Da' Tara, who carried Robert LaPenta’s colors to an upset victory in the 2008 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), has been reunited with his Hall of Fame trainer, Nick Zito, and is in light training in Florida.
Ernie Reichard, LaPenta’s racing manager, said Feb. 28 that the 6-year-old horse could race again this year, but he might become a stallion if a deal can be reached to stand him. Reichard was interviewed during the under tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Florida select sale of 2-year-olds in training at the Palm Meadows Training Center in Boynton Beach.
Will Farish’s Lane’s End, acting on LaPenta’s behalf, consigned Da’ Tara to the 2010 Keeneland November breeding stock sale as a racing or stallion prospect. Foye Genetics, agent, purchased the son of Tiznow for $180,000. David Foye, who owns Foye Genetics, is an advisor to LaPenta.
Reichard said LaPenta is no longer Da’ Tara’s sole owner, but has retained “a piece” of the dark bay or brown horse, who hasn’t competed since November 2009.
Da’ Tara has won two of his 19 career races while earning $743,090. The victory in the Belmont brought an end to the Triple Crown bid of Big Brown . Da' Tara's record includes five runner-up efforts and three thirds. He finished second in the 2008 Barbaro Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.
Bred by WinStar Farm in Kentucky, Da’ Tara is out of the stakes-placed winner Torchera (by Pirate's Bounty).