First Mare Checks in Foal to American Lion

American Lion  , a multiple graded stakes-winning son of Tiznow  , had his first mare pronounced in foal. The 5-year-old stallion is standing his first season at stud at John Phillips' Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, and is the property of Casner Racing.

Miss Barbara, a half-sister to grade III winner Miss Lodi, was the first mare to check in foal to American Lion from his introductory book at stud. The mare is owned by Dr. Scott Pierce and Dr. Debbie Pierce, and is boarded at Omega Farm in Kentucky.

American Lion retired to Darby Dan for 2012 after capturing graded stakes wins at 2 and 3, and amassing earnings of $417,800. He broke his maiden impressively at Keeneland as a 2-year-old before winning the Hollywood Prevue Stakes (gr. III) in his next start. At 3, American Lion stretched his speed out to 1 1/8 miles to win the Illinois Derby (gr. III), and he also placed in the Robert Lewis Stakes (gr. II) on the Kentucky Derby trail.

American Lion is from the Storm Cat mare Storm Tide, a daughter to grade 1 winner City Band. He stands for a fee of $5,000 stands and nurses.