Pioneer of The Nile
Graded Earnings: $1,193,250
Race Record: 8-5-0-1
Trainer - Bob Baffert
Jockey - Garrett Gomez
Owner - Zayat Stables, LLC
Breeder - Zayat Stables, LLC
Pedigree
Like many colts before him, Pioneer of the Nile will seek to avenge the loss of his father in the Kentucky Derby. His sire, the regally bred Empire Maker, won the Florida Derby (G1) and Wood Memorial S. (G1) prior to starting as the 5-2 favorite in the 2003 Run for the Roses, but complications from a foot bruise perhaps compromised his chances at Churchill Downs as he wound up 1 3/4 lengths second behind Funny Cide. Bypassing the Preakness S. (G1), the Juddmonte homebred pointed toward the 12-furlong Belmont S. (G1), which he won by three-quarters of a length and thus derailed Funny Cide’s Triple Crown bid. By 1990 Kentucky Derby winner and champion Unbridled, Empire Maker is out of the 2002 Broodmare of the Year Toussaud (El Gran Senor), also the dam of Chester House (Mr. Prospector) and Chiselling (Woodman), both Grade 1 winners over 1 1/4 miles. There is absolutely nothing to suggest from a paternal standpoint that Pioneerof the Nile will find the Derby’s 10-furlong trip taxing in any way.
Pioneer of the Nile was produced from Star of Goshen, whose lone stakes victory was an 11-length romp in the 1997 La Troienne S. going seven furlongs at Churchill, with eventual three-year-old filly champion Ajina (Strawberry Road [Aus]). Star of Goshen had won her first two starts by a combined 16 lengths, but met defeat for the first time when second in the Edgewood S., then concluded her career when eased under the wire in the Hollywood Oaks (G2). Pioneerof the Nile counts as a half-brother the multiple Grade 2-placed Forefathers (Gone West), whose best came around one turn, but an infusion of stamina in the female is provided by Lord at War (Arg), whose signature victory occurred in the 1985 Santa Anita H. (G1) over 1 1/4 miles. Lord at War’s daughters have produced a host of top quality routers, most notably the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem (Our Emblem), 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) victor Raven’s Pass (Elusive Quality), Grade 1 heroine Citronnade (Lemon Drop Kid) and Suburban H. (G2) winner E Dubai (Mr. Prospector).
Pioneer of the Nile’s second dam, Castle Eight (Key to the Kingdom), also produced Powis Castle (Rare Brick), who finished eighth in the 1994 Derby but later found success as a sprinter in capturing the Malibu S. (G2) among other races. Powis Castle also placed twice going nine furlongs in the Jim Beam S. (G2) and Del Mar Derby (G2), so despite there being more notable sprinters in Pioneer of the Nile’s immediate female family, there is plenty to like about the dark bay as he continues to stretch out.
