Late Belmont Stakes bloomer Intrepid Heart drew 'smart buyers'

Belmont Stakes contender Intrepid Heart was a bit behind schedule going through the sales ring but still fetched $750,000 at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale last April.

While most 2-year-olds in training sales begin their heavy lifting toward the end of the calendar year, Intrepid Heart did not begin breezing until February. Nevertheless, this didn't concern consigner Niall Brennan, who believed that buyers at the sale would be attracted by his notable pedigree.

By Tapit, Intrepid Heart is out of the two-time stakes winning Touch Gold broodmare Flaming Heart, who produced three-time graded stakes winner and 2014 Belmont Stakes runner up Commissioner.

"We got him after Christmas and many 2-year-olds that go through the sales are already breezing by then," Brennan said. "...In his case, nothing was wrong. He was just a little behind the eight ball. He was always improving with each work and I knew that when I saw him work that he would be a good horse."

Tapit's progeny, who have won three out of the last five Belmonts, have a reputation of being tough to work with. But Intrepid Heart was an exception, according to Brennan. 

"He was very nice to be around, especially for a Tapit. He was a gentleman," said Brennan. "Tapits can be tough-minded and tough to deal with. Intrepid Heart was good feeling and had good energy. He had a lot of class and was focused, putting his mind to his business and behaving himself."

Intrepid Heart's conformation was as attractive as his pedigree.

"People saw a big, growing horse and the smart buyers took a closer look and realized that he had the potential," Brennan said. "There were four or five legitimate buyers."

Bloodstock agent Jacob West purchased the colt on behalf of owners Robert and Lawana Low. 

"He was a May foal and life for him would start after Saratoga and after the fall because of his physical make up. It didn't really affect our decision," West said. "When you have that pedigree, by Tapit out of a Touch Gold mare, it was a very easy determination. We just gave him some time to grow up and mature."

Brennan takes pride in developing young horses and hopes that the future continues to be bright for Intrepid Heart. 

"It gives credibility to what we're doing," Brennan said. "We're around these horses and obviously they have to be good and sound, but talent is key. Hopefully he becomes a good stallion one day."