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| Staff Writer |
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Sandman, the US$1.2 million purchase who captured the Gr.1 Arkansas Derby, stands as the most expensive entrant in this year's Kentucky Derby field. The son of Tapit, trained by Mark Casse, enters the Churchill Downs contest as third choice on the morning line at 6-1.
Consigned by Tom McCrocklin to the 2024 Ocala Breeders’ March 2YOs in Training Sale, Sandman was purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds, D.J. Stable, and CJ Stable.
McCrocklin recalls the colt's natural class shining through from the beginning.
"People ask me all the time, they say 'How'd you get US$1.2 million for a colt that just galloped?'", said McCrocklin. "I said, 'He would've brought that as a yearling, he didn't have to breeze'. I think if he would've breezed he would have actually brought more. Obviously, he's talented.
"We're very proud of the horse. The biggest thing about being around that horse on a day-to-day basis was his class. Very, very classy. You can't really explain it or describe it until you're around them, and then they're just different. Just different."
Baeza, currently sitting as an also eligible at 21st position, shares the distinction of being valued at US$1.2 million. The McKinzie colt, runner-up in the Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby behind morning-line favourite Journalism, was purchased by Mayberry Farm at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Should he draw into the field, Baeza would bring impressive bloodlines as a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornorch.
The precedent for seven-figure horses succeeding in the Derby was established in 2000 when Fusaichi Pegasus, purchased for US$4 million at the 1998 Keeneland July Sale, claimed the 10-furlong classic.
Bred in Kentucky by Lothenbach Stables, Sandman was sold following Bob Lothenbach's death. His dam, Distorted Music, was initially purchased by Lothenbach for US$190,000 as a yearling at the 2011 Keeneland September Sale.
Sandman represents the fourth foal from the mare, with graded stakes winner She Can't Sing being her most accomplished offspring prior to him. The Bernardini mare earned US$883,558 on the track. His 2YO half-brother by Into Mischief recently commanded US$1 million at Fasig-Tipton's 2024 The Saratoga Sale.
Having placed in six of his eight starts, Sandman has accumulated earnings of US$1,254,595. His Arkansas Derby triumph followed place finishes in the Gr.3 Southwest Stakes and Gr.2 Rebel Stakes behind Coal Battle.
McCrocklin remains confident in the colt's Derby prospects.
"I thought he was an elite 2YO prospect," he said. "And he's proven to be right.
"He's proven he can eat dirt. He's certainly proven he's got stamina. So, I think he's got a big chance. But, anybody that wins the Kentucky Derby, you've got to get lucky."