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Last year we saw the conclusion of the career of the undefeated New Mexico-bred filly Peppers Pride (who has now been bred to Tiznow (TrueNicks,SRO) ). A new star has now emerged from a Southwestern regional program, in the shape of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad started her career winning four straight against fellow Arizona-breds -- easily winning her maiden before taking the Arizona Breeders' Futurity by 14  lengths, the Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes by 19 lengths, and the Arizona Oaks by 13 lengths. In her most recent out, Carlsbad tried something than Peppers Pride never attempted: tackling open company. The spot chosen was the six-furlong Santa Paula Stakes (gr. III), and making her first start on all-weather, Carlsbad got the job done by 3 lengths.

Carlsbad is from the first crop of the [InExcess} sire Rocky Bar. In Excess of course is sire of standout Indian Charlie (TrueNicks,SRO), but is also a good minor sire of sires, with a number of sons having done useful jobs in regional programs. Rocky Bar won the Harry Henson Stakes and was twice graded stakes-placed, including when second in the Hollywood Turf Express Handicap (gr. III). From a first crop of 120named foals, Rocky Bar has six winners from seven starters, including black type-placed Attleboro.

Carlsbad's dam Kits Peak, a daughter of Pine Bluff, was a stakes winner at Del Mar and Turf Paradise. She has also produced Staten Island (by In Excess, and therefore a close genetic relative to Carlsbad), winner of the Arizona Oaks (when it was a listed event) and two other stakes events.

By the way, there have only been four starters by In Excess and his sons out of mares by Pine Bluff, and Carlsbad and Staten Island are joined as stakes winners by Czechers, a daughter of Indian Charlie. Not surprisingly, with three stakes winners from four starters, the In Excess/Pine Bluff cross rates A++.

Filed under: Recent Winners