Closing Argument Relocating to Hill 'n' Dale

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Closing Argument, in the news last week when a colt from his first crop topped the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. fall mixed sale, will be relocated from Florida to Kentucky for the 2008 breeding season, it was announced Oct. 19.

The 5-year-old son of Succcessful Appeal will join the stallion roster at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farm near Lexington. His fee will increase from $10,000 to $12,500.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have Closing Argument come to Hill n’ Dale," Sikura said in a release. "Closing Argument is a horse on the rise. He is a great physical horse and was a top-class racehorse that carried great speed."

His sire, Successful Appeal  (by Valid Appeal), also began his stallion career in Florida, where his initial fee was $5,000. He was relocated to Walmac Farm in Kentucky two years ago and now stands for $40,000.

Closing Argumentwas bred in Florida by France and Irwin Weiner and raced for Phil and Marcia Cohen until his last start, when JMJ Racing (Dennis Narlinger) and Sequel Thoroughbreds (Becky Thomas and Lewis Lakin) had joined his ownership.

Out of the Mr. Greeley mare Mrs. Greeley, Closing Argument won the grade III Holy Bull Stakes and ran third in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) before starting in the 2005 Kentucky Derby (gr. I). He had the lead at the eighth pole and was passed by just one horse, finishing second to Giacomo at 70-1 odds. Finishing third was Afleet Alex, who would go on to win the Preakness (gr. I) and Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

Closing Argument retired following the Preakness with three wins in nine starts and earnings of $986,984.

When he was retired, he stood for a partnership of JMJ, Thomas, Lakin, and the Cohens. The release announcing his relocation said he most recently stood at Sequel for Thomas, JMJ, and Bill Heiligbrodt.

As a 2 year-old Closing Argument won a maiden special weight at Saratoga in his first start. He also won the NATC Futurity at Delaware Park. The Preakness was his only time off the board in his career.

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