off the bench."

It's a Yankee's time was the fastest of the morning from four to work the distance.

Cullen indicated that It's a Yankee will run in either a maiden race at Mountaineer Park on April 6 or in a maiden race at Keeneland early in the meet.

To view Sunday's complete worktab from The Thoroughbred Center click here.

CBS purchase Sweet Gladys to contest $50,000 Queen Stakes at Turfway Park
3/26/2010


Sweet Gladys, who was purchased at public auction by agency president Jim Cullen, will make her first start in stakes company tomorrow when she contests the $50,000 Queen Stakes at Turfway Park.

Owned by Old Henry Thoroughbreds, Sweet Gladys will go postward as a live longshot in the Queen, a six-furlong sprint for older fillies and mares. The attractive bay mare has won three races at Turfway from five starts, and she enters the race off a series of solid drills.

Sweet Gladys has drawn post nine in a 10-horse field, and Sal Gonzalez Jr. will ride. Post time is scheduled for 3:04 pm EDT.

Sweet Gladys is a five-year-old mare by Awesome Again out of the Lite the Fuse mare Honey Eyed. Cullen purchased her as an unraced prospect for $55,000 at the 2007 Adena Springs two-year-olds in training sale.

Sweet Gladys (pictured) is a multiple allowance winner with a career mark of 10-4-2-1 and earnings of $38,000.

To view the entries for tomorrow's card at Turfway Park click here.

Foal purchased in utero by Cullen Bloodstock breaks maiden at Hawthorne
3/17/2010


Sheriff Max, a three-year-old son of Posse out of the Awesome Again mare Etiquette, pressed the early pace then edged away late to win the second race at Hawthorne Racecourse today.

Ridden by Danush Sukie for trainer Don Millonas, Sheriff Max broke through for his first victory in a $25,000 maiden claiming event going six furlongs on a fast track. Final time was 1:12.71.

Sheriff Max banked $7,200 for his efforts. To see a copy of the winners' circle photo click here.

Sheriff Max was bred by former Cullen client John Trumbulovic. Cullen purchased Etiquette on behalf of Trumbulovic for $20,000 during the 2006 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. At the time of the purchase Etiquette was carrying the foal that would become Sheriff Max.

"I bought (Etiquette) because she was a good-sized, fairly attractive mare with a solid pedigree," said Cullen. "But to be honest her major selling point was the foal she was carrying. I really liked the first crop of Posse babies I saw as yearlings in 2006 and thought he could be a hot commodity when those foals hit the track the following year. It worked out that way - he was leading freshman sire of 2007 and had six or seven stakes winners in that crop.

"Unfortunately for John this colt didn't capitalize on that sensation; he didn't bring much when he sold as a yearling ($2,500). But I'm pleased that he's proven himself to some extent on the racetrack. I hope for his current connections that he goes on to do more good things."

To view the official chart of Sheriff Max's maiden victory click here.

Cullen homebred Kitts Fitz to debut Sunday after working well at training center
2/24/2010


Kitts Fitz, a three-year-old filly bred and trained by agency president Jim Cullen, worked well this morning in anticipation of her racing debut, which should come February 28 in a maiden allowance at Turfway Park.

Kitts Fitz has been training forwardly since having come back to the track in early December. The bay filly has a series of solid works to her credit, and this morning she turned in a final breeze prior to her first career start.

Working alone, Kitts Fitz drilled five furlongs out of the gate in 1:06 on a heavy, muddy surface. She galloped out strongly and cooled out very quickly back at the barn.

"The time won't scare anybody but I'm pleased with the work," said Cullen. "Matthew Straight came in to breeze (Kitts Fitz), and I wanted him to break sharply but then collect her during the early stages of the drill. I wanted her running harder at the end of the work than the beginning and that's just what I got - she finished up great. I'm pleased with what I saw.

"The track was muddy and really heavy, but even so it didn't tire her out at all. She's fit and ready to run."

Kitts Fitz is scheduled to debut in a maiden special weight race at Turfway Park this Sunday, February 28. The contest is a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for three-year-old fillies, and Straight has committed to ride.

Cullen said he's excited about the filly's prospects, though he is realistic about her chances on Sunday.

"This filly's got some speed but it's apparent she's going to be a two-turn filly," Cullen said. "Knowing that we've been working to get her relaxed behind horses and then finish up with a run. She's handled everything we've thrown at her like a pro, and even if she doesn't win on Sunday I'm sure the experience will do her good."

By Seattle Fitz (Arg) out of the Gold Case mare Melody Prospector, Kitts Fitz was bred by Cullen. The filly was offered for sale at the 2009 Keeneland January sale, where Cullen's wife, Kristine, purchased her for just $3,000 on behalf of her Florence Racing Stable.

"National City Bank appraised (Kitts Fitz) for $30,000-to-$40,000 in August 2008," said Cullen. "I wanted to sell the filly but when my wife was able to buy a commodity that valuable for $3,000 she couldn't pass it up. The filly doesn't have a ton of pedigree but she's a nice individual from a good family that Wimborne Farm imported, so there is some back class there. Hopefully we'll have some fun with her and Kristine will at least win her $3,000 back."

To view today's worktab from The Thoroughbred Center click here.

Kitts Fitz breezes again for racing debut later this month
2/19/2010


Florence Racing Stable's Kitt's Fitz turned in another sharp workout this morning as she continues to prepare for her racing debut, which could come later this month.

A Cullen homebred, Kitts Fitz is a three-year-old daughter of Seattle Fitz out of the Gold Case mare Melody Prospector. She was turned out last fall but came back to the track in December and has since been training forwardly.

Kitts Fitz turned in a very encouraging breeze this morning. The bay filly broke off from the quarter pole in little more than a 'two-minute lick' and cruised through the opening quarter mile in 26.1 seconds. She picked it up noticeably through the turn and down the stretch to the wire, however, and finished up the second quarter in 24.3 seconds.

Kitts Fitz galloped out very strongly and cooled out in good order back at the barn.

"Today's work was perfect," said Cullen. "I told the (exercise rider) I wanted something around 51 seconds and he nailed it. But more than that I'm very pleased with how she did it - she was relaxed and professional early but responded when asked, just like you want from a racehorse.

"I would be very surprised if Kitts Fitz isn't a two-turn filly so to see her turn of foot is encouraging. She scoped good after the work and tore into her lunch, so it's hard to imagine her doing any better than she is right now. I can't wait for her to run."

Kitts Fitz might get that chance next Sunday, February 28. Cullen said he is targeting a maiden allowance there going 6 1/2 furlongs.

"I'm going to work this filly again next week, and if all goes well she'll run on the 28th," said Cullen. "We're in no hurry, and ideally she could probably use another work or two. But you have to start somewhere, and I'm a big believer in running 'em when they're doing good. If she shows me next week what she exhibited today she'll get a shot to do it when it counts."

To view today's complete worktab from the Thoroughbred Training Center click here.

Horses purchased by Cullen Bloodstock go postward this weekend
2/19/2010


Three allowance winners purchased at public auction by agency president Jim Cullen will go postward this weekend as logical choices in races at Turfway Park and Fair Grounds.

The maiden special weight winner Know and Trust will get things started when she contests the sixth race at Turfway on February 20. The filly is the morning-line favorite in a $15,000 claiming event going six furlongs. Thomas Pompell will ride the chestnut filly, who has drawn post three in a 10-horse field.

Know and Trust was purchased by Cullen for just $4,500 at the 2008 Keeneland January sale. Purchased originally for John Trumbulovich but now owned by a partnership, Know and Trust won a maiden allowance race at Mountaineer Park by 4 1/4-lengths in her third career start.

In her most recent start Know and Trust went unplaced in the $50,000 Cincinnati Trophy Stakes. She has earned $13,886 to date.

Later that same day, the multiple winner Sweet Gladys will look to return to the winner's circle when she runs back in the 11th race at Turfway Park. It's a first-level allowance for older fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs. Sweet Gladys will break from the rail under Fernando De La Cruz in a race in which she appears to lay over the competition.

Sweet Gladys won a similar race in her last but gets in again under the money allowance. As a Florida-bred mare she is not eligible for Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) money, meaning she ran for only $13,450 in her last. In fact, Sweet Gladys (pictured) will run for only $10,300 tomorrow because the majority of the $22,900 purse is KTDF funds.

"On paper Sweet Gladys should kill this field," said Cullen. "She has everything going for her - a definite class edge, controlling speed and three wins on the track from four starts. It's a pretty conservative spot to run a filly like this, given the modest purse she's running for, but it's definitely a field she should handle."

Cullen purchased Sweet Gladys for $55,000 at the 2007 Adena Springs two-year-olds in training sale. The classy mare boasts a career mark of 9-4-2-1 for total earnings of $37,061.

Finally, the good stakes mare Poppy's Li'l Girl will try for her third consecutive win on the grass when she contests the sixth race at Fair Grounds on February 21.

Trained by Sam David Jr. for Kathy Hornsby, Poppy's Li'l Girl will break from post five in the 7 1/2 furlong turf event for older fillies and mares. Jockey Jamie Theriot will be back in the irons, just as he was in her last when she rallied to win a similar spot in January by more than three widening lengths.

By Arch out of the stakes-placed mare Wanda Kaye, Poppy's Li'l Girl was purchased by Cullen as a weanling for $14,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November mixed sale.

Poppy's Li'l Girl has won five of 24 career starts for total earnings of $132,412.

"It's neat to see what these horses have become since I bought them as unraced prospects," said Cullen. "I purchased them at public auction collectively for $73,500, and to date they've earned a total of $183,359. Two of the three are stakes horses - the other, Sweet Gladys, figures to be soon - and all have won at least one allowance race. That's good stuff, and I think those accomplishments could improve even more after this weekend. I wouldn't be surprised if all three won!"

To view the Turfway Park entries for February 20 click here. To check out the Fair Grounds entries for February 21 click here.

Love You Crazy to be bred to Sharp Humor in 2010
2/10/2010


Love You Crazy, a stakes-placed mare originally campaigned by Four-Board Stable, will be bred to Sharp Humor later this spring.

By Touch Gold out of the stakes-winning mare Moonlight Affair (Friendly Lover), Love You Crazy was purchased by Cullen for $35,000 at the 2007 Adena Springs Two-Year-Olds in Training sale. She went on to win three allowance races and nearly $100,000 for Four-Board in three seasons of racing, and she also placed in the 2007 Ontario Debutante Stakes at Woodbine.

Love You Crazy sold as a broodmare prospect for $25,000 during the 2008 Keeneland November sale, where she was purchased by a former Four-Board partner and put back into training. After failing to win her first six starts of 2009 she was dropped in for a $7,500 tag at Keeneland in October. Cullen claimed her out of that start for a partnership that includes Margaux Farm.

Love You Crazy was retired to the breeding shed in December, and she is now being prepared for her new career as a broodmare. That endeavor will begin this spring with a visit to Sharp Humor, a graded stakes-winning son of Distorted Humor whose first foals are two-year-olds of 2010.

"Love You Crazy is an easy mare to breed," said Cullen. "She's a big, correct and attractive mare; she descends from a nice live female family; and she is an accomplished runner. But the nice thing from a breeding perspective is that she's an outcross to many of the most popular bloodlines in the Stud Book - you can breed her to just about anything.

"I know it's a 'bubble year' for Sharp Humor, but I liked him as a mate for a couple reasons. Love You Crazy is big and powerful but not the most refined individual. He figures to add some athleticism to her foals, as well as a bit more speed.

"Given her size and appearance it's easy to forget that Love You Crazy was very precocious, as was Sharp Humor, so it makes sense to capitalize on that strength. And, while the mating lacks any inbreeding in the immediate family, the resulting foal will be inbred three times to Mr. Prospector, five times to Northern Dancer, three times to Buckpasser, eight times to Native Dancer and 18 times to Nearco. Those are very desirable crosses to have and very hard to find in this day and age. We can only hope the foal in real life will live up to the promise it has on paper."

CBS purchase Poppy's Li'l Girl wins allowance at Fair Grounds
1/29/2010


Poppy's Li'l Girl, a good stakes performer purchased at public auction by Jim Cullen, rallied impressively to win an allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds on January 22.

Cullen bought Poppy's Li'l Girl as a weanling for $14,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. She is a dark bay or brown daughter of Arch out of the stakes-placed mare Wanda Kaye (Timeless Native). Poppy's Li'l Girl, who descends from the immediate family of Canadian Champion Nice Dancer among others, was originally purchased on behalf of Cunningham Racing Stable.

Now six years of age, Poppy's Li'l Girl entered Fair Grounds' fourth race - an about one mile turf event for older fillies and mares - off three dismal efforts, though all had come on sloppy racetracks and two had been washed off the grass. Astute handicappers might have noted, however, that the attractive mare had handily won her last start on turf, which had come at Louisiana Downs and resulted in a career-best Beyer Speed Figure.

Poppy's Li'l Girl broke cleanly and settled near the back of the pack during the early stages of the two-turn affair. Jockey Jamie Theriot meted out the mare's speed down the backstretch and through the turn for home, and he swung her out to launch his bid at the top of the lane. Poppy's Li'l Girl responded when in the clear and swept past her rivals to win going away by a widening 3 1/4 lengths.

Final time was 1:42.65 on the good turf still heavy from recent storms.

Poppy's Li'l Girl returned $14.60 to her backers and keyed a trifecta that payed $22,489 to anyone lucky enough to have wheeled her on top.

"I have always followed (Poppy's Li'l Girl) because she is an attractive mare with a 'sneaky good' pedigree," said Cullen. "She seems to have found her niche going a mile on the turf, and her style of running is devastating on her competition - she just mows 'em down. This was a huge effort - it will be interesting to see if it launches her to big things this year."

A Louisiana-bred filly, Poppy's Li'l Girl won for the second consecutive time in open company. It was her fifth victory from 24 starts, with three seconds and three thirds, and she has now won at least one race in each of her four seasons of racing.

Poppy's Li'l Girl banked $28,200 for her efforts to push her career earnings to $132,412.

To watch a video of Poppy's Li'l Girl's impressive victory click here. To see the charts from the Fair Grounds' card on January 22 click here.

CBS purchase Sweet Gladys blows away field to win feature race at Turfway Park
1/16/2010


Judging talent is the toughest, most critically important aspect of the racing business. Anyone can look at a horse, but projecting how it will do when it races, or at what level, is a unique skill that takes years to develop.

In an October posting on this site agency president Jim Cullen predicted Sweet Gladys would win in allowance company at Turfway during the 2009-10 meet, despite the fact that she had just been beaten in a claiming race at Keeneland. That prediction proved prophetic yesterday when Sweet Gladys destroyed a small field of distaffers to win the feature race at Turfway Park.

Sweet Gladys broke sharply from the rail in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint and went right to the lead under Fernando De La Cruz. The handsome bay mare led by a length after a sharp opening quarter mile in 22.83 seconds, and she continued to hold sway after a half mile in 46.47 seconds.

Sweet Gladys spurted clear at the head of the stretch and extended her lead to the wire in a powerful display. The five-year-old mare won by 5 3/4 lengths in a final time of 1:05.55.

"This mare looks like she's found her niche sprinting," said Cullen. "This was a fantastic race that showed she can compete with most older fillies at Turfway. It was very impressive."

By Awesome Again out of the Lite the Fuse mare Honey Eyed, Sweet Gladys was purchased by Cullen for $55,000 during the 2007 Adena Springs sale of two-year-olds in training. She was originally bought for Four-Board Stables but was sold in 2009 to dissolve the partnership. She is now owned by Old Henry Thoroughbreds, a partnership which includes Bill Guest and Pat Vaughn.

"I grew up playing golf with Mr. Guest and Mr. Vaughn and I couldn't be happier for them," Cullen said. "Mr. Guest told me once he's owned some horses in the past and never had any luck, so for him to have a mare like Sweet Gladys is very gratifying. It was the first horse he ever bought from me, so I'm pleased that I was able to help him."

The victory improved Sweet Gladys' record to 9-4-2-1, and the $13,450 she banked pushed her career earnings to $44,125.

To watch a replay of Sweet Gladys' impressive victory click here. To view the official chart of the race click here.

Filly purchased by Cullen as yearling to contest $50,000 stakes at Turfway Park
1/15/2010


Know and Trust, a three-year-old filly who was purchased by Cullen as a 'short' yearling last January, will run next in the $50,000 Cincinnati Trophy Stakes at Turfway Park on January 16.

By Cuvee, Know and Trust was purchased by Cullen for just $4,500 at the 2009 Keeneland January breeding stock sale. The handsome chestnut was purchased on behalf of former agency client John Trumbulovic, who now owns the filly in partnership with Kevin Geiger and trainer Billy Denzik.

Know and Trust won a maiden allowance race at Mountaineer Park in her most recent start, and the speedy filly will look to gain valuable black type when takes on this stakes field at 6 1/2 furlongs. Know and Trust drew post seven in a 10-horse field, and Rex Stokes will ride.

"I don't have anything to do with the owners or trainer any longer, but for the filly's sake I hope she runs well," said Cullen.

Know and Trust was named as a sarcastic tribute to Cullen, who at times uses the phrase to emphasize a point.

"At the end of the day this business is about buying winners," said Cullen. "I'm very pleased to have found a horse of this caliber for such a modest amount of money. She looks like she's got a bright future, and perhaps good things will happen for her tomorrow. I'll be pulling for her."

Know and Trust has a win and a third from three starts for total earnings of $13,386.

To view the entries for Turfway's card on January 16 click here.

Mare from immediate family of Love You Crazy brings $125,000 at Keeneland January
1/14/2010


Though results from the 2010 Keeneland January sale have been bleak thus far, a mare from the immediate family of Love You Crazy sold for $125,000 during the auction's second session on January 12.

Virtually all sales indices have plummeted during the first three days of Keeneland January, as horsemen continue to struggle with a bad economy and a lack of financing. These factors have caused marked decreases in gross receipts, average and median prices and number of horses sold during the opening sessions.

One mare who did sell well, however, was hip 532, a stakes-winning mare named Deputy Cures Blues. That mare is out of a half sister to the granddam of Love You Crazy, who was originally purchased and campaigned by agency president Jim Cullen.

Deputy Cures Blues was hammered down for $125,000 on the bid of renowned Maryland horseman Marshall Silverman. Sold in foal to Malibu Moon, the 10-year-old mare is represented by three foals to date but no runners.

Love You Crazy was sold by Cullen during the 2008 Keeneland November sale, where she brought $25,000. The stakes-placed daughter of Touch Gold was put back into training by her new owner, and Cullen was able to claim her back in October for just $7,500 on behalf of Margaux Farm. Love You Crazy has since been retired and is currently being prepped for the 2010 breeding season.

"Love You Crazy is a beautiful mare who is an attractive broodmare prospect on her own merit," said Cullen. "That said, it's always great to see horses from her immediate family do well on the track or in the sales ring. (Deputy Cures Blues) is a lovely mare who looks just like Love You Crazy, and while the former has a better race record I think the latter has a better pedigree. At a time when most people can't get a horse sold (the $125,000 sale price) definitely flatters our mare."

Love You Crazy also has a half-brother named Sacred Ground who was purchased as a yearling for $250,000. That colt is in training with Kiaren McLaughlin in New York.

To view complete results from Keeneland January click here.

It's a Yankee turns in solid work in preparation for next start
12/28/2009


It's a Yankee, a two-year-old son of Yankee Gentleman purchased and trained by Jim Cullen, turned in a sparkling work on December 24 as he continues to prepare for his next start.

An athletic bay colt, It's a Yankee (pictured) has not raced since he debuted in early September. The colt contested the pace in an allowance sprint at Ellis Park but faded after suffering a minor muscle pull in his back end.

It's a Yankee was taken out of training for a month to recover from the minor injury, but he's now training forwardly for his return to the races. Last Thursday he turned in his most professional performance to date when he breezed a half mile in 50.60 seconds at the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington. The colt was well in hand through much of the drill but finished up impressively.

"(It's a Yankee) was under wraps for most it - we just let him run the last 3/16ths," said Cullen. "He doesn't need to go fast: we know he's quick as hell. We're just trying to get him to relax and take his cues from the rider, which he did much better today. He finished up the last quarter in just over 23 seconds and he galloped out extremely well. It was good."

The time was seventh-fastest from 16 horses to work the distance.

Cullen indicated that It's a Yankee could be ready to run in as little as two or three weeks.

"If I wanted to rush him he could probably run today, but there's no reason to push the envelope," Cullen said. "If the weather is good he'll work again this Saturday (January 2), and then we'll see where we are. He's going good right now..."

Cullen said that barring injury It's a Yankee could run in a maiden allowance race at Penn National on January 15.

To view the Thoroughbred Center's complete worktab from December 24 click here.

Know and Trust becomes latest maiden allowance winner purchased by Cullen Bloodstock
12/13/2009


Know and Trust, a two-year-old filly purchased at public auction by agency president Jim Cullen, posted an impressive front-running victory tonight in a maiden special weight race at Mountaineer Park.

A chestnut daughter of Cuvee, Know and Trust was purchased as a 'short' yearling by Cullen for $4,500 at the 2008 Keeneland January mixed sale. She was purchased on behalf of former client John Trumbulovic, who now co-owns the filly after buying her back for $1,200 at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton October yearling sale.

"This filly was a very athletic and well-balanced yearling with a big walk and a pretty head," said Cullen. "There was a lot to like about her, and we got her at a significant discount because she had an immature throat. That scared off a number of buyers, but I wasn't overly concerned. Structually the throat was good, so barring anything unusual she figured to grow out of it. After tonight's performance I guess it's safe to say she did..."

Know and Trust broke alertly and went right to the front in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint. She conceded the lead briefly to heavy favorite La Belle Vie, but assumed command midway through the turn for home. She opened up a clear lead at the top of the stretch and widened down the lane to win by 4 1/4 lengths.

Final time was 1:05.47 on a good track.

"Visually it was a very impressive performance," said Cullen. "(Know and Trust) broke sharply, came back to her rider and then accelerated when asked. She runs like she walked when I bought her - beautifully."

Know and Trust, who was named for a saying that Cullen frequently uses to stress a point, banked $11,368 to boost her career earnings to $13,385.

"When you evaluate and buy horses for a living it doesn't get much better than buying a yearling who breaks her maiden in allowance company at two," said Cullen. "At the end of the day your performance as a professional is judged by the horses you buy, and at what price. I'm very proud that I was able to identify and purchase a filly that possesses Know and Trust's obvious ability for such a modest price."

To view the official chart of Know and Trust's maiden victory click here.

Cullen broodmare purchase is half to 2009 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) winner
11/28/2009


Quickest, a broodmare prospect purchased by Jim Cullen for former client Vincent Colbert, got a huge update today when her half brother Super Saver dominated eight rivals to win the $150,000 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Super Saver entered the Kentucky Jockey Club as a legitimate Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful following a game fourth-place finish in the Champagne Stakes (G1). His stock rose dramatically today with a stakes-record victory over the same surface where the Derby will be contested next May.

The WinStar Farm homebred went right to the lead under Calvin Borel and blew away the competition. Super Saver led by 1 1/2 lengths after opening quarters of 23.33 and 46.75 seconds. He was challenged briefly as the field moved into the turn, but he spurted away to lead by five lengths at the top of the stretch. From there the impressive bay colt cruised home to win decisively.

Final time was 1:42.83, breaking by two-fifths of a second the previous record (1:43.14) set by Captain Steve in 1999.

Super Saver is out of Supercharger, a winning daughter of A.P. Indy from the immediate family of Bluegrass Cat. Supercharger is also a full sister to 2009 Jerome Handicap (G2) winner Girolamo.

In 2007, Cullen purchased an unraced two-year-old filly out of Supercharger for $40,000 at Keeneland January. Named Quickest, the daughter of Forest Wildcat is the only broodmare prospect Cullen has ever purchased for Colbert at public auction.

"Quickest was a very attractive individual who I liked very much when I bought her," said Cullen. "She was very typical of most Forest Wildcats - compact and powerful but with a very attractive head. I thought she would be a great buy for Colbert, as he was looking to secure well-bred young mares without spending a great deal of money. The fact that Quickest was just two when I bought her probably worked in her favor and kept the price down somewhat. I was amazed we got her for what we did - she's sure worth a lot more today!

"I might be biased, but Super Saver's performance today was the most impressive I've seen by a two-year-old this year. Given the colt's pedigree you'd have to think he's got a real chance to get 10 furlongs, which is an exciting proposition for a Derby prospect. To have purchased a young broodmare so closely associated with this colt - as well as Girolamo - is very gratifying."

Quickest reportedly is going to be offered for sale at the 2010 Keeneland January sale. The mare produced her first foal earlier this year, a filly by Bandini. She is currently not in foal.

To read more about the 2009 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes click here or here. To view the official chart of the race click here.

Cullen claims stakes-placed Love You Crazy at Keeneland for new partnership
10/30/2009


Agency president Jim Cullen returned to a familiar source when he claimed the stakes-placed filly Love You Crazy out of the second race at Keeneland this afternoon.

A five-year-old mare by Touch Gold, Love You Crazy was originally purchased at public auction by Cullen for $35,000 in 2006. The impressive bay was campaigned by Four-Board Racing Stable for her first three seasons of racing (pictured), during which she won three races, nearly $100,000 and placed in the $150,000 Ontario Lassie Stakes at two.

Love You Crazy was sold at the 2008 Keeneland November sale to dissolve the partnership, and she commanded a final bid of $25,000 despite being a maiden mare and not in foal. Love You Crazy had made five starts without winning for her new owner, with her best finish being a well-beaten third at Mountaineer Park two starts back.

Love You Crazy was shipped to Lexington today to contest the second race at Keeneland, a $7,500 claiming event for older fillies and mares going about seven furlongs. Unfortunately for her connections the mare was never in the race. Love You Crazy broke poorly and trailed by many throughout, ultimately finishing last in the field of 12.

Cullen dropped the claim slip and gladly took Love You Crazy home on behalf of Steve Johnson, owner of Margaux Farm in Lexington.

"She didn't run well today but I couldn't be happier with the claim," said Cullen. "Paula Bacon did a great job with this mare - she looks fantastic. She's carrying good weight and appears very sound. I actually talked with Paula after the race and she was surprised LYC didn't give a better performance, but she never had a chance after the bad break.

"We'll have to wait and see how things go, but at this point it seems that (Love You Crazy) has got a few starts left in the tank - she came out of the race in great shape. She's going to be bred next spring but perhaps I can find a spot where we can recoup some of the claiming price. Steve owns the mare so I'll just talk with him and see if he wants to race her or just take her straight to the farm."

Johnson indicated the mare would be owned by a partnership that included Nick Strong, president of Old Colony Insurance Services - for whom Cullen works - and Rich and Gail Zwakenberg of Reno, Nevada.

While it's obvious Cullen was able to secure Love You Crazy at a fraction of her auction price less than a year ago, the mare's residual value could increase exponentially in coming months. Love You Crazy has a two-year-old half brother by Awesome Again named Sacred Ground. Purchased as a yearling by Mary and Gary West for $250,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September sale, Sacred Ground has been working forwardly for trainer Kieran McLaughlin in New York.

"Sacred Ground has multiple half-mile breezes to his credit, including a couple 'bullet' works at Belmont over the past few months," said Cullen. "He's pretty close to running. A friend of mine close to McLaughlin told me he is a very nice colt that they're high on, so hopefully he'll fulfill the promise he's showing in the morning. He's an Ontario-bred colt eligible for a ton of Canadian stakes, including the Queen's Plate, so we'll hope he makes some noise and gives a meaningful boost to the pedigree."

In addition to Sacred Ground, Love You Crazy is also a half sister to a beautiful yearling filly by El Prado (Ire). The gray filly sold for $37,000 at the recently concluded Keeneland September yearling sale, which was a good price given the depressed returns of the auction.

Love You Crazy is the first foal out of the multiple stakes-winning mare Moonlight Affair (Lite the Fuse), who was retired to the Adena Springs breeding shed with earnings of $460,000. Moonlight Affair foaled another El Prado filly this past spring.

"I believe the plan is to keep Love You Crazy for many years and see if she can be developed into a meaningful, productive broodmare," said Cullen. "That said, if either Sacred Ground or the El Prado filly do anything significant next year I'm sure they will consider selling her at Keeneland November. It's a nice spot to be in. All I know is that Steve is very happy with the claim and was pleased I made him aware that she was available for that price. That makes me feel good.

"I don't know what the future holds for Love You Crazy - I'm just really glad she's back in my barn and I know she's going to a good home for terrific owners."

To view the official chart of today's second race from Keeneland click here.

Magic Appeal places in $65,000 stakes on closing day at Belmont
10/26/2009


Cobra Farm's Magic Appeal, a two-year-old filly produced from a Cullen Bloodstock broodmare partnership, ran gamely but had to settle for second in the $67,500 Wings of Jove Stakes at Belmont Park yesterday.

A daughter of Successful Appeal, Magic Appeal is out of the Caller I.D. mare Call Her Magic. Call Her Magic was purchased by Cullen for $75,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November sale on behalf of two-time Eclipse Award winner Richard Englander. When Englander wanted to sell Call Her Magic after having sold the mare's first foal for $90,000, Cullen purchased her on behalf of a partnership with Gullbram Shamrock Stables. The mare was purchased in foal to Successful Appeal, the result of a Cullen Bloodstock mating.

That foal has become Magic Appeal (pictured), who broke her maiden at Saratoga this summer before she placed in the $150,000 Adirondack Stakes (G2) on August 19. After an unplaced effort in the $300,000 Spinaway Stakes (G1) in early September, Magic Appeal returned to contest the six-furlong Wings of Jove for trainer Stanley Hough.

Magic Appeal broke well under Cornelio Velasquez and was fourth early in the six-horse field. The duo tracked favored Female Drama - a Todd Pletcher trainee - through opening quarters of 22.06 and 45.28 seconds. Velasquez moved his filly out to launch his bid at the top of the stretch, but the favorite was too tough and never backed up. Magic Appeal did rally to nail another rival for the place, getting up just before the wire to get second by a neck.

Magic Appeal earned $13,500 for her second stakes placing to push her career earnings to $65,600.

To view the official chart click here.

Stakes filly produced from CBS foal-share breaks maiden impressively at Remington Park
10/26/2009


Miss Afleet Alex, a juvenile stakes filly produced from a CBS foal-share partnership, rallied from last to handily win a two-turn maiden allowance race at Remington Park on October 23.

Trained by Tehfeh Moores on behalf of Misty Meadows Farm, Miss Afleet Alex is from the first crop of 2005 Preakness (G1) and Belmont (G1) Stakes winner Afleet Alex. The filly is out of the Grade 3 stakes winner Go Again Valid, by Valid Appeal.

Miss Afleet Alex was mated by Cullen as part of a foal-share arrangement with the principal owners of Hidden Brook Farm - with whom Cullen worked at Adena Springs at the time - and agency client John Calderone. The filly sold for $22,000 at the OBS April two-year-olds in training sale earlier this year.

Miss Afleet Alex finished second at Lone Star Park in her racing debut, then returned to place in the $50,000 Donnie Wilhite Memorial Handicap on the turf at Louisiana Downs on August 15. She was back on the dirt to try the maiden race at Remington on Saturday, which was carded as the third race of the day.

Jockey Clifford Berry allowed Miss Afleet Alex to drop to last in the one mile 70-yard affair, and they loped along through an opening quarter in 22.99 seconds. Still trailing the field of seven after a half in 47.52, Miss Afleet Alex began to move into contention on the outside as the leaders approached the turn. The filly continued her run and assumed command at the top of the stretch, from where she opened up and drew off to win by 3 1/4 widening lengths.

Final time was a sharp 1:42.55 on a fast track.

"I wasn't a big fan of Afleet Alex when he first went to stud, but my opinion definiately changed after I saw his first foals - they were really well-balanced and athletic," said agency president Jim Cullen. "(Miss Afleet Alex) certainly fits that profile, but she obviously has the mind and soundness to rate around two turns. That bodes well for her future, and it looks like she'll be a force in the Mid-South region. I wish her connections continued success and all the luck in the world."

Miss Afleet Alex banked $15,816 for her maiden victory to push her career earnings to $30,316.

To view the official chart of Miss Afleet Alex' maiden victory click here.

Sweet Gladys' win streak snapped at three with tough loss at Keeneland
10/26/2009


Sweet Gladys, an Awesome Again filly who was purchased at public auction by Jim Cullen, just missed in her attempt to win a fourth consecutive start when she caught late and finished second in the tenth race at Keeneland on October 23.

Out of the stakes-winning mare Honey Eyed (Lite the Fuse), Sweet Gladys had won three consecutive races beginning with a maiden allowance score in August. The handsome bay had won her previous two starts under upstart jockey Leandro Goncalves, who was back in the irons for the seven-furlong sprint at Keeneland.

Sweet Gladys broke sharply and went right to the front in the field of 10. But she was soon joined and hooked by two rivals, which forced a quick and contested opening quarter of 22.46 seconds.

Sweet Gladys battled her two rivals into submission by the time she hit the turn, and the filly still held a length advantage at the top of the stretch. Despite tiring due to the fast early fractions, Sweet Gladys dug in and appeared home free at the sixteenth pole. Unfortunately for her connections she was passed just yards from the finish line and finished second, beaten a half length for the whole thing.

Final time was 1:23.33 on the all-weather track. Sweet Gladys finished two lengths clear of the filly who finished third.

"(Sweet Gladys) ran too good to get beaten," said Cullen. "Seven furlongs is a hard race to win on the lead because it's a long sprint, and this filly never got a breather - she had to run hard the entire way. But she showed a lot of heart and class to battle the way she did, and there was no disgrace in finishing second given the way the race unfolded for her. She's turned into a useful filly who should be able to handle allowance company at Turfway this winter."

Sweet Gladys now boasts a record of 6-3-1-0, and the $5,800 she earned pushes her bankroll to $22,005.

Cullen bought Sweet Gladys for $55,000 at the 2007 Adena Springs two-year-olds in training sale (pictured). Originally purchased on behalf of Four-Board Stable, the filly was sold in January 2008 to dissolve that particular partnership. She is now owned by Old Henry Thoroughbreds LLC.

To view the official chart of Sweet Gladys' race at Keeneland click here.

Cullen Bloodstock purchase lights up the tote board at Suffolk Downs!
10/19/2009


Sweet Candy Ride, a three-year-old filly purchased at public auction by agency president Jim Cullen, stalked the early pace before she took over at the head of the stretch and drew off to victory today at Suffolk Downs.

A daughter of the exciting young sire Candy Ride, Sweet Candy Ride is out of the stakes-placed mare Farewell My Lovely (Red Ransom). Cullen purchased the dark bay or brown filly for $19,000 at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic two-year-olds in training sale.

Trained by Lori Lockhart for Vincent Colbert, Sweet Candy Ride had not won in seven starts since having won a maiden race by 14 3/4 lengths at Tampa Bay Downs in March. That all changed today in Suffolk Downs' fifth race.

Sweet Candy Ride broke cleanly from the rail and pressed the early pace in the six-furlong sprint. Jockey Eddie Castro moved Sweet Candy Ride into contention after a half-mile in 46.79 seconds, and the filly took command as the field turned for home.

Sweet Candy Ride extended her advantage to the wire to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Time for the six furlongs was 1:12.77 on a fast track.

Dismissed at odds of 14.60-to-1, Sweet Candy Ride rewarded her backers with a win payoff of $31.20!

"This filly has been a bit of a disappointment thus far, but she ran well today," said Cullen. "She's shown flashes of talent, but her biggest problem has been consistency - she just hasn't strung together a number of good performances. She ran to her looks today, though, so hopefully this will give her some confidence and she can reel off a couple wins for her connections."

Sweet Candy Ride won for the second time, and the $4,080 she banked for her winning effort pushed her career earnings to $14,058.

To view the official chart of Sweet Candy Ride's recent victory click here.

Girolamo highlights huge weekend for immediate family of CBS broodmare purchase
10/11/2009


Godolphin Racing's Girolamo moved into the top echelon of his division with a facile victory in the $150,000 Jerome Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park today.

A highly regarded three-year-old colt by A.P. Indy, Girolamo entered the one-mile Jerome off two impressive victories this summer in allowance company at Saratoga and Belmont. Despite making his stakes debut for 2009, Girolamo was installed as the overwhelming 4-to-5 favorite.

He did not disappoint. Girolamo (pictured) missed the break but moved into contention down the backside after an opening half in 45.83 seconds. He launched his bid in earnest at the three-eighths pole, collared the leader at the head of the stretch and pulled away decisively to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

Final time was a sharp 1:33.81 on a fast track.

The victory is an impressive update for the pedigree of Quickest, a daughter of Forest Wildcat who was purchased as a broodmare prospect by CBS president Jim Cullen in January 2007. Girolamo is a full brother to the dam of Quickest, Supercharger.

Quickest was hammered down for $40,000 at the 2007 Keeneland January sale. Cullen purchased the unraced two-year-old filly on behalf of Vincent and Marie Colbert.

"Quickest was a very attractive broodmare prospect when I purchased her," said Cullen. "It's a family of great depth and quality, and I felt like we got lucky to buy her for such a modest price.

"Now, with the emergence of Girolamo, it looks like a steal. He's already one of the top colts in his division, and you'd have to think he's a logical contender for the Breeders' Cup. What's more, if he stays sound and runs next year I believe he has all the tools to be a top handicap horse - maybe one of the best in the country. The sky's the limit for that colt. It's a real coup to have a mare from that immediate family."

To view the official chart of the Jerome click here.

As if Girolamo's victory wasn't enough, Quickest was just a nose short of having another huge update in her immediate family over the weekend. Her half-brother Super Saver led to deep stretch but finished fourth in the $400,000 Champagne Stakes at Belmont on October 10.

By Maria's Mon out of Supercharger, Super Saver is a WinStar Farm homebred trained by Todd Pletcher. The colt made his stakes debut in the one-mile Champagne, and he did not disgrace himself.

Breaking from the rail, Super Saver led through extremely fast opening fractions of 22.79 and 45.78 seconds. He was hooked by the more seasoned Discreetly Mine at the top of the lane, and the two battled gamely to the wire. They were both passed in deep stretch by the eventual winner of the race, Homeboykris, and Super Saver ultimately lost a bob of the head for show.

Time for the Champagne was 1:35.12. In the end, Super Saver was beaten just two lengths for the victory.

"Super Saver ran great, which is no surprise given his connections," said Cullen. "He didn't quit even though he was in tight quarters on the inside for his stretch run. The colt showed a lot of talent and a ton of heart, and it looks like he's got great things in his future. He might be a Breeders' Cup horse too.

"You know, to have just one horse from (Quickest's) family performing at such a high level would be exciting, but to have two close relatives doing so is amazing. The Colberts own a young, beautiful mare from one of the most desirable families in racing right now. They're sitting on a gold mine, and I couldn't be happier for them. I'm just proud to have played a part in this success."

To view the official chart of the Champagne Stakes click here.

Sweet Gladys wins third straight with gutsy score at Turfway Park
10/4/2009


Sweet Gladys, a four-year-old daughter of Awesome Again purchased at auction by Jim Cullen, gamely held off a determined bid by a rival to win the fourth race at Turfway Park on October 4.

The victory was the filly's third in a row. She broke her maiden in allowance conditions in August, then returned to win at Turfway Park in September.

Out of the stakes-winning mare Honey Eyed (Lite the Fuse), Sweet Gladys broke sharply in her race Sunday, a one-mile event for older fillies and mares who have never won three. Jockey Leandro Goncalves took the handsome bay right to the front, and the two led the field through opening quarters of 23.84 and 47.69 seconds.

Sweet Gladys was joined on the lead at the quarter pole by race favorite Pure Polished, and the pair ran in tandem from there to the wire. Sweet Gladys benefited when her rival went wide on the turn, but she dug in late when challenged and got up to win by a clear head.

Final time was 1:38.54 on the PolyTrack.

"Sweet Gladys showed a lot of guts to win the way she did," said Cullen. "She was stepping up in class to face multiple winners for the first time, and it was her first attempt around two turns. She overcame both of those obstacles and ran a really good race. I'm happy for her connections."

Cullen purchased Sweet Gladys for $55,000 at the 2007 OBS March two-year-olds in training sale. She was originally purchased for Four-Board Stables (pictured), but she was sold in January 2008 to dissolve that specific partnership. She is now owned by the Old Henry Stable of Pat Vaughn and Bill Guest.

"I grew up with Mr. Vaughn and Mr. Guest - we were all members of the same country club," said Cullen. "I'm very pleased that this filly is running so well for them. For their sake I hope she keeps it up and goes on to bigger and better things."

To view the official chart of Sweet Gladys' victory click here.

Brother to Cullen broodmare purchase on Derby trail after impressive maiden win at Belmont
9/14/2009


Super Saver, a two-year-old colt bred and owned by WinStar Farm, signaled his arrival in the upper echelon of the juvenile division with an impressive maiden victory in the fourth race at Belmont Park on September 11.

By Maria's Mon out of the A.P. Indy mare Supercharger, Super Saver made it look easy in the one-mile dirt affair. He broke sharply under Ramon Dominguez and cruised to the lead under tight restraint. The bay colt led by a length after a rapid opening quarter of 22.46 seconds, and he extended that advantage after getting the half mile in 45 seconds and change. Despite the fast early fractions Super Saver was never tested from there, and he cruised to the wire to win by seven in a hand ride.

Todd Pletcher trains Super Saver, who went postward as the 4-to-5 favorite.

Super Saver is a half brother to a broodmare prospect purchased by Cullen at the 2007 Keeneland January sale. Named Quickest, the filly was an unraced two-year-old daughter of Forest Wildcat who was purchased for $40,000 on behalf of Vincent Colbert.

"At the time I was amazed that we were able to purchase (Quickest) for such a modest price - and I'm still amazed today," said Cullen. "It's such a 'live' and talented family that I thought she was a real bargain at that price. As good as the pedigree is it looks like the mare might get a boost if Super Saver keeps running the way he did Friday. That was a huge race, and given that he won so easily at a mile in just his second start would lead you to believe distance isn't going to be a problem. He's an exciting prospect that is worth following this fall."

Supercharger is a half sister to the dam of Bluegrass Cat, a leading first-crop stallion whose debut crop of weanlings averaged $158,917 at public auction in 2008. What's more, Supercharger is a daughter of the stakes-winning mare Get Lucky (Mr. Prospector), whose colt by Storm Cat topped the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale when he was purchased by Coolmore Stud representatives for $2 million. She is also a full sister to the fast-developing sophomore colt Girolamo, who is being pointed for the Jerome Handicap in October after an impressive victory yesterday in a second-level allowance race at Belmont Park.

"There are so many different divisions of this family that are blowing up - it's incredible," said Cullen. "To have such a young and attractive broodmare like Quickest from this family is terrific. Given her age you could reasonably expect her to have 10 or 12 foals during her career. She's a franchise unto herself. I'm very pleased and proud that I was able to identify and purchase her for such a reasonable amount of money. She's one that Mr. Colbert could use to build his entire broodmare band around."

To view the official chart of Super Saver's maiden victory click here.

Sweet Gladys wins second consecutive race!
9/13/2009


Sweet Gladys, a daughter of Awesome Again purchased at public auction by Jim Cullen, dominated eight rivals on her way to an impressive front-running victory at Turfway Park on September 11.

A four-year-old filly owned by Old Henry Thoroughbreds, Sweet Gladys was originally purchased by Cullen for $55,000 during the 2007 Adena Springs two-year-olds in training sale. The handsome bay filly was originally bought on behalf of a partnership but was sold as an unraced filly in January 2008 to dissolve that group.

Sweet Gladys didn't make it to the races for more than two years, but she finally made her career debut this summer. After being unplaced in her first two starts the filly won a maiden allowance race at River Downs last month.

Sweet Gladys returned to face winners for the first time Friday in Turfway's sixth racey, a six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares who have not won two races.

Sweet Gladys was simply much the best against this class of horse. She broke on top and led through fast quarters of 22.26 and 45.61 seconds. The filly held a half-length lead to the top of the stretch but extended her advantage to the wire and won by 2 3/4 lengths.

Final time was a sharp 1:11.30 over the PolyTrack.

"I have always thought Sweet Gladys had the makings to be a nice runner, and it's good to see her living up to that belief," said Cullen. "Offspring of Awesome Again always seem to do better as they get older, so hopefully this will be the start of her winning some meaningful races. I grew up with the men who now own her and wish them nothing but the best."

Out of the stakes-winning mare Honey Eyed (Lite the Fuse), Sweet Gladys has now won half of her four career starts. She banked $6,000 for her most recent victory.

To view the official chart of Sweet Gladys' victory click here.

Bob and Rich becomes second CBS purchase to win on September 11
9/13/2009


The five-year-old gelding Bob and Rich continued to earn his keep on Friday when he won a lucrative claiming race at Presque Isle Downs. The Paula Bacon-trainee became the second horse purchased by Jim Cullen to win a race on September 11, joining the four-year-old filly Sweet Gladys (see story above).

By Catienus out of the Belong to Me mare Belongs to Mony, Bob and Rich was bought privately by Cullen for $35,000 in the spring of 2007. The dark brown or bay gelding was purchased on behalf of 5280 Stable, a Denver-based partnership of new horse owners.

Bob and Rich was promptly turned over to trainer Reade Baker in Canada, for whom he finished a good second in a $32,000 claiming race - and earned $7,938 - just six weeks after he was purchased. He then placed twice in consecutive $50,000 claiming races that summer before he began to suffer from minor physical issues that caused him to be dropped in class. He actually missed much of 2008 - winning one of just four starts - and has returned to run in modest company.

Even so, Bob and Rich has been a model of consistency and resilancy, having run 13 times in 2009 alone, with one win prior to Friday and seven runner-up finishes. He posted his second victory of the year with a workmanlike performance in the eighth race at Presque Isle on September 11.

As is his style, Bob and Rich dropped back to last early in the 1 mile 70 yard event, and he still trailed the field after a half mile in 48.08 seconds. Jockey Mario Pino began to move the gelding up down the backstretch and into the turn, and by the time they reached the top of the stretch they had just one horse to pass. Bob and Rich did so convincingly just past the eighth pole and went on to post a decisive victory as the 3-to-1 third choice.

Bob and Rich earned $8,400 to boost this year's bankroll to $27,828. He also improved his overall record to 29-3-8-3 for earnings of $56,771 since being purchased by Cullen.

To view the official chart of Bob and Rich's victory click here.

It's a Yankee to debut in maiden allowance race at Ellis Park on September 5
9/4/2009


It's a Yankee, a two-year-old colt purchased and trained by agency president Jim Cullen, will make the first start of his career tomorrow in the seventh race at Ellis Park.

An athletic bay son of Yankee Gentleman, It's a Yankee has been training forwardly for his racing debut. He'll face real competition for the first time when he goes postward Saturday in the seventh race on the card, a maiden special weight event for juvenile colts and geldings going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

It's a Yankee has drawn post eight in a 12-horse field, and young apprentice rider Stephanie Slinger will ride. Post time is scheduled for 3:08 CDT (4:08 Eastern) and the purse is $25,000.

"Ideally I'd like another couple weeks so I could work him a few more times, but given the circumstances we're going to take a shot with him now," said Cullen. "I don't want to run him on the PolyTrack at Turfway for his first race, and that's what we're looking at after Ellis closes this weekend. He's still a bit 'green', but hopefully he'll get some meaningful experience out of this first start so it will help him get ready for Keeneland."

Cullen is excited about seeing It's a Yankee race for the first time.

"(It's a Yankee) has been very impressive in the mornings - he's working up a storm," said Cullen. "I just hope that translates into good things in the afternoon. I do know that he's fast, he's fit and he's feeling good, so we're going to see what he can do when it counts."

It's a Yankee posted the fastest time of the morning in his most recent work when he breezed three furlongs from the gate in 36.1 seconds on August 28. It was his second 'bullet' work from his last three drills, the other coming when he shaded 48 seconds for a half mile in early August.

"I'm not that concerned about how he stacks up from a talent perspective; I'm more concerned about how he handles all the excitement that comes with a first race. If he doesn't get overwhelmed with the newness of it all he'll make a good account of himself. He's not supposed to win tomorrow - there are some big-name trainers in here running some nice horses on paper - but I think he fits with most two-year-old colts around here."

Cullen said the decision to ride the young apprentice Slinger was an easy one.

"Stephanie has worked the colt a couple times for me so I decided to let her stay on him," he said. "She's young but she's got a lot of experience; she's been an exercise rider for a lot of top outfits across the country and she looks good in the saddle. The important thing is she fits this colt and they get along well, which should be a big advantage tomorrow. Hopefully they can pull each other through and come up with a big effort."

To view the entries for tomorrow's card at Ellis Park click here.

$8,500 juvenile purchase wins feature allowance tilt at Louisiana Downs!
8/28/2009


Cunningham Racing's Brice's Crossroads, a four-year-old colt purchased at public auction by Jim Cullen, took control early and cruised to an impressive victory in the ninth and feature race at Louisiana Downs yesterday.

With Elvis Perrodin riding for trainer Patrick Mouton, Brice's Crossroads broke well in the 1 mile and 70 yard dirt contest. The chestnut colt went right to the front and battled through solid opening fractions of 23.11 and 47.38 seconds. Brice's Crossroads moved in front after six furlongs in 1:12.10 and held a half-length advantage as the field turned for home.

Though strongly tested throughout the length of the stretch, Brice's Crossroads held sway and hit the wire three-quarters of a length to the good. Final time was 1:42.64 on a fast track.

"We were really looking forward to running him yesterday," said Joel Cunningham, who campaigns the colt with his father, Marvin. "It was his third start back off a pretty long layoff and he'd been training super coming into the race. He didn't run well in his previous start, but that wasn't a big concern because it was on turf and he's a lot better on dirt - we just didn't have any other place to run him last time. He ran like we hoped he would; he stepped up and ran big today. We're very happy with him."

By Leestown, Brice's Crossroads is out of the winning Devil's Bag mare Crossed Wire. Cullen purchased the colt on behalf of the Cunninghams for just $8,500 at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton Texas two-year-olds in training sale.

The victory was Brice's Crossroads third from 12 starts, along with two seconds and a third. The Louisiana-bred colt earned $19,500 for his efforts to push his bankroll to $60,745.

"I'm really pleased for the Cunninghams," said Cullen. "They're great owners who love the game and treat their horses the way everybody should. It makes me feel good that we were able to find them a colt like this for such a reasonable amount of money. The only way I could be happier is if I owned him myself!

"(Brice's Crossroads) has tried their patience, but they've stayed the course and now they're reaping the rewards. He had a pretty serious bout with colic that kept him from running at two, and last year he came out of an allowance victory with a chip in a knee that forced him to the sidelines. But when he's right he can run with just about anything down there (in Louisiana). Joel told me yesterday that they're considering a $50,000 stakes on Louisiana Champions Day for his next start, so the best might be yet to come."

To view the official chart of Brice's Crossroads victory yesterday click here.

Cullen Bloodstock suggests mating, sells season that produces first stakes winner by Ghostzapper
8/28/2009


Steeplechase Farm's homebred colt Golden Ghost became the first stakes winner for his sire, Ghostzapper, when he dead-heated for victory in the $75,000 First State Dash Stakes at Delaware Park on August 22.

Owned by brothers John and Mike Gorham, Steeplechase Farm campaigned Golden Ghost's dam, the Grade 1 stakes winner Mandy's Gold. Mandy's Gold was a daughter of Gilded Time who hit the board in 21-of-24 career starts and earned more than $1 million. Her numerous stakes victories were topped by a dominating score in the 2002 Ruffian Handicap (G1) at Belmont Park.

Steeplechase Farm retired Mandy's Gold to the breeding shed at the conclusion of her 2004 campaign. The mare was bred her maiden season to Smarty Jones in 2005, which produced a smallish, compact colt named Smarty's Gold.

In early 2006, Cullen was approached by colleague and friend Chris Swann, who helps manage the Steeplechase Farm broodmare portfolio. Swann indicated he was undecided on a mate for Mandy's Gold for that breeding season. Cullen, who was working for Adena Springs at the time as stallion manager, quickly offered a season to Ghostzapper.

"It was a no-brainer - I jumped at the chance to get her," said Cullen. "A mare as talented as Mandy's Gold would be highly coveted for any stallion book, but I especially loved her for Ghostzapper (pictured). It was his first year at stud, and (farm owner Frank) Stronach wanted him bred to mares that offered a complete outcross to his pedigree. That was definitely the case with Mandy's Gold, so I offered Chris a season on the spot. He liked the mating as well and we were fortunate that the Gorhams agreed. It's been a win-win situation for everybody.

"Of course, breeding Grade 1 stakes-winning mares to $100,000 stallions is not rocket science. Those results usually make you look a lot smarter than when you breed ordinary mares to $5,000 studs!"

Unfortunately, Mandy's Gold was euthanized this summer due to complications from laminitis.

To read more about Ghostzapper's first stakes winner and watch the race click here.

Kitts Fitz turns in solid breeze as she readies for racing debut
8/4/2009


Florence Racing Stable's Kitt's Fitz recorded a sharp half-mile breeze this morning as she continues to prepare for her racing debut later this month.

A Cullen Bloodstock homebred, Kitts Fitz is a two-year-old filly by Seattle Fitz (Arg) out of Melody Prospector (Gold Case).

Kitts Fitz has been training forwardly for agency president Jim Cullen since early summer. Today the filly recorded a useful maintenance breeze that should help put the finishing touches on her conditioning.

"This filly is pretty fit - she doesn't need to do a whole lot more before she'll be ready to run," said Cullen. "She went easy today and was in hand throughout. I wanted a good solid work and a strong gallop out, and that's what I got. I'm really happy with the way things went."

Cullen indicated that Kitts Fitz could debut in a maiden allowance race at Ellis Park on August 16.

"I'm going to work her out of the gate later this week, and if she breaks and trains well I wouldn't be afraid to run her. I'll wait and see how it goes, but she's not that far away (from her first start).

"This is a big filly, especially considering her young age," said Cullen. "She figures to need a race or two before she's at her best because she'll almost certainly be a two-turn runner. She's got a long stride and a big beautiful throat; she's very 'windy' and acts like she'll run all day. That's not a surprise given her sire won a Grade 2 stakes race at nine furlongs in New York. I'm excited about seeing her run."

Seattle Fitz won the 2007 Brooklyn Handicap in a time of 1:46 1/5, the second-fastest time ever recorded at Belmont Park.

To view today's complete worktab from the Thoroughbred Center click here.

Cullen juvenile purchase returns from layoff with sharp runner-up finish at Louisiana Downs
6/26/2009


Brice's Crossroads, purchased by agency president Jim Cullen for just $8,500 at public auction in 2007, returned from a nine-month layoff to run second in the fourth race at Louisiana Downs on June 25.

Brice's Crossroads is a four-year-old son of Leestown out of the Devil's Bag mare Crossed Wire. The chestnut colt was purchased at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton Texas two-year-olds in training sale on behalf of Marvin and Joel Cunningham.

Trained by Patrick Mouton, Brice's Crossroads was last seen in September when he won an entry allowance race at Louisiana Downs by 2 1/4 lengths. Unfortunately the colt exited the race with a knee injury that necessitated some time off.

Brice's Crossroads had been training well this spring for his return, which came yesterday in a six-furlong sprint on the main dirt track.

The colt broke slowly under jockey Elvis Perrodin and was fifth of seven after an opening quarter of 22.91 seconds. He moved up steadily throughout the course of the race to run a clear second, but he was no match for the winner.

Final time was 1:11.25.

The runner-up finish boosted Brice's Crossroads record to 10-2-2-1, and the $3,700 he earned for his efforts pushed his career bankroll over the $40,000 mark.

"You never know how a horse is going to perform when they come back from a knee injury, but it looks like it hasn't compromised (Brice's Crossroads') ability to run," said Cullen. "This colt has done his best running around two turns, so they figured the race was probably a little too short for him. But it was a sensible spot to come back, and with this race under their belt they can go on to races going a route of ground."

According to Joel Cunningham the colt would be pointed for an allowance race at Louisiana Downs in mid-July.

"Brice's Crossroads was a solid, compact two-year-old that had a great way of going," said Cullen. "He didn't have much pedigree, but with his athleticism I thought the colt had a chance to be a useful horse. Even with his problems he's more than paid for himself, but if he can avoid the injury bug he might be able to exceed our original expectations."

To view the official chart of Brice's Crossroads' comeback race click here.

Cullen Bloodstock purchases juvenile colt for New York-based partnership
6/23/2009


Agency president Jim Cullen today purchased a flashy two-year-old colt on behalf of a partnership based in Albany, New York.

The colt is by Yankee Gentleman out of the winning Ghazi mare Whatwazzat. The second foal to race out of the mare, the colt is a half-brother to a dual winner of more than $50,000.

Whatwazzat is a half sister to seven winners from as many to race, including the good stakes winners Whoozie (Major Impact) and Royal Fanfare (Royal Roberto).

The colt was purchased from Spooky Hollow Racing. Price was not disclosed.

"I have been following this colt closely for the past three months," said Cullen. "He's in the barn right down from me and I watch him train every day. I'm a big fan of Yankee Gentleman, and this one looks like all his good ones - compact, athletic and fast. If he runs to his looks we're in good shape."

The colt was purchased on behalf of three attorneys who race as a partnership in New York. He will be trained by Cullen for now but will likely ship to Chad Brown later this year for a summer and fall campaign.

"He's already breezed three furlongs a couple times and is only 45 days or so from the races, so hopefully we'll get him in the starting gate before the end of summer," Cullen said. "I think he's a lot of horse for the money."

Cullen indicated that his affection for Whoozie was one of the reasons he purchased this colt.

"We used to run against Whoozie when I was with West Point (Thoroughbreds)," Cullen said. "She was a cut or two below the very best distaff sprinters, but she was an extremely fast and game filly. This colt reminds me a lot of her, and if he's got half of her talent we'll be all right."

Cullen homebred filly finishes third in debut race at Finger Lakes
6/22/2009


Striking Kathy, a four-year-old daughter of Smart Strike bred by agency president Jim Cullen and Dan Mallory, could not overcome a poor start and finished third in a maiden allowance race at Finger Lanes earlier today.

Trained by George Weaver for Shamrock Farm, Striking Kathy broke poorly in the six-furlong sprint and was last of eight through the opening quarter mile. The bay filly rushed into contention down the backstretch under Pedro Rodriguez and moved into second as the field straightened for home. She flattened out from there, however, and lost the place at the wire.

Final time was 1:12.74. Striking Kathy banked $2,000 for her effort.

"Things didn't really go her way, but she ran well for her first start," said Cullen. "After she broke badly it looked like she got excited and took off, which didn't leave much in reserve for the stretch run. But she showed enough talent to think she'll win a couple races down the road. It was a decent effort."

Striking Kathy is the first foal produced from the stakes-winning mare Call Her Magic (Caller I.D.) after she was purchased by Cullen for $75,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November sale. Striking Kathy subsequently sold for $90,000 at the 2005 Keeneland November sale.

Call Her Magic produced two more foals for Cullen and partners in 2006 and 2007, a filly by Congaree and a filly by Successful Appeal, respectively. The former sold as a weanling for $54,000 at the 2006 Keeneland November sale and the latter sold for $135,000 at the 2008 Saratoga yearling sale.

Call Her Magic (pictured) was sold in foal to Successful Appeal for $90,000 in 2007.

"I'm sure Striking Kathy has had her share of problems because it's taken her so long to get to the races," said Cullen. "But she's from the immediate family of Proud Spell, so if they can break her maiden she should be a valuable broodmare prospect. Daughters of Smart Strike are in very high demand, and with her pedigree she's a pretty valuable asset. Hopefully she'll go on to do good things for Shamrock Farm."

To view the official chart of Striking Kathy's debut race click here.

Flatterwithglitter runs gamely to finish second in sprint at Churchill Downs
6/20/2009


Florence Racing Stable's Flatterwithglitter carried the lead into deep stretch but could not hold off the heavy favorite and finished second in the first race at Churchill Downs on June 18.

A three-year-old filly by Flatter, Flatterwithglitter came into the 6 1/2 furlong sprint in great form. Unfortunately for her connections a torrential storm the morning of the race turned the surface heavy and sloppy, which figured to work against the speedy filly.

Flatterwithglitter broke well under jockey Shaun Bridgmohan and put herself right into the race. She sat just off a sharp opening quarter of 22.60 but moved up to assume command after a half mile. The filly extended her advantage to nearly two lengths at the top of the stretch, and she looked home free when she got to the sixteenth pole with the same lead. However, the fast early pace and heavy going did her in late, and she was collared and passed by the even-money favorite just before the wire.

Flatterwithglitter was beaten two lengths for the win. Final time was 1:18.81 on the deep, tiring track.

Flatterwithglitter earned $3,600 to push her career earnings over the $20,000 mark.

"She ran well; I'm proud of her," said agency president Jim Cullen, who trains Flatterwithglitter. "She took on older fillies and mares and held her own, and with the rain and sloppy track I didn't really know what to expect. But she ran hard and gave it everything she had. It was a good day - we got a check and saved the condition, so we'll find a similar race for her in due time.

"You know, (Flatterwithglitter) has won on PolyTrack and a fast dirt track, and she almost won on a sloppy track. I don't think turf will be any problem for her either; in fact, we might look for a turf sprint for her next start. It's really nice and a testament to her that she doesn't have to take her track with her and can run just about anywhere."

Cullen said the filly would probably run back in three or four weeks.

"The weather's getting hot, and as hard as she runs I'm going to give her some time to get over this race. We'll find something somewhere that fits her and hope to break through this last condition."

Out of the Glitterman mare Glitter Bond, Flatterwithglitter was purchased by Cullen for $14,000 at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton February mixed sale.

To view the official chart from Flatterwithglitter's race click here.

Well-bred mare purchased as weanling by Cullen Bloodstock goes over $100,000 in earnings
6/2/2009


Poppy's Li'l Girl, a five-year-old mare purchased as a weanling by agency president Jim Cullen, pushed her career earnings over the $100,000 mark when she won the second race at Louisiana Downs on May 31.

By Arch out of the stakes-placed mare Wanda Kaye (Timeless Native), Poppy's Li'l Girl was purchased by Cullen for $14,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November breeding sale. The filly was purchased on behalf of Cunningham Racing Stable.

Poppy's Li'l Girl did not make the races at two, but she has won at least one race in each of her three subsequent years of racing, including an allowance race at Louisiana Downs last year. She kept that streak intact with an impressive score in the second race at Louisiana Downs on Sunday.

With Francisco Torres riding for trainer Sam David Jr., Poppy's Li'l Girl rallied from last to win the 7 1/2-furlong turf event going away by two lengths. The attractive bay mare banked $12,000 for the victory to give her career earnings of $102,462.

"(Poppy's Li'l Girl) was purchased with the intent of racing before being retired as a broodmare," said Cullen. "Arch mares in general are very desirable, so to have one who has earned more than $100,000 adds a ton of residual value as a broodmare prospect. She hasn't gotten any blacktype yet and don't know that she's quite that type, but even if she doesn't she's proven to be a sound mare with better than average talent. Given her pedigree that means a lot."

Poppy's Li'l Girl's best finish in stakes company was fifth in a $100,000 stakes at Fair Grounds last fall.

Poppy's Li'l Girl has now compiled a record of 19-4-3-3 during three seasons of racing.

To view the official chart of Poppy's Li'l Girl's most recent victory click here.

Flatterwithglitter romps at Hawthorne to post second victory of young career
4/17/2009


Florence Racing Stable's Flatterwithglitter, a three-year-old filly purchased and trained by agency president Jim Cullen, dueled early but then drew off down the stretch to win the third race yesterday at Hawthorne Racecourse.

A three-year-old filly by Flatter, Flatterwithglitter was purchased by Cullen for $14,000 at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton February mixed sale. The filly broke her maiden at Turfway Park in January in just her second career start, but she had been off the board in three subsequent races.

Yesterday the filly ran for the second consecutive time at Hawthorne, this time with much improved results.

"(Flatterwithglitter) travels well, but I left her in Chicago because I wanted to run her back at Hawthorne instead of Keeneland," said Cullen. "The move made sense because it allowed the filly to walk over and run on the same track where she'd been training, as opposed to shipping six hours like she's had to a couple times. The filly had a couple solid weeks of training and responded yesterday with the type of performance we were expecting."

Breaking from post three in a six-horse field, Flatterwithglitter broke sharply and went to the front under apprentice jockey Dusty Shepherd. The filly battled two rivals on the front end through a sharp opening quarter in 22.41 seconds, but she put those away through the turn for home.

Flatterwithglitter spurted clear at the top of the stretch and maintained a multiple-length lead through the lane. She hit the wire 2 1/2 lengths on top to win at odds of 14-to-1.

"I was surprised she paid as much as she did to win," said Cullen. "She was 5-to-2 five minutes before post and 11-to-1 going into the gate. She drifted up during the running of the race, which was a true gift for those of us who bet on her. It was great."

Final time was 1:12.79 on a fast track.

Flatterwithglitter earned $8,700 for her second win from six starts to boost her total earnings to $16,269. She has now won on the PolyTrack and dirt, but she could run next in an allowance race on the turf at Indiana Downs.

"This filly is very versatile; it looks like she'll run on anything," said Cullen. "That's great because it gives us a lot more options from which to choose."

To view the official chart of Flatterwithglitter's victorious race click here. To watch a replay of the race you can click here and then click on 'Race 3'.

Patsy Ann works bullet while brother is profiled by Blood-Horse
3/8/2009


Patsy Ann, a four-year-old filly purchased as a yearling by Jim Cullen, turned in a bullet work on March 7 as she continues to prepare for her racing debut.

By Yankee Gentleman out of the stakes-winning mare Silver Spool (Strike Gold), Patsy Ann was purchased by Cullen for $100,000 during the 2006 Fasig-Tipton July yearling sale. The filly was pinhooked and offered for sale the following spring (pictured), but she was ultimately bought back to race for Four-Board Stable.

Now owned by Gabe Grossberg's Dark Star Thoroughbreds after her particular partnership was dissolved, Patsy Ann is currently in training with Tom Albertrani. The dark bay filly is currently stabled at Penn National Racecourse, though it is expected she will be raced in New York later this spring.

Patsy Ann signaled her readiness - and her speed - with a bullet work yesterday. The handsome miss drilled five furlongs in 1:01.80, the fastest time from 14 horses to work the distance.

It was Patsy Ann's second work at five furlongs.

"I'm really sorry I don't own Patsy Ann anymore because I always thought she was a uniquely talented filly," said Cullen, who named the filly after his mother. "But I'm very pleased and proud that Gabe has her now, and I'm hopeful she does for him what we all expected her to do for Four-Board Stable.

"Patsy Ann has always shown a ton of speed and ability from the very first time we put her under tack. It's taken her a while to get to the races, but I would suspect she's not far from making her debut. I'm very excited about watching her run."

To view Saturday's complete worktab from Penn National click here.

Meanwhile, Patsy Ann's half-brother, Shake the Bank, was recently the subject of a profile in Blood-Horse magazine. The lightning fast, stakes-placed gelding is best known as being the 'rabbit' for Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) winner Better Talk Now. The profile details how he is now being trained for a new career as a jumper.

To read the Blood-Horse article please click here.

Mare purchased in December by Cullen Bloodstock brings 300% profit in just seven weeks!
2/10/2009


Blossum, a stakes-producing mare purchased at public auction by Cullen Bloodstock for $1,500 less than two months ago, realized more than a 300% profit when she sold for $5,500 during the Fasig-Tipton mixed sale on February 9.

By Saint Ballado, Blossum is an impeccably bred mare who has produced two winners from as many to race, among them the stakes-placed colt Summer Ballad. Agency president Jim Cullen purchased the nine-year-old mare at the Fasig-Tipton Texas sale on December 14.

"I purchased her for a client of mine who is trying to make a new stallion," said Cullen. "(Blossum) was under lights and going to be bred, but with her pedigree and looks the owner decided to run her through the sale and see if he could flip her. He thought she'd realize a profit and she did, which is no small feat in this market."

After a spirited bidding duel, Blossum was purchased for $5,500 by Ohio breeder and farm owner Steve Belford.

"Making a couple thousand on a $1,500 horse is pretty good for a two-month investment," said Cullen. "For me it just reinforces the notion that, in this business, you always have to look for quality and value. You also have to know what a horse is really worth so you can capitalize on an opportunity when something is available for a wholesale price. If you can do that an owner can make money in even the most depressed market."

To view complete results of the 2009 Fasig-Tipton February sale click here.

Filly purchased by Cullen Bloodstock wins maiden race at Tampa Bay by 14 3/4 lengths!
2/6/2009


Sweet Candy Ride, a well-bred sophomore filly by the exciting young sire Candy Ride, destroyed five overmatched foes to break her maiden in a two-turn dirt race at Tampa Bay Downs this afternoon.

Out of the stakes-placed mare Farewell My Lovely (Red Ransom), Sweet Candy Ride was purchased by Cullen Bloodstock Services for $19,000 during the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic two-year-olds in training sale. The attractive dark bay filly was purchased on behalf of Vincent and Marie Colbert, who race in the name of Seaglass Stable.

Sweet Candy Ride had experienced mixed results in her races prior to today, with her best finish having been a fast-closing fourth in a maiden special weight race at Suffolk Downs in August. But today was certainly the filly's coming-out party.

Sweet Candy Ride broke well from the rail and clocked the early leaders from the inside, then swept by on the outside as the field entered the turn for home. She opened a six-length lead at the top of the stretch and widened her advantage down the lane under wraps to win easily.

Sweet Candy Ride stopped the clock in 1:43.84 for the 1 mile, 40-yard contest on a fast track. She earned $5,400 for the victory.

"I know the level of competition wasn't the highest, but (Sweet Candy Ride) was really impressive," said agency president Jim Cullen. "She looked like a winner at the half-mile pole, and when she put in her run it was only a question or how much she'd win by. I don't care who you beat - when you win by nearly 15 lengths you're doing something special."

Sweet Candy Ride is one of only two racing prospects that Cullen has purchased for the Colberts. Both have now won, and the other filly - an $8,000 yearling named Sweet Re Re - won a maiden allowance at two last year before contesting the $65,000 Gasparilla Stakes at Tampa Bay in January.

"I'm really pleased that the fillies I bought for (the Colberts) have done so well so early in their careers," said Cullen. "The Colberts are tremendous people and wonderful owners. Vinnie especially is the nicest guy - he's a real class act. He and Marie were looking for racing prospects they could race and then breed. It's hard to do any better than having two winners and one stakes horse from as many to start- especially considering what we paid for them!

"I think, at the end of the day, Sweet Candy Ride might end up being the better of the two. She's bred for the turf, and if she ever gets a chance to try that surface she might improve by a number of lengths. Candy Ride (pictured) is an extremely hot sire right now, and the family is one of Landon Knight's best. I think she has a bright, bright future, and I'm really hoping she goes on to big things."

To view the official chart of Sweet Candy Ride's impressive maiden victory click here.

Former Four-Board runner Skiptothegoodpart retired from racing
2/1/2009


Skiptothegoodpart, a multiple track-record holder formerly campaigned by Four-Board Stable, has been retired from racing. The eight-year-old gelding made his final start at Turfway Park on January 25, where he finished last of 12 after he grabbed a quarter and severely cut his leg during the race.

By Skip Away out of the Salt Lake mare Cally, Skiptothegoodpart was the first horse bought by agency president Jim Cullen after he founded Cullen Bloodstock in 2003. The handsome chestnut gelding was purchased for $27,000 at that year's Fasig-Tipton Texas two-year-olds in training sale.

"I wasn't there to buy anything, but I happened to catch his work and became very interested in him," Cullen said of the colt, who at the time was named Cally's Skip Away. "He had such a long stride for a medium-sized horse that it almost looked peculiar. Then, when I saw him at the barn, I really started to like him. He was just a beautiful, athletic-looking horse, which he's maintained even to this day at age eight.

"A lot of my friends gave me grief because, being a Kentuckian, I bought him as a South Carolina-bred at a sale in Texas, which is pretty unusual. But I got lucky to buy him, and since that day he's been a neat horse to be around."

Syndicated and raced by Four-Board, Skiptothegoodpart won at first asking at three. He went on to become a useful if somewhat troubled horse, as his brilliant racing campaigns were invariably interupted by minor injuries.

"Skippy had terrible feet; it seems he'd get an abscess or 'pop a gravel' every couple months," said Cullen. "He also had a bad habit of running down up front because he reached out so far with his front legs. But when he was right and running at his best he was something to see."

Skiptothegoodpart retires with a record of 35-8-5-4 for earnings of $79,782. His best season of racing was in 2006 when he won four races at four different tracks, setting three course records in the process - at River Downs, Indiana Downs and Turfway Park, the latter which still stands today. He also won an allowance race at Keeneland that year and was subsequently named 2006 South Carolina-bred Horse of the Year.

Skiptothegoodpart was claimed off Four-Board by Yando Stable for $10,000 in April 2006. He won two races for his new connections in the summer of 2008 before he was shelved again with an injury. He was then shipped to Cullen in November to train for a winter campaign at Turfway, but that plan was unfortunately aborted after the one race.

"You can't run as fast as Skippy does, for as long as he did, and not have some physical issues," said Cullen. "But I'm pleased the owners are willing to stop on him and call it a career while he's still in really good shape. The leg isn't serious and should be completely healed in six weeks - just in time for spring. I'm going to find him a good home around here, so he should be playing outside by the time the weather gets warm. He's been an honest, hard-trying horse, and now he'll get a happy home to live out his days. He's deserved it."

Interestingly enough, a half-brother to Skiptothegoodpart is scheduled to sell during the 2009 February OBS two-year-old sale in Ocala. The colt is a bay son of the multiple Group and Grade 1 winner Pico Central (Brz). The unnamed colt was purchased for $75,000 by McMahon Bloodstock during the 2008 Fasig-Tipton July yearling sale.

Filly purchased, trained by Cullen lights up tote board in maiden win at Turfway Park!
1/16/2009


Flatterwithglitter, a three-year-old filly purchased and trained by agency president Jim Cullen, ran nine rivals off their feet to win a high-level maiden race at Turfway Park on January 11.

By Flatter out of the Glitterman mare Glitter Bond, Flatterwithglitter was purchased by Cullen for $14,000 during the 2008 Fasig-Tipton February sale.

"The February sale is typically one for broodmares, but a friend of mine had (Flatterwithglitter) in his consignment," said Cullen. "He told me to take a look - he liked her and thought she might make a useful runner for a modest price. I like Flatter and remembered that Glitter Bond was a really fast filly who raced around Kentucky for Bernie Flint. I thought physically she looked the part so I took a shot."

Flatterwithglitter went into training in the spring of 2008, and joined Cullen at the track in late August. She made her racing debut in December when she finished last of 11 in a maiden allowance race.

"For not beating a horse I thought Flatterwithglitter actually ran okay," said Cullen. "She broke on top and led for a quarter mile, but I didn't have her fit enough to win. She started to get really tired on Turfway's PolyTrack - which tends to be deep and loose when it's dry - and the jockey wrapped up on her. It wasn't a surprise; I figured she was a bit 'short'."

For her second start, Cullen dropped the filly into a $30,000 maiden claiming race.

"I didn't want the filly to be claimed, but I thought I'd take advantage of her last-place finish and drop her in," said Cullen. "Even if she was taken it would have been a nice return on investment, but I was confident nobody would touch her off that debut. Things worked out perfectly."

With apprentice Erin Wilkinson in the irons, Flatterwithglitter was let go as the longest shot in the field of nine at odds of 38-to-1.

"I liked out spot," said Cullen. "I blew her out a quarter (mile) two days before the race, and even though the rider 'missed the pole' - got into the work late - she went in 24 and change, which is pretty fast for the training center. I was confident she'd run big."

She did. Breaking from the rail, Flatterwithglitter seized the lead immediately and opened up a clear advantage in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint. Flatterwithglitter was challenged by For Spacious Skies through the turn, but she turned back that bid and spurted away down the lane.

Flatterwithglitter looked like a winner throughout and won by 1 1/4 lengths (pictured). Final time was 1:07.53 on a deep, heavy surface.

"It was only a maiden claiming race, but it was a pretty encouraging performance," said Cullen. "She was the only horse all day to shade 23 seconds for the opening quarter mile, and she was one of only two horses who won on the front end all day - everything else closed from well off the pace. So, in essence, horses running slower than her up front were getting caught, and she overcame that bias to win on the lead. I'm very pleased."

Owned by wife Kristine Cullen's Florence Racing Stable, Flatterwithglitter earned $6,600 for the victory.

Flatterwithglitter cooled out well and bounced back great in the days following the race. Barring any setbacks she could make her next start in a one-mile allowance race at Turfway on January 25.

"I've bought some horses that have won some nice races for other people across the country, and my racing partnership (Four-Board Stable) has had its fair share of success," said Cullen. "But this was the most satisfying victory of my life. To win a maiden race like that under those circumstances, with a filly I bought for my wife, was as good as it gets."

To view the official chart of Flatterwithglitter's maiden victory click here.

Mare purchased by Cullen keeps record 'perfect' with maiden winner at Churchill Downs
11/29/2008


Royal Breeze, a two-year-old daughter of Chapel Royal trained by Ronny Werner, held off all challengers to win a high-level maiden race at Churchill Downs on November 26.

Bred by her owner, Leslie Schmidt, Royal Breeze entered the 5 1/2-furlong sprint off two impressive efforts at Arlington Park. The betting public agreed, as the attractive dark bay filly was sent postward as the 2-to-1 favorite in the field of 12.

Royal Breeze broke well under Robbie Albarado and was part of the early pace scenario, which resulted in a sharp opening quarter mile in 22.39 seconds. The filly took control through the turn and opened up a three-length advantage by the time she hit the top of the long Churchill stretch.

Though she was challenged late, Royal Breeze never looked in danger of losing and hit the wire a half-length clear of her closest rival.

Final time was 1:05.57 on a fast track. The filly earned $12,834 for the victory.

Royal Breeze is the third foal produced from the Distant View mare Distant Breeze (CHI). Distant Breeze was purchased privately by Cullen Bloodstock president Jim Cullen on behalf of Mrs. Schmidt in the spring of 2005.

"I saw Distant Breeze's first foal at the OBS March two-year-old sale and loved him," said Cullen. "He was by Hennessy, and he looked very athletic and racy to me. I tried to buy him but didn't have enough money - he went for $180,000 or so. But I was able to track down the mare and purchased her for Leslie. I'm glad we did - she's turned out to be a good one."

That first foal was subsequently named Southern Prince, a now five-year-old gelding who is a stakes-placed earner of more than $250,000 in New York. The second foal, named My Golden Opinion, broke his maiden at Saratoga before he finished fourth in the 2006 Champagne Stakes (G1). The now four-year-old is a multiple allowance winner in New York who has made nearly $200,000.

Royal Breeze is the first foal Mrs. Schmidt has bred out of Distant Breeze since she was purchased. The filly will be campaigned in hopes that she can be retained as a broodmare at the conclusion of her racing career.

"Distant Breeze is from a huge family that includes (Champion filly) Banshee Breeze, so it's no surprise that she's thrown some runners," said Cullen. "I'm just pleased that all three of her runners have won to date, especially when you consider the company in which they've run. That's quite an accomplishment for any mare, but it's especially nice when the mare is owned by someone you know and like."

To view the official chart of Royal Breeze's maiden victory click here.

Juvenile runner purchased in utero by Cullen Bloodstock wins maiden allowance in Louisiana
11/24/2008


Cop Beat, a two-year-old son of David Copperfield purchased in utero by Cullen Bloodstock, made his first start for a new trainer an impressive one when he ran off with a maiden special weight race at Delta Downs on November 22.

Cop Beat is the fifth foal to race out of the stakes-placed runner Helen Blue Blazes (Beat Inflation). The mare - who was carrying Cop Beat at the time - was purchased by Jim Cullen for $15,000 at the 2006 Keeneland January sale. Helen Blue Blazes was purchased on behalf of Charles Aker, who was looking for a mare specifically to enlist in the Louisiana breeding program.

Cop Beat was foaled at Clear Creek Stud and raised on that prestigious Louisiana nursery. The colt was bought back as a yearling but subsequently sold for a robust $27,000 as a two-year-old to the world renowned Heiligbrodt Racing Stable.

Cop Beat debuted in July but made three inauspicious starts for trainer Brett Brinkman, his best finish having been a third in a maiden allowance at Evangeline Downs in August. Cop Beat was then moved in October to trainer Jim Hudson's barn at Delta Downs. The bay gelding has obviously thrived since being relocated, as he entered his most recent race off five strong works, including two bullet moves in October.

Cop Beat made quick work of his nine rivals in Saturday's third race. He and jockey Diego Saenz sat just behind the early leaders in the five-furlong sprint before they took the lead at the head of the stretch. From there, the colt widened with ease, ultimately winning by 5 3/4 lengths while well in hand.

Final time was a sharp 1:00.46 on a fast but heavy track.

"I'm really happy (Cop Beat) lived up to his looks and put together a performance like this one," said Cullen. "He justified the faith I've had in the mare since I bought her. Chuck didn't like her very much and needled me constantly about her, but I always thought she was a good-looking individual with a lot of substance. She might not be a top echelon mare in the grand scheme of things, but for the money I thought she had enough quality to be a standout in Louisiana. I hope that's what she proves to be.

"This race was the type of performance we hoped for when we signed the ticket on her. I'm pleased it's come to fruition, because it looks like Cop Beat has a big future. I know Jim (Hudson) likes him - we talked after the race and he thinks there's a lot more in the tank."

The victory improved Cop Beat's record to 4-1-0-1, while the winner's purse of $19,800 boosted his bankroll to $24,260. In addition, Aker earns breeders awards of $4,356 for this victory alone.

"I hope (Cop Beat) keeps winning a bunch of races - Chuck will like the mare more and more as those breeders' awards accumulate!"

Helen Blue Blazes, who was stakes-placed at Oaklawn Park and earned more than $100,000, has now foaled four winners from five to start. Two of those winners - Cop Beat and Gusty Gal, a three-year-old filly who has won two races in Southern California - have won since the mare was purchased in 2006.

To view the official chart of Cop Beat's impressive maiden victory click here.

Filly purchased as weanling by Cullen Bloodstock wins feature race in Louisiana
11/17/2008


Poppy's Li'l Girl, a four-year-old filly purchased as a weanling by Jim Cullen, rallied from last to win the eighth and feature race at Delta Downs on November 14.

By Arch out of the stakes-placed mare Wanda Kaye (Timeless Native), Poppy's Li'l Girl was bought by Cullen for $14,000 at the 2004 Keeneland November sale. The dark bay or brown filly was purchased on behalf of Cunningham Racing Stable, the nom de course of father and son Marvin and Joel Cunningham.

On the advice of their trainer, the Cunninghams entered Poppy's Li'l Girl into a $25,000 maiden claiming race for her debut race at three. She was subsequently claimed out of that race and is now campaigned by Shawn David for owner Kathy Hornsby.

Poppy's Li'l Girl turned in her most impressive performance to date with an eye-catching race on Friday. Jockey Josh Romero allowed the filly to settle early in the back of the nine-horse field, and the duo still trailed the field through the opening four furlongs in the mile dirt race.

Poppy's Li'l Girl was asked for her run leaving the quarter pole, and she responded with a dramatic turn of foot that propeled her into contention. She circled the field to gain even terms with the leader at the top of the stretch, then pulled away down the lane to win by a clear length.

Final time was 1:43.53 on the muddy, sealed track.

"The Cunninghams made some money with (Poppy's Li'l Girl), so I guess things turned out okay for them," said Cullen. "But for the filly's sake I'm happy she's running so well. She's now won on turf and dirt, sprinting and around two turns, so she's a pretty versatile little runner. With her pedigree she should also make a nice broodmare prospect for a breeder down the road, so she's one that seems to have worked out well for everybody."

The victory was the third for Polly's Li'l Girl from 16 starts, with three seconds and three thirds. The filly banked $22,200 for her third allowance score to push her total earnings to $88,962.

To view the official chart of Poppy Li'l Girl's recent victory click here. To watch a replay of the race please visit here.

Yearling purchased by Cullen for $8,000 wins maiden allowance at Suffolk Downs
11/1/2008


Sweet Re Re, a two-year-old filly purchased at public auction by Cullen Bloodstock president Jim Cullen, prevailed after a stirring stretch duel to win a maiden special weight race at Suffolk Downs on November 1.

By Hold That Tiger out of the Alysheba mare Chanting Sweetly, Sweet Re Re was purchased by Cullen for $8,000 at the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale. She was purchased on behalf of Vincent and Marie Colbert of Boston, who race in the name of Seaglass Stable.

Ridden by Josue Marcano for trainer Lori Lockhart, Sweet Re Re broke from post two in the field of eight juvenile fillies. She was third after an opening quarter mile in 22.65, and she maintained that position after a half mile run in a sharp 46.97 seconds.

Marcano moved Sweet Re Re into a contending position through the turn, and the pair closed in on the leaders at the top of the stretch. From there Marcano swung Sweet Re Re out to launch her bid, and the chestnut filly responded with a strong rally down the center of the track that propelled her to victory.

Sweet Re Re hit the wire a half-length clear of her closest rival. Final time was 1:14.33 over a deep, tiring racetrack.

"I'm happy this filly broke through to win as a two-year-old," said Cullen. "The Colberts gave me $20,000 to spend on her last year, but I was able to get her for far less that that because she's not the most correct filly in the world.

"There was a lot to like, however: she's got a beautiful body and head, she's well bred, and she's what I call 'good crooked' - she walked through most of her problems. When you go to enough sales you get a sense of what holds up and what doesn't, and I thought she was worth taking a chance on - especially for that price. I'm just glad it's worked out for her and she justified the risk."

Sweet Re Re now boasts a record of 4-1-1-1, and the $10,440 winner's purse pushed her career earnings to $15,660.

The victory adds a great deal of residual value to a filly who was already a viable broodmare prospect. Sweet Re Re is a sister to two stakes horses, and her dam is a half-sister to the dam of leading sire Distorted Humor.

To view the official chart of Sweet Re Re's maiden victory click here.

Love You Crazy to sell at Keeneland November sale
10/10/2008


Love You Crazy, Four-Board Stable's stakes-placed daughter of Touch Gold, has been consigned to the 2008 Keeneland November breeding stock sale on November 3-17.

Cataloged as hip 1134, Love You Crazy will sell on Thursday, November 6. Pat Costello's Paramount Sales agency is consigning the powerful bay filly (pictured).

"Love You Crazy has been a lot of fun to campaign - she's given us quite a few thrills," said Four-Board president Jim Cullen. "But we're selling her to dissolve the partnership. Some of the partners have different opinions on what we should do with her, so it's best for everybody if we sell her and close this partnership. It's been great but things have definitely run its course."

Purchased as a two-year-old by Cullen for $35,000, Love You Crazy is out of the multiple stakes winner Moonlight Affair, by Friendly Lover. The filly won at least once during each of her three seasons of racing, and she ran exclusively in allowance and stakes company during her career.

Love You Crazy placed in the $150,000 Ontario Lassie Stakes at Woodbine in 2006, and she finished seventh in the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks the following year. The four-year-old filly will enter the ring sporting a record of 11-3-1-4 and earnings of $92,853.

"Love You Crazy has been a dream filly in many respects. She won her first start at two (for trainer Reade Baker), then placed in one of the most prestigious stakes races in Canada in her very next start. She ran against some hellacious fillies during her career - like Sealy Hill, Canadian Horse of the Year in 2007, and Street Sounds, a Grade 2 stakes winner at Keeneland - but she always ran her race.

"(Love You Crazy) was never able to break through for that huge win we were hoping for, but she doesn't owe us anything. She was an honest filly who was able to overcome average ability with a tremendous will and toughness. You have to admire runners like that, and I would think any breeder would do well to own her. Given her pedigree, racing ability and gameness she's the complete package - I just wish I could keep her for myself!"

Love You Crazy is from a proven family of stakes performers, including 2008 Lexington Stakes (G2) winner Behindatthebar. In addition, her yearling half-brother by Awesome Again sold for $250,000 during the Keeneland September sale last month.

For more information on the 2008 Keeneland November sale click here.

Cullen Bloodstock finds mating, sells season that results in Grade 1 winner at Belmont Park!
10/5/2008


Sky Diva, a two-year-old filly by Sky Mesa bred by John D. "Jack" Murphy, shook free from her rivals at the quarter pole and cruised to a surprisingly easy victory in the $400,000 Frizette Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park yesterday.

Out of the Unbridled mare Swift Girl, Sky Diva (pictured) was making just her second start in the Frizette, the showcase race for juvenile fillies during the Belmont fall meet. The Steve Klesaris trainee was shipped to New York following a devastating 10-length victory at Delaware Park in September.

Sky Diva handled the ultimate step up in competition with no problems. Jockey Ramon Dominguez kept the impressive filly off the early leaders before he launched his bid leaving the backstretch. He split foes midway through the turn, moved to the outside at the top of the stretch and accelerated to win by a widening 3 3/4 lengths.

"We've thought very highly of (Sky Diva) for awhile," Klesaris said. "Coming around the far turn, we knew the race was ours. Ramon, at that point, was just looking to get around horses, while the others were starting to scrub on their horses. We've liked this filly from day one; we knew she was special from the first day."

The Frizette is a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup, an option that Puglisi and Klesaris will strongly consider. "(The Breeders' Cup) is a strong possibility," Klesaris said. "Synthetic surface is something we're all up against; it's just a big unknown factor. But regardless, the Breeders' Cup is a strong possibility for us."

Sky Diva's record is still perfect from two starts, and the victory was worth $240,000.

Sky Diva is the result of a mating produced by Cullen Bloodstock president Jim Cullen. Cullen worked at the time for Mr. Murphy, and he suggested the mating for Swift Girl.

"I was doing some work for Mr. Murphy at the time and he asked me to evaluate Swift Girl," said Cullen. "(The mating) works great on paper, and I thought from a physical standpoint that Sky Mesa and Swift Girl would complement each other well. The mating has strong in-breeding to Secretariat and Mr. Prospector, and there is intense in-breeding to Bold Ruler, Nasrullah and Princequillo as well. It's very unusual to find such close in-breeding to those stallions in combination, so it certainly made sense on paper. The result kind of speaks for itself."

"Swift Girl was the only mare Mr. Murphy bred to Sky Mesa in 2006; it looks like he picked the right one!"

Murphy - a longtime owner who has campaigned the likes of multiple Grade 1 winner Formal Gold - purchased the season to Sky Mesa from Cullen Bloodstock, which utilizes a network of agents and clients to provide seasons at the most economical cost.

"I purchased this particular season on a no-guarantee basis from John Ward, who trained Sky Mesa," said Cullen. "I then converted it into a live-foal season and was able to sell it to Jack for a bit less than the farm price. It ultimately worked out well for everybody."

Sky Diva was sold by Dan Mallory for $100,000 at the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale. Puglisi Stable purchased her for $250,000 at the Fasig-Tipton February two-year-old sale this spring.

Swift Girl is an unraced half-sister to Pure Clan, one of the top three-year-old fillies in the U.S. and winner of the prestigious $750,000 American Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1) at Hollywood Park earlier this year.

To view the official chart of the 2008 Frizette Stakes click here.

$8,500 juvenile purchase wins allowance race at Louisiana Downs
9/29/2008


Brice's Crossroads, a three-year-old colt purchased at public auction last year by Jim Cullen, rallied from last to win an allowance race at Louisiana Downs on September 26.

By Leestown out of the winning mare Crossed Wire (Devil's Bag), Brice's Crossroads was purchased by Cullen for just $8,500 at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton Texas two-year-olds in training sale. The powerful chestnut was purchased on behalf of clients Marvin and Joel Cunningham, a father-son team who race the Louisiana-bred colt in the name of their Cunningham Racing Stable.

Brice's Crossroads entered the ninth race last Friday off a runner-up effort in a similar spot earlier this month, which was preceded by a dead-heat victory in a maiden special weight race at Louisiana Downs in August.

Brice's Crossroads was clearly the best in his most recent. The colt broke cleanly under jockey Elvis "E.J." Perrodin and was allowed to lope at the back of the pack through the early stages of the one mile, 70-yard contest. The duo made their move leaving the backstretch and quickly surged past each of their seven rivals.

Brice's Crossroads made the lead at the top of the stretch and drew off to win comfortably by 2 1/4 lengths as the 3-to-2 favorite.

Patrick Mouton trains the winner, who stopped the clock in 1:44.43.

"(Brice's Crossroads) had some tough luck getting to the races, but he looks like he's found his stride now that they've stretched him out a bit," said Cullen. "He suffered a bout of colic right after we bought him, and he had some little physical problems that kept him from getting to the races as quickly as you'd like. But he's come through all that and seems to have figured things out. The colt is built like a sprinter, but he relaxes like a good horse and uses his speed when asked. That's a dangerous combination for any horse to have, so hopefully there are bigger and better things in his future.

"I'm just happy the colt has worked out for the Cunninghams. They are good friends of mine who breed some mares with me, and I'm pleased that we were able to find them this much horse for a relatively modest price. They do things the right way and certainly deserve this success.

The victory was Brice's Crossroads' second from nine starts, and the winner's purse of $17,400 boosted his earnings to $37,545.

"What's really promising is the fact (Brice's Crossroads) is a Louisiana-bred, so he's eligible for all those lucrative stakes coming up at the Fair Grounds. He's also won now on the turf and dirt, so he'll have a lot of options. With his running style he should fit well in a lot of nice races."

To view the official chart of Brice's Crossroads' most recent victory click here.

$2 million sales topper at Saratoga from immediate family of Cullen broodmare purchase
8/11/2008


The immense market demand for progeny from an outstanding Phipps family was again on display when a Storm Cat colt out of the Mr. Prospector mare Get Lucky sold for $2 million to top the prestigious Saratoga select yearling sale on August 4-5.

Michael Vincent Magnier, the son of Coolmore chief John Magnier, purchased the handsome colt after a bidding war that included the most powerful racing stables in the sport: John Ferguson, bidding on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum; Coolmore Stud; and WinStar Farm.

Gracefield Farm consigned the colt (pictured), who is a half brother to three stakes winners as well as the dam of exciting freshman sire Bluegrass Cat.

"The lads thought he was a very good horse, and we have supported Storm Cat for a very long time. He has been a sire of sires over here and in Europe for a long time," said Magnier after the sale, who added it was too early to determine whether the colt would remain in the United States or would be sent to Europe. "We just loved the horse, and he has a fantastic pedigree."

The sale topper flatters a broodmare purchased by Cullen Bloodstock president Jim Cullen during the 2007 Keeneland January sale. There Cullen purchased an unraced two-year-old filly by Forest Wildcat as a broodmare prospect for $40,000 on behalf of Vincent and Marie Colbert of Boston.

Named Quickest, the filly is out of the A.P. Indy mare Supercharger, a half sister to the $2 million Storm Cat colt and others.

"I told Vinnie when we bought (Quickest) that I couldn't believe we got her for what I considered such a modest price," said Cullen. "This family is one of Ogden Phipps' best, and her pedigree is as deep as they come. To get an attractive individual like her for that price was a real coup, and I couldn't be happier for the Colberts. I hope she goes on to become a meaningful mare for them as they continue to develop a commercial broodmare band."

The dam of Quickest, Supercharger, was purchased by WinStar Farm for $190,000 at the 2006 Keeneland November sale. According to a WinStar spokesperson she was subsequently bred to Distorted Humor last year.

Quickest is currently in foal to 2005 Bluegrass Stakes winner Bandini on an early cover. The resulting foal is scheduled to be sold at public auction in coming years.

To view complete results of the 2008 Fasig-Tipton selected yearling sale click here.

Cullen Bloodstock client sells yearling for $250,000 at Saratoga
8/8/2008


Gabe Grossberg and partner realized a meaningful windfall when they sold a yearling filly by Mr. Greeley for $250,000 at the prestigious Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale on Aug. 4.

Consigned by Denali Stud, the beautiful bay filly (pictured) is the third foal out of the winning mare Sevensilverspoons (Silver Deputy). The yearling is a half sister to two runners, including Sevengoldmissiles, a son of Golden Missile who placed in the 2007 Generous Stakes (G3) at Hollywood Park.

Catalogued as hip 55, the filly was the subject of a spirited duel before she fell to the bid of renowned pinhooker David Scanlon. The filly is expected to go to Scanlon's farm in Ocala and will be pinhooked into a two-year-old sale next spring.

"I'm very happy for Gabe that his filly brought so much, especially in this soft market," said agency president Jim Cullen. "Saratoga is always a very demanding sale, but the filly looked the part and was well received. You always wish they had brought more, but at the end of the day the owners realized a nice return on a stud fee we got for $35,000 (in 2006)."

Cullen knows Scanlon quite well and is pleased the filly was purchased by such a talented horseman.

"David is the consummate horseman, and he wouldn't have bought the filly if he didn't think she's the real deal," said Cullen. "If the filly has any talent he'll get it out of her, so it's defintely beneficial for the mare's residual value that her foal is going to such a high-profile guy. It's a win-win situation all the way around."

To view complete results of the Saratoga yearling sale click here.

Mare purchased by Cullen Bloodstock represented by two-year-old stakes horse
8/5/2008


Classiest Gem, an unraced mare purchased at public auction in 2006 by Cullen Bloodstock, realized an important update when her two-year-old filly recently placed in a $50,000 stakes in Canada.

Classy Gem, the third foal out of Classiest Gem, rallied strongly in the stretch but fell just short and finished third in the $50,000 Debutante Stakes at Assiniboia Downs on August 4. The daughter of Perfect Soul (Ire) becomes the first stakes horse for her sire just weeks after becoming his first winner.

To view the official chart of the Debutante Stakes click here.

Classiest Gem is an eight-year-old daughter of Dehere who was purchased for $20,000 at the Keeneland November sale. Purchased on behalf of John Trumbulovich of Chicago, the mare now has two winners from as many to race, with Classy Gem being her first stakes performer.

"Whenever you buy a young mare you always hope their foals go on to get black type," said agency president Jim Cullen. "To have it happen with the first runner since buying the mare is really exciting - that increases the residual value of the mare exponentially. I couldn't be happier for John - he's got a really nice, well-bred broodmare who hopefully will go on to become a meaningful producer.

"I haven't seen Classy Gem since she was a weanling, but you'd have to think she'll get better as she gets older and the distances get longer. She also figures to like the turf, given that Perfect Soul was a Grade 1 winner and Champion on turf. (Classy Gem) appears to have a bright, bright future, which is good news for the mare."

Classiest Gem has a beautiful Bandini filly by her side who was foaled earlier this year, and she is back in foal to the Grade 1-winning son of Fusaichi Pegasus.

To view a video replay of the 2006 Debutante Stakes click here.

$2,000 yearling purchase wins nice allowance sprint at Woodbine for Richard Englander
6/20/2008


Fast Million, a three-year-old gelding purchased as a yearling for just $2,000 (Canadian), wired five rivals to win an entry allowance race at Woodbine on June 18.

Fast Million is a dark bay or brown son of Millennium Wind out of the Boone's Mill mare Twelve Mills. The colt was purchased as a yearling by Cullen on behalf of two-time Eclipse Award winner Richard Englander.

Fast Million broke his maiden last year in his second career start at two. The powerful bay was sent to trainer Bruce Levine in New York to run in some allowance preps for the Wood Memorial (G1), but the competition and distances proved to be too much.

Returned to Canada, Fast Million won a $50,000 claiming race in May before he was entered into the allowance race on Wednesday. The gelding turned in his most impressive performance to date with a runaway victory in the sixth race.

Fast Million broke sharply from the outside and shot to the lead under jockey Matt Moore. The duo were pushed through a fast opening quarter in 22.80 before they extended their advantage to two after a half mile. Fast Million maintained that advantage to the top of the stretch and ran virtually unchallenged down the lane to post a facile victory.

Final time for the six furlongs was a sharp 1:09.85.

"I think it's pretty neat that this horse we bought so cheaply has turned out to be as nice as he is," said agency president Jim Cullen. "Rick and I first teamed up in 2002, and he's been one of my most loyal clients over the years. He's a great guy and I hope (Fast Million) goes on to bigger and better things for him."

The victory was Fast Million's third from nine starts, and the $40,763 he banked pushed his career earnings to $106,854.

To view the official chart of Fast Million's impressive allowance victory click here.

Former Four-Board Stable colorbearer still running - and winning - at age seven!
6/20/2008


Skiptothegoodpart, the first horse ever campaigned with the Four-Board Stable partnership, returned to the races in style on Wednesday when he won the third race at Suffolk Downs in impressive fashion.

By Skip Away out of Cally (Salt Lake), Skip Away was the first horse purchased by agency president Jim Cullen after he founded Four-Board Stable in 2003. Cullen bought the handsome chestnut for $27,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Texas two-year-olds in training sale after watching him breeze.

"I watched him work during the under-tack show, and my reaction was just like seeing a pretty girl - I was hooked," said Cullen. "He didn't work all that fast for a two-year-old sale (11 seconds flat), but he hit the track good and I liked the way he did it. But what I really liked was the fact he had tremendous reach on his stride - he really ate up ground.

"When I saw him back at the barn he wasn't the biggest, most robust colt, but all his parts fit together well enough. I just thought he had enough quality that he was worth buying if the price was right."

Immediately syndicated, Skiptothegoodpart was sent to trainer Bill Denzik, under whom the colt flourished. In fact, the South Carolina-bred was so impressive in his early training that the partnership turned down an offer of $100,000 for him.

Unfortunately, Skiptothegoodpart suffered a torn tendon soon thereafter and was sent to the sidelines for almost a year. He finally made it to the races at three and won at first asking at River Downs, which was the start of good things for the Four-Board partners.

Skiptothegoodpart's biggest year for the partnership was 2006. During that season he won allowance races at four different racetracks - including Keeneland - and he set course or track records during three of those races. For his exploits, the South Carolina Breeders Association (SCTOBA) named him the 2006 Horse of the Year.

Skiptothegoodpart was ultimately claimed from the partnership for $10,000 at Keeneland in April 2007, and unfortunately for his new owners his career since then has been spotty.

"He didn't win for his new connections, and his training was interupted a couple times for various reasons," said Cullen. "But it looks like he's back on his game now."

And how! Skiptothegoodpart made his first start of 2008 a winning one in the five-furlong turf sprint. He pressed the early pace under jockey Orlando Bocachica before he took over at the top of the stretch and held on to win.

Final time was 58.90, a solid time over a heavy turf course.

Greg Matties trains the winner for Yando Racing.

"Skippy will always be one of my favorite horses of all time," said Cullen. "He was such a neat colt, and though he had his problems like most horses he had a ton of talent and a big heart. He brought us so much joy and fun times - I will always appreciate him very much."

Cullen said he is intent on buying Skiptothegoodpart at the conclusion of his racing career and giving him a good home in Lexington.

"He's like part of the family - he might be married to somebody else right now, but he'll always be mine."

To view the official chart of Skiptothegoodpart's victory click here.

Cullen Bloodstock client hits $100,000 Pick Six at Belmont Park
6/12/2008


A Toronto-based client known affectionately as "Sherm" was one of 29 bettors who took down part of the $4.4 million Pick Six at Belmont Park on Wednesday, June 11.

Wednesday's racing in New York featured a Pick Six carryover of $1,186,625 following the upset-ridden Belmont Stakes (G1) card. That pool had risen exponentially by the time the horses went postward for the bet's first leg, which was the fourth race on the card.

The first leg was won by second choice My Dinah ($6.90), followed in order by Youbethecan ($21), Willsboro Point ($47.80), and the first of only two favorites to win on the card, Myakka ($5.30).

The feature race was captured by third-choice Penington ($9.20), leaving "Sherm" four horses on his ticket for the last race - the one (which would have netted a $325,000 payoff), five ($375,000), ten, the post time favorite ($103,000) and the 11 ($1.1 million).

The ten horse - whose name, ironically enough, was Ten Forty - made quick work of the field, sprinting clear early and winning easily for the big score. The 11 horse finished third, beaten some five lengths.

"Sherm" not only claimed the $103,754 but also 27 "five of six" tickets worth $255 each.

"That's the type of day horseplayers dream of," said Jim Cullen, president of Cullen Bloodstock. "He called me Wednesday and told me he was going to play it, and I was able to follow his ticket along with the results. It was pretty exciting stuff."

"Sherm" is a longtime client of Cullen Bloodstock and a partner in several horses through Four-Board Stable.

"Sherm is truly a great guy, and next to winning it myself I couldn't be happier for him," said Cullen. "He's obviously a great handicapper, but Sherm approaches the ponies the same was he handles horse ownership - he knows there will be more failures than successes, but boy the successes are sweet!"

Well done Sherm!

To view complete results of Belmont's card from June 11 click here.

Cullen buys racing prospect for client at Fasig-Tipton Timonium juvenile sale
5/20/2008


Agency president Jim Cullen selected and helped purchase an attractive two-year-old filly today at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile sale.

The filly, purchased on behalf of longtime client Vincent Colbert's Seaglass Stable, is a handy daughter of Candy Ride (pictured) out of the stakes-placed mare Farewell My Lovely (Red Ransom). The filly worked 10.4 seconds during the under-tack show despite changing leads twice during the breeze.

You can view all the workout videos from the sale by clicking here.

Colbert purchased the filly for $19,000, and she will be campaigned at Suffolk Downs with trainer Lori Lockhart.

"She's not the biggest filly in the world, but what there is of her is nice," said Cullen. "She looked good during the under-tack preview - she hits the ground good and gets over the track really well. The important thing is she came through the sales process like a champ, so we should be able to go right on with her. With her apparent talent I think she'll win her share of races if she holds together."

The modest purchase price was reflective of a generally soft sale in which the gross receipts dropped nearly 20%.

"It was definitely a buyer's market," said Cullen. "I thought the filly we bought could have gone for $40,000 or $50,000, but there just weren't that many buyers floating around there. The horses were nice, but the weather was cold and rainy, and it just seemed like some people who normally buy stayed away."

To view complete sales results for the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale click here.

First foal out of mare purchased by Cullen Bloodstock earns stakes-placing in New York
5/5/2008


Southern Prince, the first foal out of a broodmare purchased by Jim Cullen in 2005, earned black type for his dam when he held third in the $77,500 Music Prince Stakes at Belmont on Derby Day, May 3.

A five-year-old gelding by Hennessy, Southern Prince is the first foal out of the Distant View mare Distant Breeze (Chi). The speedy runner went postward as the 8-to-5 favorite in the Music Prince, a six-furlong sprint over the inner turf course.

Southern Prince broke on top and led the field of 10 through swift early fractions of 21.66 and 44.60. The gelding took a two-length lead to the top of the stretch under Jose Espinoza, and though game he could not last and faded to third, beaten less than a length for the victory.

Gary Contessa trains Southern Prince for Winning Move Stable. The gelding banked $7,750 to push his total earnings to nearly $300,000.

Out of the Known Fact mare Li Law, Distant Breeze is from the immediate family of Champion racemare Banshee Breeze, and she's a half sister to the stakes-placed runner War Plan. Cullen purchased Distant Breeze privately in 2005 on behalf of clients Dr. Robert and Leslie Schmidt of Ft. Worth, Texas. The mare is currently represented by a yearling filly by Chapel Royal and is in foal to Borrego.

"I'm very happy that Southern Prince got some black type for the Schmidts," said Cullen. "He was the reason I bought the mare in the first place. I had seen him at a two-year-old sale in Ocala and thought he looked like a runner, and we were able to buy the mare for a pretty modest price. Southern Prince is the first foal out of the mare, so it looks like we guessed right.

"What's more, the second foal is a colt named My Golden Opinion who's an allowance winner of more than $100,000. That colt finished fourth in the 2006 Champagne Stakes (G1), so he is obviously a colt of quality as well. It's a good family, and I'm happy that this mare has worked out as well as she has."

To view the official chart of the 2008 Music Prince Stakes click here.

Cullen Bloodstock client realizes solid return on offering at Franks two-year-old sale
4/1/2008


Cullen Bloodstock client Charles Aker realized a nice return on his investment when a homebred colt brought $27,000 during the 2008 John Franks Memorial two-year-olds in training sale on March 30.

Held at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Louisiana, the two-year-old sale catalogued nearly 200 juveniles, most of whom were bred and foaled in Louisiana.

Aker was represented by an attractive and athletic colt by David Copperfield. That colt was purchased in utero when Jim Cullen bought his dam, Helen Blue Blazes, for Aker during the 2006 Keeneland January sale. Helen Blue Blazes - who was purchased for $15,000 - was shipped to Valene Farm in Louisiana, where she subsequently foaled the attractive bay colt.

The unnamed colt entered the ring after a sharp work of 10.3 seconds during the under-tack show. That drill, coupled with his exemplary conformation, resulted in spirited bidding among those in attendance.

When the smoke cleared, William Heiligbrodt's high-profile racing stable purchased the colt. The colt will be shipped to trainer Steven Asmussen to launch his racing career in Louisiana later this spring.

"I'm very happy for Chuck," said Cullen. "He's a good guy and a committed horse owner, and this is a nice little boost at an opportune time. Hopefully Mr. Heiligbrodt will win some meaningful races with this colt and make him successful for everybody."

Helen Blue Blazes is also represented by a yearling colt by Storm Day, and she is in foal to Louisiana-based sire Placid Fund.

All of those on offer are eligible for the $100,000 John Franks Memorial Sale Stakes at the track later this year.

To read more about the John Franks Memorial sale click here.

It's Me Megan produces first foal, a filly by Yankee Gentleman
2/20/2008


It's Me Megan, an allowance winner of more than $50,000, produced her first foal when she gave birth to a beautiful filly at Chesapeake Farm on February 19.

By Silver Ghost out of the Cox's Ridge mare Undervalued, It's Me Megan was purchased as a yearling for $10,000 by Jim Cullen, president of Four-Board Stable. The filly won four races for the partnership during her career, including a maiden special weight contest at three and an allowance race at four.

It's Me Megan was retired to the farm in 2007 and bred to the exciting young stallion Yankee Gentleman. That mating produced a beautiful bay filly at Chesapeake yesterday.

Both the mare and filly are doing well following an uneventful foaling.

"The filly was born at 7:34 pm, and everything went like clockwork," said Cullen. "She weighed 120 pounds at birth, and she stood to nurse less than an hour later (pictured). She's a strong, healthy, bright, and alert filly. The farm manager told me she's correct and very active, and she couldn't be in better health. All of those are great signs, so it looks like the entire episode was a success."

A half-sister to two stakes winners, It's Me Megan is one of five winners out of Undervalued from as many to race. Her second dam, Raging Lady, is dam of six winners from seven to race, including the multiple stakes producer Enraged.

It's Me Megan will be bred back to Seattle Fitz later this spring.

Cullen Bloodstock buys mare, gets foal as well at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky mixed sale
2/12/2008


Jim Cullen purchased one broodmare and one racing prospect during the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale on February 10-11, but his clients exited the sale with a total of three horses.

On February 10, Cullen purchased the young broodmare Afternoon Krystal on behalf of Chicago-based client John Trumbulovich. A seven-year-old mare, Afternoon Krystal is a winning daughter of Afternoon Deelites out of the good Waquoit mare Win Right Now.

Afternoon Krystal is a half sister to three winners, among them the good stakes winner Red Raymond and the six-figure earner Millennium Two. The mare - who counts no less than 17 stakes horses under her first three dams - was purchased in foal to the exciting freshman sire Lion Heart.

Afternoon Krystal was shipped immediately from the sales grounds to our farm in Lexington. Much to our delight, Trumbulovich realized some immediate good luck when Afternoon Krystal foaled a lovely chestnut filly later that evening.

Both the mare and the filly are doing fine following the uneventful foaling.

"Afternoon Krystal is a big beautiful mare with a solid pedigree, and we're very pleased with the purchase," said Cullen. "Her half-brother Red Raymond was a very fast horse, and there's a lot of quality throughout the family. The mare was due to foal any day when we bought her - she had a February 21 cover date - and I think it's great she had a nice baby the first night we had her. Everybody is doing well, and we look forward to seeing the foal run in a couple years."

Cullen indicated that Afternoon Krystal would be bred to Hat Trick in 2008.

On February 11, Cullen went to $14,000 to purchase a two-year-old filly by Flatter. The athletic bay filly was purchased as a racing prospect on behalf of a partnership.

Out of the $100,000 earner Glitter Bond (Glitterman), the filly is by one of the hottest freshman sires in the U.S. She is a half-sister to two placed horses, and her dam is a full sister to the multiple stakes winner Broadway Show.

"This is a neat little filly that I like a lot," said Cullen. "We didn't have to give much for her, but she's quite an attractive racing prospect. We'll put her in training in a couple weeks and point her for a summer debut. We should have a lot of fun with her."

To view the complete results of the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky mixed sale click here.

Cullen Bloodstock active at successful Keeneland January sale
1/15/2008


Cullen Bloodstock Services enjoyed numerous successes with mares and 'short' yearlings during the recently concluded Keeneland January mixed sale.

The Keeneland January sale, held annually in Lexington, primarily features broodmares and foals of 2006. The seven-day sale concluded on January 13 with mixed results, most noticeably a 3.3% reduction in gross receipts and a higher number of horses (20%) not sold.

Despite the tepid results, Cullen Bloodstock enjoyed a successful week. During the opening session of the sale, the first foal out of a mare purchased by Jim Cullen sold for nearly 40% more than the mare's purchase price. Catalogued as hip 106, the colt is by the exciting freshman sire Purge out of the unraced Tale of the Cat mare Sydneyleigh.

The mare - a half sister to the multiple graded stakes winner Shoop - was purchased by Jim Cullen for $50,000 in 2005 on behalf of Dr. Robert and Leslie Schmidt. The colt was consigned by Kildare Stud, and though he was led out of the ring unsold on a final bid of $85,000, he later sold for 'nearly that amount', according to Kildare owner Frankie O'Conner.

"In all honesty, I thought the Purge colt was one of the most impressive physical specimans I saw during the entire sale," said Cullen. "I don't blame the owners for putting an aggressive reserve on him, but in the end he sold - and sold well. To think the Schmidts realized more than four times stud fee on the first foal out of an unraced mare is remarkable. I'm happy for them; it was a great sale. Frankie deserves all the credit - he did a great job prepping the colt. Hopefully he'll go on to be a nice racehorse and help make the mare."

On January 11, Cullen made his sole broodmare purchase when he went to $80,000 to buy the stakes-producing mare Girls Girls Girls. The mare, a 10-year-old daughter of Colonial Affair out of the Vanlandingham mare Crystal n Pennies, was purchased in foal to the top freshman sire Yankee Gentleman.

A multiple allowance winner of $80,000, Girls Girls Girls' first foal to race is Girls Pearls, a stakes winner of more than $100,000.

Girls Girls Girls was purchased on behalf of Vincent and Marie Colbert's Seaglass Stable.

"Kenny McPeek trains Girls Pearls, and he's told me on several occasions that he thinks she's a graded stakes-caliber filly," said Cullen. "Even if she doesn't live up to those expectations, Girls Girls Girls is a beautiful young mare who descends from the immediate family of A.P. Indy. At the end of the day she's a classy mare from a classy family, and she'll be a nice addition to the Colberts burgeoning broodmare band."

Cullen indicated that Girls Girls Girls would be bred to Touch Gold in 2008.

In addition, Cullen purchased a yearling filly by Cuvee on behalf of Chicago-based client John Trumbulovic. The filly is out of the Forest Wildcat mare Wildcat Lady, a winner of $33,178 who's out of a Grade 3 stakes winner and a half to a multiple stakes winner.

The attractive chestnut filly was purchased for just $4,500 - less than half of the stallion's advertised stud fee.

"Physically the filly is outstanding," said Cullen. "The reason we got her so cheaply is because she has an immature throat. We're banking that Mother Nature will do her thing and the throat will catch up to the rest of her body during the coming year. For that price, a filly built like that is worth the risk."

To view the entire results of the 2008 Keeneland January sale click here.

Love You Crazy tabbed as Top Ten contender for $500,000 Woodbine Oaks
6/1/2007


Four-Board Stable's Love You Crazy has been identified by track handicapper Jennifer Morrison as one of the Top Ten Contenders for the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks on June 10.

Love You Crazy will enter the nine-furlong Oaks off just two allowance preps this spring. Even though the filly ran third and second, respectively, in each of those races, the daughter of Touch Gold has been ranked among the logical contenders for the Canadian classic.

"We have a lot of confidence in (Love You Crazy's) abilities, but it's good to see that other professionals think so highly of her too," said Jim Cullen, president of Four-Board Stable. "Reade has been pointing for the Oaks all spring, and he laid out a plan to get her there in prime condition. Everything has gone like clockwork, and we fully expect her to run a big race next week."

Love You Crazy has not been off the board in four starts, including a good third in the $150,000 Ontario Lassie Stakes last December. The filly, who was purchased by Cullen for $35,000 at the 2006 Adena Springs two-year-olds in training sale, has earned $66,000 to date.

To view the official website of the 2007 Woodbine Oaks click here.