The conferment of chef-de-race status to Chief's Crown might change the way Bellamy Road is viewed on the way to the Derby. Bellamy Road's Dosage Index went from 3.50 to 2.25 and the colt's Center of Distribution went from 0.83 to 0.58, both drops reflecting an increase in stamina.
Chief's Crown, whose paternal grandson Bellamy Road is one of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) favorites, was named racing's newest chef-de-race stallion. Dr. Steven A. Roman, in consultation with Steve Miller of the United Kingdom, assigned Chief's Crown in the split categories of Intermediate/Solid. Chef-de-race stallions are characterized to reflect the dominant traits they transmit to their offspring."The descendants of Chief's Crown are characterized by versatility for surface, performing equally as well on dirt and grass, and generally over a distance of ground," Roman wrote.Chief's Crown, who died at age 15 in 1997, sired 53 stakes winners. Bellamy Road's sire, Concerto, was one of several millionaires sired by Chief's Crown (Danzig--Six Crowns, by Secretariat).
