Brethren Reaffirms Strong Cross

In the 135 year history of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) there has never been two winners produced by a single mare, let alone two winners in consecutive years. However, judging by the performance of Brethren, the half brother to 2010 Derby hero Super Saver, in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) Feb. 12, it is at least a possibility the feat could be achieved this year. Of course, Brethren is going to have to overcome some considerably tougher opposition, and run significantly faster that he did in the Sam Davis, if he is to gain classic laurels. It was, however, hard not to be taken with the ease in which he attained his four-length triumph.

It should also be remembered that Brethren was making only the third start of his career, and the first of this year, having won a six-furlong maiden at Belmont Park last October, and a mile allowance at Churchill Downs in November. In addition, it shouldn’t be overlooked that Brethren is a son of Distorted Humor, a horse whose offspring frequently begin to make more than average progress around this time of year. It was just over 12 months ago we featured a group of lightly-raced Distorted Humor prospects we thought had a bright future. One of these, Drosselmeyer, who runs in the same colors as Brethren, subsequently captured the Belmont Stakes (gr. I); two more, Colizeo and Endorsement(another in the same ownership as Brethren) won graded stakes; and Age of Humor, Funny Feeling and Bank the Eight all took black-type events.