HorseRacing
Soaring to New Heights: West Point Thoroughbreds' Remarkable Run
2024-11-15
West Point Thoroughbreds, the renowned Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based stable, has been on a remarkable run, showcasing the depth and talent of their equine roster. Under the leadership of president and CEO Terry Finley, the stable has been making waves in the industry, with a string of impressive victories and promising prospects on the horizon.

Unlocking the Potential of West Point Thoroughbreds' Powerhouse Performers

Integration: Overcoming Adversity, Poised for Greatness

The 4-year-old Quality Road colt, Integration, trained by the esteemed Shug McGaughey and co-owned by Woodford Racing, has had a challenging year, but his recent triumph in the Red Smith Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct has ignited a renewed sense of optimism. Finley acknowledges the colt's struggles, stating, "Overall, it's been a tough year. Things just were ready to fall into place." However, the stable's unwavering faith in the horse has paid off, with Finley praising the partners' unwavering support and the colt's ability to deliver when it mattered most. Integration's potential is undeniable, and Finley hints at the possibility of a start in the prestigious Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1), where the colt previously finished fifth.

Battle of Normandy: A Homecoming Success Story

The 4-year-old City of Light colt, Battle of Normandy, bred by West Point's Gage Hill Stables and Farish, and co-owned with Woodford Racing, has been on a steady upward trajectory. Trained by McGaughey, the colt's recent victory in the River City (G3) at Churchill Downs is a testament to the stable's meticulous planning and execution. Finley expresses his pride in the journey, stating, "I don't think I really had a total grasp of how gratifying it is to really start and to plan a mating and to work through and to come forward and have a 4-year-old get as good as he has." Battle of Normandy's progression has been a source of immense satisfaction for the stable, and Finley reveals that the Pegasus World Cup Turf is likely the colt's next target.

Cugino: Overcoming Adversity, Poised for a Breakout Year

The 3-year-old Twirling Candy colt, Cugino, a half-brother to Battle of Normandy, has had a challenging campaign, but his recent runner-up finish in the Hill Prince (G3) at Aqueduct has rekindled the stable's optimism. Finley acknowledges the colt's health scare as a 2-year-old, stating, "He was within days of not making it." However, the stable's patience and Cugino's resilience have paid off, and Finley believes the colt is primed for a breakout year in 2025. The Tropical Park Derby at Gulfstream could be Cugino's next opportunity to showcase his talent and cement his place among the upper echelon of turf horses.

Carson's Run: Ascending the Ranks with Impressive Performances

The 3-year-old Cupid colt, Carson's Run, trained by Christophe Clement and co-owned by Steven Bouchey, has been a standout performer for West Point Thoroughbreds. With a win in the Saratoga Derby (G1) and a second-place finish in the Nashville Derby (G3) Invitational, the colt has proven his mettle on the big stage. Finley expresses his delight with the colt's progress, stating, "Very pleased with him." The upcoming Hollywood Derby (G1) at Del Mar will be the next challenge for Carson's Run, with jockey Dylan Davis set to guide the colt's quest for glory.

Maui Strong: A Rising Star on the Turf

The Kitten's Joy colt, Maui Strong, bred by New York Racing Association chairman Marc Holliday and co-owned with Edwin Barker, has been a pleasant surprise for the stable. Trained by Dale Romans, Maui Strong's recent maiden win at Churchill Downs has caught the attention of Finley, who believes the colt is poised to make a significant impact in the 3-year-old turf ranks next year. Finley praises the colt's performance, stating, "Visually, it was the kind of performance that would indicate he's going to be a force in the 3-year-old turf ranks next year."

Indispensable: Persistence Pays Off

The 3-year-old Constitution colt, Indispensable, trained by John Sadler and owned in partnership with Talla Racing and Barker, has had a challenging start to his career, taking nine tries to break his maiden. However, the colt's recent runner-up finish in the Shared Belief and third-place effort in the Oklahoma Derby have caught the attention of the stable. Finley expresses confidence in the colt's upcoming start in the Zia Park Derby, stating, "The vibe that we're getting from John Sadler and (jockey) Juan Leyva out there is he's at the top of his game."

Jaxon Traveler: A Consistent Performer

The Munnings colt, Jaxon Traveler, owned solely by West Point Thoroughbreds and trained by Steve Asmussen, has been a consistent performer for the stable. With four wins in eight starts this year, including a victory in a black-type stakes at Remington Park, the colt has earned over $1 million in his career. Finley praises Asmussen's handling of the horse, stating, "Steve Asmussen, he's just been a magician with this horse, bobbing and weaving." The upcoming Zia Park Sprint will be the next opportunity for Jaxon Traveler to showcase his talent.
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