Lion Tamer Sold to Michael Tabor

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Michael Tabor, who has owned such notable Kentucky Derby prospects as Thunder Gulch and Johannesburg, has purchased Lion Tamer from Peachtree Stable for a undisclosed amount.

The son of Will's Way has won two of his three career starts, breaking his maiden at Belmont Park in 1:08.79 for the six furlongs and romping in an allowance race at Gulfstream by 7 1/2 lengths on Jan. 4.

"We think he's a lovely horse," Peachtree president John Fort said. "But I'm in the horse business, and Peachtree's commitment to its partners is not only to win races but to make a profit, and this was an enormous profit. This is like winning a grade I for us. It was by far the biggest transaction I've ever made.

"Lion Tamer is small horse, who is very light on his feet and has a beautiful stride. I don't know any reason in the world with his pedigree why he wouldn't go on. I think he's a legitimate Derby horse, and I wish only the best for him and Michael Tabor. After all, I did pick him out as a yearling, name him, and develop him."

Fort purchased Lion Tamer at the Fasig-Tipton July yearling sale for $180,000. The colt will remain with trainer Todd Pletcher, who also trains for Tabor. "We had another offer for the identical price," Fort said, "but I wanted to keep him in the barn."

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