Mine That Bird
Graded Earnings: $138,705
Race Record: 8-4-1-0
Trainer - Bennie Woolley Jr.
Jockey - Calvin Borel
Owner - Double Eagle Ranch and Bueno Suerte Equine
Breeder - Lamantia, Blackburn and Needham/Betz Thoroughbreds
Pedigree
Mine That Bird is the leading runner so far by millionaire Birdstone, who carved out a permanent niche in racing history by foiling Smarty Jones' Triple Crown bid in the 2004 Belmont S. (G1). A son of 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Grindstone, and a grandson of 1990 Derby hero Unbridled, Birdstone stamped himself as a classic contender when capturing the Champagne S. (G1) at two. Unfortunately, the spring of his three-year-old season did not go according to plan, and he could manage only eighth in the Run for the Roses. The real Birdstone reappeared in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, rolling home late to inflict the first and only defeat upon Smarty Jones. Later that summer, Birdstone added the prestigious Travers S. (G1) to his resume. Given his proficiency at distances of 1 1/4 miles and beyond, he promises to pass on his abundant stamina. Birdstone already has two Derby contenders in his very first crop, with Arkansas Derby (G2) third Summer Bird joining Mine That Bird in the starting gate.
Mine That Bird is the first foal from the unraced Mining My Own, who is by Smart Strike, sire of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and Preakness (G1) and the third-place finisher in the 2007 Kentucky Derby. The 1996 Grade 1 winner is a relatively new broodmare sire and will have the opportunity to shine for years to come.
Mining My Own, an eight-year-old mare, should provide plenty of stamina for her offspring. She is out of Aspenelle, a confirmed router who finished second in the 1993 Canadian Oaks, and Aspenelle hails from Vice Regent, whose offspring tend to relish longer distances. Vice Regent’s best offspring include the outstanding Deputy Minister, the 1981 Canadian Horse of the Year who went on to be a successful stallion; Canadian champions Regal Classic, Regal Intention, Bessarabian, Ruling Angel, Fraud Squad, Bounding Away, Christy’s Mount and Deceit Dancer; and multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Twice the Vice.
Mine That Bird looks well suited for the Derby distance.
