Teen Tracks: Distance No Problem for Friends Lake

When the discussion turns to pedigrees in modern racing, one thought comes to mind--speed. The influence of such stallions as Mr. Prospector, Danzig, and Raise a Native in the latter half of the century only emphasized the point that the Thoroughbred breed is quickly declining in stamina, while the speed is being introduced into breeding programs internationally. However, some stallions still remain who are an influence for stamina in the breeding program. A.P. Indy is one of these sires. His son, Friends Lake, is a major Derby contender this year, and can tackle the 1 1/4 mile distance with ease.

A.P. Indy is a major stamina influence in today's breeding programs. He has sired such notable stamina standouts as Horse of the Year Mineshaft, a grade I winner in such historic handicaps as the Woodward Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup (a 1 1/4 mile distance), and Stephen Got Even, a grade I winner of the Donn Handicap. His race record further emphasizes the point that he is a stamina standout. A.P. Indy was a classic winner of the 1 1/2 mile Belmont Stakes and a Horse of the Year. His pedigree further highlights his stamina, as he is a son of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. His dam is Weekend Surprise, a blue hen mare who was also the dam of Summer Squall, a Preakness winner and the sire of Horse of the Year Charismatic, and the winning stallion Honor Grades, a useful sire of multiple grade I victress Adoration. Weekend Surprise's sire was Secretariat, the illustrious Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year, and her dam was Lassie Dear, a grade III-winning daughter of great broodmare sire Buckpasser (and Horse of the Year), and dam of European champion sprinter Wolfhound.

Lassie Dear was also the dam of stakes placed filly Lassie's Lady, in turn the dam of Sanford Stakes (gr. II) winner Bite the Bullet and English stakes winner and sire Shuailaan. The next dam, Gay Missile, captured the Ashland Stakes, and was by Sir Gaylord, a half-brother to Secretariat, making A.P. Indy inbred 3x5 to the great matron Somethingroyal. She was the second dam of Cheveley Park Stakes (Eng-I) victress Gay Gallanta, in turn dam of group II winner Byron and Gallinule Stakes (Ire-II) victor Sportsworld.

The dam of Gay Missile was the great broodmare Missy Baba. She was a daughter of the good European classic sire My Babu, out of the hardy Umidwar mare Uvira II. Umidwar was a champion stakes-winning son of the great classic influence Blandford and the excellent French filly Uganda. Missy Baba was the dam of stakes winner Chokri, Dade Metropolitan Handicap winner Master Bold, stakes winner and leading sire Raja Baba, grade I winner Sauce Boat (broodmare sire of 1994 dual classic winner Tabasco Cat), and stakes placed Sooni, dam of Canadian grade II winner Black Cash and course record setter My Marchesa.

Many of Missy Baba's best foals were by Bold Ruler, and her family crosses very well with the descendants of that champion sire. A.P. Indy also traces to Bold Ruler in tail-male, so he is another product of the Missy Baba-Bold Ruler cross. Missy Baba's dam, Uvira II, won the 1941 Irish Oaks, and was the dam of numerous other stakes winners, including the good Argentine sire Francis U. Uvira's dam was Lady Lawless, by champion and classic sire Son-in-Law. This line traces back to the broodmare Mayonnaise, winner of the 1,000 Guineas, and her dam, Picnic, also won that classic race. This family also includes Barbelle, dam of the Derby and St. Leger winner The Flying Dutchman (sire of Epsom Derby winner Ellington), and Van Tromp, winner of the Ascot Gold Cup and the St. Leger.

The female family of Friends Lake is also known for hardiness and stamina. His dam, Antespend, was a multiple grade I winner on dirt and turf, and a daughter of Derby winner Spend a Buck. His second dam, Auspiciante, was also a grade I winner on the turf. Auspiciante's dam, Auxey, was by Right of Way, a descendant of English classic winner Fairway. Auxey was a stakes winner in Argentina. Auxey's dam, Gevrey, was the dam of numerous South American stakes winners. Gevrey's dam, Fond de Cave, was also the ancestress of group winner Braseante.

The dam of Fond de Cave, Iquem, was a very good broodmare, being the dam of the great filly La Mission, the only filly winner of Argentina's Quadruple Crown. This family is a fine Argentine family, tracing back to Bruce Lowe Family No. 12. Other members of this family include the great sire Eclipse, Epsom Derby winner Roberto, classic winner Bramalea, Glorious Song, Challedon, and Commando. Because of the classic-oriented pedigree of Friends Lake, he is extremely well-suited for the Kentucky Derby, the greatest American race.