Summer Bird
Graded Earnings: $100,000
Race Record: 3-1-0-1
Trainer - Tim Ice
Jockey - Chris Rosier
Owner - Drs. Kalarikkal K. and Vilasini D. Jayaraman
Breeder - Drs. Kalarikkal K. and Vilasini D. Jayaraman
Pedigree
Summer Bird's pedigree is shot through with Kentucky Derby (G1) connections. He is 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 Canadian champion juvenile Mine That Bird joining Arkansas Derby (G2) third Summer Bird in the starting gate.
Summer Bird is out of the thrice-placed mare Hong Kong Squall, who has produced four other winners, three at route distances. She is by multiple Grade 1 star Summer Squall, the runner-up to Unbridled in the 1990 Kentucky Derby who turned the tables next time out in the Preakness (G1). Summer Squall's leading performers are Horse of the Year Charismatic, hero of the 1999 Derby and Preakness; champion two-year-old filly Storm Song; Grade 1-winning millionaire Summer Colony; and 2005 Kentucky Oaks (G1) victress Summerly. As a broodmare sire, Summer Squall is responsible for champion two-year-old male Stevie Wonderboy (Stephen Got Even) and last year's Norfolk S. (G1) winner Street Hero (Street Cry [Ire]).
Summer Bird's granddam, the winning Hong Kong Jade, is herself a daughter of 1987 Derby and Preakness star Alysheba. Hong Kong Jade is a half-sister to champion sprinter Rubiano (Fappiano) as well as stakes queen Tap Your Heels (Unbridled), the dam of Grade 1 winner and successful young sire Tapit.
