Barn Tour: Stidham's recent standouts, plus 1 springtime star
Trainer Michael Stidham found success at the 2021 Kentucky Downs meet, winning multiple stakes races over the European-style turf course. As his Kentucky Downs contingent prepares for what comes next, Stidham updated Horse Racing Nation on their doings, plus several of his other top horses.
When last seen, Pixelate earned his second victory of the year in the Mint Million (G3) at Kentucky Downs. In that effort, the 4-year-old City Zip colt entered the stretch in third by 1 1/2 lengths, but rallied to cross the wire a 2 1/2-length winner.
Stidham said Pixelate came out of the race in good order. He worked Sunday at Fair Hill in preparation for a possible start in the Keeneland Turf Mile (G1) on Oct. 9.
“He’s one of the most solid iron horses in my stable for a long time,” Stidham said. “Luckily he’s been healthy and he’s run at the top level for quite a long time.”
Princess Grace also ran impressively at Kentucky Downs. In the Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint, the 4-year-old Karakonite filly won by a half-length to remain undefeated in 2021.
She had previously won the Yellow Ribbon (G2) at Del Mar and the Dr. James Penny Memorial (G3) at Parx.
Stidham said she will also be running at Keeneland next, either in the Keeneland Turf Mile or the First Lady (G1). He also said she might run against males in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar in November.
“We’d have to run against boys in the Breeders’ Cup because there isn’t a suitable distance for fillies and mares,” Stidhamd said. “The only filly and mare turf race is the mile and three-eighths and that’s not her distance.”
Michelene was not among Stidham’s winners at Kentucky Downs last month, finishing sixth in the Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon. The 4-year-old Bernardini filly could go next in the Dowager (G3) at Keeneland on Oct. 24.
“We’ll see,” Stidham said.
Roadster was trained by Stidham earlier this year leading up to a start in the New Orleans Classic (G2) at Fair Grounds, where he finished fourth. After that, he moved back into Bob Baffert’s barn where he had been for most of his career.
However, before his last start, a third-place effort in the Polynesian at Laurel Park on Sept. 18, he was once again under Stidham’s care. According to Stidham, the 5-year-old Quality Road horse is sticking with him
“We’ll ship him to Keeneland and then decide (on a next race),” Stidham said. “We haven’t really picked a race for him to come back in, but he came out of that last race in good shape.”
Winner of the Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan in March, Mystic Guide was placed on the shelf for the remainder of 2021 after requiring surgery in July for a knee chip. At the time, it was unclear whether he would race again.
More than two months after the surgery, Stidham said the Ghostzapper colt is looking good and has returned to the track as his rehab continues.
“He’s very, very light, just in the beginning phases of training,” Stidham said. “He hasn’t really even started galloping yet, but he’s back to jogging and doing light stuff.”
Line Change
Stidham pointed to the 2-year-old Nyquist colt as an up-and-comer to watch from his barn. The Godolphin homebred, out of Chilukki’s Song, makes his debut Friday in the third race at Laurel Park, going 5 1/2 furlongs.
“He’s a first-time starter so we’ll see how he runs,” Stidham said.