- An interesting account in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette of how Teuflesberg came to the barn of former Zito assistant Jamie Sanders (who is a co-owner of the colt) for only $9,000 at the Fasig Tipton yearling sale in Lexington, in October, 2005.
When Teuflesberg entered the ring, Sanders said the sales company’s site was almost deserted because it was near the end of the three-day sale (999 horses were entered ), and the weather had turned raw.I guess that sometimes it's just a matter of being patient and persistent, and in this case, it's paid off with a speedy and durable colt, with an interesting pedigree for stretching out, who has earned black type and purse money of $317,931.
But Sanders and Kelly stuck around after being told the colt they liked so much...was being sent through without a reserve price.
....
Literally, Sanders said, there was no competition.
Teuflesberg had already gone through Fasig-Tipton’s Kentucky select yearling sale in July without being sold.
“It was just luck,” said Sanders, who owns 25 percent of Teuflesberg.
Teuflesberg is entered to make his 14th lifetime start in the Rebel on Saturday. If he actually does go on to the Derby, and assuming he has one more prep after this, he'll come into the big race with more career starts than [insert any two others, perhaps three] combined. However, he sure ain't going to be loping along on the lead to a 48 second half or a 1:12 three quarters, not with the two intriguing colts coming out of maiden races entered. Flying First Class comes off his 107 Beyer maiden win for Lukas, and Curlin off his 102. The latter was sold after that race, and will start for Steve Asmussen.
So Sanders says "I would think that he'll probably be sitting third." She said that the colt picked up the pace throughout his last workout and that she loves how he's coming into the Rebel. [DRF] And with the two recent graduates poised to be the favorites in the race, I'd take a shot with Teuflesberg at a decent price (though perhaps a bit more than his 9-2 morning line.)
4 Comments:
Alan,
There was a great article in the DRF about the Teuflesberg owners/trainers and the risks they've taken, etc. It was a FG oriented article (if I remember correctly), I've been unable to find it... I think it was from December or January.
Any chance you can apply for Bill Nader's old job at NYRA, Alan?
Will they fill it soon or wait to see what happens with the franchise? The next time they ask for a handout, they better remember to tally how much Nader was making. That amount is now saved....for the time being.
I am thinking Curlin is the real deal, purchased for 3 million by top connections, he should handle this group. By Smart Strike, descending from the all important MR. P line with a stamina oriented female family, he should be ok at this middle distance. Too inexperienced to be a serious threat in the Derby, could make his presence felt later in the year if the connections do not rush him.
Officer Rocket closed into that slow pace and is the obvious choice to complete the exacta.
Flying First Class will be overbet and I will leave off the ticket.
Going to play Teuf along with long shot closer types Wannabeincluded and Going Ballistic (not shot closing in his return in the same race as OR, decent form before that) in the third slot.
68/38/149.
No Derby threats from this group however.
Mr. Ed
Should read 68/68/149
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