Koda Chrome finished third in his career debut May 7 at Belterra Park in Ohio, but to say it wasn't splashy would be an understatement (VIDEO).
The 3-year-old colt owned and bred by Karen Babcock of Echo Hill Farm in Kentucky is from one of only two known lines of the frame overo gene, which produces a colorful combination of markings and one or two blue eyes.
Koda Chrome, trained by Kentucky horseman Tom Drury, is by Blue Eyed Streaker out of the Atticus mare A Beauty Black and was ridden by Cory Orm. He dueled for the lead early and then settled for third behind the victorious Spun Diamond in the six-furlong maiden special weight event.
The colt is officially registered with The Jockey Club as dark bay or brown. Babcock said his sire, who stands at Echo Hill Farm, also possesses the frame overo gene.
"The last frame overo to make it to the races was Tri Chrome, who was trained by Jack Van Berg and ridden by Gary Stevens," Babcock said. "Both he and Blue Eyed Streaker were sons of a stallion named Blue Gazi."
Babcock said Koda Chrome may return in about three weeks to Belterra Park to try to break his maiden.
