To personal a horse is to take part in a dream. Notably a Thoroughbred racehorse. And when that 2-year-old qualifies for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Dash on “Future Stars Friday,” your desires turn out to be extra thrilling!
Doug O’Neill is a seasoned coach with many years of expertise on the Breeders’ Cup World Championships with winners similar to Nyquist (2015 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile), Goldencents (2013 Dust Mile), Maryfield (2007 Filly and Mare Dash), Thor’s Echo (2006 Dash), and Stevie Wonderboy (2005 Juvenile). As well as, he gained the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness with I’ll Have One other and the 2016 Kentucky Derby with Nyquist. His coaching incorporates a staff philosophy and the motto, “Why not us?”
Pali Kitten is a 2-year-old Kentucky-bred sired by Vino Rosso out of Artemus Kitten, by Kitten’s Pleasure. He’s a chestnut colt with three begins. He has two firsts, together with the Speakeasy Stakes at 5 furlongs on the turf at Santa Anita Park on Oct. 5, 2024, coming from final to first beneath jockey Kazushi Kimura as “the late hazard” besting Smash It by a neck.
O’Neill is captivated with Pali Kitten. “He’s a mature-minded 2-year-old, good-looking colt with an even-keel disposition. He’s a really cool, sincere horse. We thought this is perhaps a very good probability to take a swing on the Breeders’ Cup as he gained the prep race, Speakeasy Stakes at Santa Anita. With the race over the identical floor and distance we thought let’s see what occurs.
“It is a nice group of homeowners, straightforward to work with, so let’s have some enjoyable. I do know it’s their first Breeders’ Cup as a participant and they’re all super-pumped.”
Pali Kitten’s possession group is Robert A. Bambauer, James F. Cahill, Scott Knight, Richard L. Sutcliffe Jr., Robin A. Sutcliffe, and Kelli S. and Timothy H. Walsh. They’re enthusiastic about Pali Kitten racing on “Future Stars Friday!” Every of them has particular recollections of horse racing and what it means to them.
Jim Cahill lives near Del Mar and has been hooked as a racehorse proprietor. He remembers when he was in school and lived at a home on the seaside in Del Mar with six different guys. “Within the summertime, we might hang around on the observe. All of us had totally different jobs however late within the afternoon, we might go up there. In these days, you’d carry a seaside chair and a cooler filled with your favourite refreshments. We’d sit out subsequent to the observe and watch the races. It was such a enjoyable time.
“There’s nothing prefer it when I’ve a horse working. There’s nothing as enjoyable as once they’re coming down the stretch. You’re yelling! You’re screaming! You’re leaping up and down together with your family and friends. It’s a thrill. It’s an thrilling time for all of us!”
As for Pali Kitten: “He’s handsome. He’s bought good markings. He’s bought an amazing character. Once you come as much as the stall, he’ll instantly come as much as meet you. He’s candy to all people. I bear in mind I took a good friend to see him, and he laid his head on her shoulder.”
Scott Knight co-founded Pali Wine Co. in Santa Barbara, Calif. He and his spouse have been speaking with Jim Cahill about doable names for the newly bought 2-year-old by Vino Rosso, purchased by Steven Rothblum on the 2024 OBS Spring sale of 2-year-olds in coaching for $82,000 on behalf of the homeowners. His dam (mom), Artemus Kitten, is a stakes-winning daughter of 2004 champion turf male Kitten’s Pleasure, who was the satisfaction and pleasure of Ken and Sarah Ramsey. This naturally results in a play on kitten names. Thus, Pali Kitten was christened.
Scott Knight says that the rationale he’s into horse racing is for the camaraderie. “The life experiences with household and pals imply lots to me. I’ve so many recollections on the observe with my household. I do know that my grandmother all the time guess the grey. My mother all the time bets on the grey horse. I nonetheless keep in mind that to this present day. You neglect about all of your life issues for the time that you simply’re on the observe. You’re simply having a very good time. It’s all enjoyable. Think about the joy and the elation within the suite! I’m simply hanging out with these guys and having fun with it. Everyone’s in a very good temper. Everyone’s cool. It’s a enjoyable environment.”
Robert A. and Sheila Bambauer are skilled Thoroughbred horse homeowners, and their many partnerships confirm their love of the game. “For Workforce O’Neill (Doug, Sharla Sanders, and Steve Rothblum) to permit my spouse, Sheila, and I to be a part of the staff is actually a dream come true. We love the game and most of all love the individuals which can be behind the scenes offering look after the horses.” Pali Kitten was awarded the “greatest turned out” award at Santa Anita for the Speakeasy Stakes, which Bambauer pointed to for example of the good care given the colt by his groom and the O’Neill barn.
One other member of Pali Kitten’s possession group is a newcomer to the game of proudly owning a Thoroughbred however actually no newcomer to sports activities. His title alone perks up any Main League Baseball fan. Rick Sutcliffe gained the Nationwide League Cy Younger Award in 1984 and Nationwide League Rookie of the Yr in 1979. The three-time All-Star pitcher gained 171 video games throughout a storied profession. After he threw his final pitch, Sutcliffe broadcasted for ESPN for 27 years. Residing in Del Mar, he enjoys horse racing on the seaside racetrack.
It was Jim Cahill who provided him and his spouse, Robin, the chance to purchase into Pali Kitten. They jumped proper in. Sutcliffe mentioned their first race at Del Mar was a lot enjoyable. “We didn’t win however we had a blast with all our pals being there. The issues that they do at Del Mar are so particular. She took the grandkids there. I’d say that that the primary factor that made all of it particular was our coach, Doug O’Neill. He’s phenomenal.”
When requested the way it felt to look at Pali Kitten race, Sutcliffe provided, “it sort of feels like I simply turned 20 years outdated after I pitched my first sport within the huge leagues. It was Dodger Stadium. My palms have been sweaty. I’m being sincere. It’s just a little bit like after I broadcast my first sport on ESPN. It’s no totally different than after I broadcast the World Sequence. I don’t get nervous, however that’s thrilling! Within the final couple of months, attending to know Doug, I do know that our horse is ready, and it’s only a cool feeling.”
Breeders’ Cup “Future Stars Friday” is designed to characteristic the longer term stars of tomorrow. All of the Pali Kitten’s connections will likely be cheering him on as he sprints “the place the turf meets the surf.” As Workforce O’Neill says, “Why not us?”
