Breeding rights sold for Charlatan, an 'absolute standout'

Hill 'n' Dale Farm on Wednesday announced the purchase of undefeated Grade 1 winner Charlatan’s breeding rights.

“Horses with Charlatan’s immense ability combined with superior pedigree, conformation, depth of female family and star-quality appeal are a very rare commodity,” said John G. Sikura, President of Hill ’n’ Dale.

Charlatan’s career to date has captured the public’s imagination, with several comparing him to Justify. After debut and allowance wins at Santa Anita, he scored as an odds-on favorite Saturday in the first division of the Arkansas Derby (G1).

“This horse is effortless and gets over the ground so easily," said trainer Bob Baffert. "He is just exceptionally fast and does it without asking. That's what the great ones do. To ship him to win a Grade 1 in his third start shows you what I think of him. When you see him in person you say wow."

Charlatan is a son of Speightstown out of multiple graded stakes winner Authenticity, who was on the board 11 times in 12 starts, having placed in the Breeders' Cup Distaff and the Personal Ensign.

“I love Gone West as a prepotent sire influence and both Quiet American and Deputy Minister (his first two broodmare sires) are foundational influences," Sikura said. "His raw talent and athleticism enables him to carry his brilliant speed around two turns with ease."

Sikura said current connections will continue managing Charlatan's career "until his retirement to Hill 'n' Dale."

“We were delighted to do the breeding rights deal with Hill ’n’ Dale," said Tom Ryan of co-owner SF Bloodstock. "They have launched and managed the careers of several breed shaping sires. Johnny’s record speaks for itself. Charlatan will be given every chance at stud given their track record of standing and developing elite stallions."

“Physically, he’s one of the best physical horses we’ve ever bred," added Stonestreet Farm bloodstock adviser John Moynihan. "What sets him apart is the way he moves. He moves like a great horse. He is just a real athlete. He is the epitome of what we’ve tried to breed up to this point. Charlatan is a perfect combination of the genes meeting the physical. He is an absolute standout."