(Edited press release)
The Cliff's Edge, winner of the 2004 Bluegrass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland, will stand for $7,500 at Steve Johnson’s Margaux Farm near Midway, Ky. in 2009.
The son of Gulch’s fee has been reduced from the $10,000 he stood for in 2008.
"In today's economy it is vital to provide value to breeders and we feel a reduction in his fee matches the current state of the market, despite the fact that his first crop has been terrific on the track," said Johnson. "The interest in this stallion is as high as ever and at this new fee breeders will be hard pressed to find more value at his level."
As a 2-year-old The Cliffs Edge won three of five starts, including back-to-back graded stakes victories in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) and the Iroquois Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs, where he earned a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.
At 3, The Cliff's Edge won the Bluegrass, earning a career best 111 Beyer. In the 2004 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), he was the morning line favorite and after having a wide trip on a sloppy track, ran a solid fifth. He rounded out the season with second place finishes in the Dwyer Stakes (gr. I), Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II), Travers Stakes (gr. I), and Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I).
"The Cliff's Edge has the three main ingredients necessary for success at stud: conformation, ability, and pedigree, said Gary Hudson, stallion manager of Margaux. “He is a wonderfully built, correct individual who was able to compete and win at the highest levels. He was a tough horse that showed tremendous heart throughout his career and he is passing off those traits to his offspring.”
Bred by Stonerside Stable, The Cliffs Edge is out of the Danzig mare Zigember. He was trained by Nick Zito for Roberta LaPenta throughout his career.