Centennial Farms has an extensive history of procuring stars at the prestigious Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. This year appears to be no exception. The acquisition team’s diligent work paid off with the addition of a son of Street Sense to the roster. He possesses an elite pedigree, being out of a young mare by champion Honor Code and from the family of winners of the Preakness, Met Mile, Alabama, and more. Of course, he is also a fantastic individual with an elite physical. Learn more here or contact us at (888) 606-7223, info@centennialfarms.com, or via the form here.
W-o-w! Shipping to Tampa, dealing with the rain, a far outside post, and facing stakes company for the first time did little to phase Litigate! The exciting sophomore pulled clear to a powerful victory in the G3 Sam F. Davis. His victory earned him 20 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved, starting with our outstanding partners. Dr. Stephen Carr and Paula Parsons selected him at the Keeneland September Sale, Parsons and her team developed him in Middleburg before he joined trainer Todd Pletcher‘s barn, and he was given a terrific ride by jockey Luis Saez. Litigate is a remarkably exciting colt and we couldn’t be more proud of him!
Recaps: The BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form, Thoroughbred Daily News.
Other features: Daily Racing Form post-race update, Thoroughbred Daily News breeder interview, Don Little, Jr. on At The Races with Steve Byk
Litigate, a debut winner at Aqueduct in November, officially turned three-years-old with the New Year! The changing of the calendar often means the launch of Kentucky Derby watch lists and Thoroughbred Daily News kicked off their “Derby Top 12” series on Monday, January 2. Our son of Blame checked in at number 10! The full piece is available here. Litigate makes his sophomore debut in Sunday’s ninth race at Gulfstream Park.
Aqueduct routinely hosts competitive maiden races in the fall, with graduates frequently proving to be among their generation’s best. Saturday’s fifth race had all the ingredients to add to that reputation, with a number of entrants coming in with some hype to them. Making his career debut, Litigate stalked the pace and came with a strong late move to pull clear of his rivals in deep stretch! The two-year-old is a member of the 2021 Elmont, LLC, selected by Dr. Carr and Paula Parsons at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale. The victory earned him a feature on TwinSpires’ Kentucky Derby maiden watch, found here.
The prestigious Keeneland September Sale is the year’s largest showcase of elite yearlings. The Centennial Farms acquisition team has proven adept at managing the competitive and marathon market, landing Wicked Strong, Preservationist, and Rocketry there in recent years. Their tireless efforts resulted in five stunning new colts for the roster, all boasting tremendous pedigrees and physicals. A colt from the first crop of our our millionaire and G1 winner Preservationist forms the 2022 Preservationist, LLC while sons of City of Light, Good Magic, Mitole, and Not This Time comprise the 2022 Hamilton, LLC. All five colts have settled in at Middleburg where they will undergo their early training. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss them further and to get involved.
The Centennial Farms acquisition team has had remarkable success at the prestigious Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale over the years. Our bevy of G1 winners includes Eclipse Award champion Rubiano, Belmont Stakes victor Colonial Affair, and Breeders’ Cup winner Corinthian. The 101st edition of the sale was a blockbuster… a blockbuster where we landed our top choice right off the bat. This magnificent colt is by brilliant young sire City of Light, hails from an outstanding family, and certainly looks the part. Partnership interests are currently available in the 2022 Cheval, LLC. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for details.
The OBS Spring Sale has only grown in popularity and prestige in recent years. Graduates include the winners of this year’s Pegasus World Cup Turf, Saudi Cup, and Dubai World Cup in addition to the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. We hit Ocala with one colt in mind and were thrilled to add him to the roster. This spectacular son of Malibu Moon hails from the same female family that gave us G1 winner and millionaire Preservationist. Learn more about the tremendous individual that makes up the 2022 Stellar, LLC and contact us to join his team.
Every year, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales offers the opportunity to purchase some of the best two-year-olds in training. Recent graduates of their sales include two-time Pegasus World Cup Turf winner Colonel Liam, 2021 Champion Two-Year-Old and Breeders’ Cup winner Corniche, 1-2 Saudi Cup finishers Emblem Road and Country Grammer, G1 winner Cafe Pharoah, and potential Florida Derby favorite White Abarrio. Our experienced acquisition team assembled at the March Sale to find colts who meet our standards of combining an outstanding physical with the pedigrees to excel on track and as stallions. To say Dr. Stephen Carr and Paula Parsons succeeded in that goal is an understatement. The newest additions to the roster are:
Hip 154: Liam’s Map – Star Torina, by A. P. Indy
Hip 357: War Front – Claire de Lune, by Galileo
Hip 567: Malibu Moon – Leaveminthedust, by Danzig
Ownership interests are now available in the 2022 Twin Oaks, LLC. Please contact the office for more information or if you would like a hard copy brochure.
Rocketry, whose retirement was announced over the summer, arrived at Old Friends in Georgetown, Kentucky to begin his new role as thoroughbred ambassador. The much-loved fan favorite, who earned over $800,000, had been enjoying some downtime in Middleburg since retiring.
“Just like the movie character, Rocketry could not have lived up to his nickname of ‘Rocky’ any better,” said Don Little, Jr. “He consistently campaigned in stakes carrying the Centennial flag with honor every time he set foot on the track. He was sound throughout his career while breaking three track records over a distance of ground. Being involved with a horse like this was truly a joy, thrill, and one that will be cherished by all the partners involved,” Little continued. “While he will be missed on the oval, we look forward to him showing off to visitors at Old Friends.”
“Who doesn’t love Rocketry?” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “We’re very fortunate that Centennial Farms trusts us to care for their great marathoner. Thanks to Don Little, Jr. and Jimmy Jerkens for allowing us to showcase him to his many fans.”
The Keeneland September Yearling Sale annually brings together some of the most exciting young horses in the world, with a truly international crowd on hand, each hoping to secure the next champion. The Centennial Farms acquisition team of Dr. Stephen Carr and Paula Parsons worked tirelessly to identify and procure four colts who fit Centennial’s proven formula for success. Despite record, competitive bidding, we were able to stick to our plan and secure terrific individuals. They are sons of proven sires Blame, Candy Ride, and Violence, in addition to a member of the second crop of undefeated G1 winner Mastery. Learn more about the 2021 Elmont, LLC and contact us to get involved.