Freshman Sire Watch: Yaupon leads, Lexitonian gets 1st winner
The 2025 freshman sire standings are taking shape with Yaupon firmly establishing himself as the leader with eight wins from 17 starters for an impressive 47.1% win rate. The son of Uncle Mo has been the story of the summer, with recent winners including Sav'n Money at Louisiana Downs and Bonsai Warrior at Monmouth Park helping to extend his advantage.
While Yaupon dominates in total victories, the competition remains fierce among the rest of the field. Rock Your World and Leinster are tied for second with four wins each, though Leinster's 36.4% strike rate from 11 starts gives him a significant edge over Rock Your World's 26.7% from 15 starters.
The depth of talent in this freshman class is evident with multiple sires posting strong winning percentages despite limited opportunities. Charlatan maintains a 25% win rate with two wins from eight starts, and newcomer Listing has impressed with two wins from just five attempts for a 40% strike rate.
Recent winners
The past week has seen continued activity from the freshman sire class, with several notable performances including a breakthrough first winner. Lexitonian broke through for his first winner when Ritzaphena scored at Lone Star Park on its closing day July 13, giving the son of Speightstown his inaugural victory from seven starters. Lexitonian got his Grade 1 in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt at Saratoga, where he defeated a field that included Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Whitmore. He stands at Calumet Farm for a $7,500 stud fee.
Beau Liam continued his steady progress with Border Czar winning at Woodbine on July 12, and Maxfield registered another winner with Max Capacity at Charles Town on July 11. The week also featured victories from By My Standards and Modernist, demonstrating the breadth of talent across the freshman class.
Freshman sire standings
| Sire | Starts | Wins | Places | Shows | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaupon | 17 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 47.1% |
| Rock Your World | 15 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 26.7% |
| Leinster | 11 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 36.4% |
| Beau Liam | 18 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 16.7% |
| Maxfield | 14 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 21.4% |
| Knicks Go | 19 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 10.5% |
| Uncle Chuck | 10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Charlatan | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Modernist | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 33.3% |
| Listing | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40.0% |
| Raging Bull | 14 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7.1% |
| By My Standards | 12 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8.3% |
| Essential Quality | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9.1% |
| Code of Honor | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 10.0% |
| Lexitonian | 7 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 14.3% |
| Known Agenda | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 14.3% |
| Basin | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16.7% |
| Galawi | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Waiting | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 25.0% |
| Raging Tiger | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 33.3% |