American Lion , a dual graded stakes-winning son of Tiznow , has been retired from racing and will stand at John Phillips' Darby Dan Farm near Lexington.
“I have followed American Lion’s career, and have always been keen to stand him at stud,” said Robert Hammond, Darby Dan’s general manager, in a release. “He's the best looking son of Tiznow I've ever seen. He's a big, handsome, strapping physical who was very precocious on the track and showed tremendous speed. I am looking at Tiznow to be the next great sire of sires.”
American Lion began his career impressively as a 2-year-old, breaking his maiden by an eye-catching 6 3/4 lengths at Keeneland. In his next start, he traveled to California to win the seven-furlong Hollywood Prevue Stakes (gr. III) at Hollywood Park.
As a 3-year-old, American Lion stretched out his speed to win the Illinois Derby (gr. III) at 1 1/8 miles in his first start on dirt.
“I've had a lot of luck with sons of Tiznow, including Well Armed and Colonel John, and I'm excited to come to Darby Dan Farm with American Lion, who I think was as talented as they come,” said owner Bill Casner in a statement. “If you come and look at American Lion, you will want to breed to him. He demonstrates the best of Tiznow's strengths, and I look forward to supporting him with my own mares.”
An earner of $417,800, American Lion is out of the Storm Cat mare Storm Tide. Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm and Dr. William Lockridge, his second dam is grade I winner City Band.
American Lion will stand for a 2012 fee of $5,000 stands and nurses. Lifetime breeding rights are also available for purchase.