With his impressive win in Saturday's Withers Stakes (USA-III), Far From Over thrust himself into the Triple Crown picture. Given his lack of seasoning -- this was only his second race -- it may be a long shot for him to deliver a Kentucky Derby (USA-I) win. Don't be surprised to see him playing a role in this year's Triple Crown series, though, especially in the Belmont Stakes (USA-I). Unlike most of his potential rivals, Far From Over is bred to go Classic distances, and he has the depth of pedigree to do it in classic style.
As a son of Blame and a maternal grandson of A.P. Indy, the bay ridgling has no shortage of stamina in his pedigree. What saves him from the possibility of being a one-paced plodder is his maternal line, which traces back to the family of the modern foundation mare Courtly Dee. If this sounds familiar, it should; 2014 Breeders' Cup Classic (USA-I) winner Bayern is also a member of this family. In fact, Bayern and Far From Over are second cousins once removed in human terms; Bayern is a grandson of Aquilegia (Alydar--Courtly Dee), whose full sister Aishah is the great-granddam of Far From Over.
Courtly Dee's great legacy is quality speed, the kind that can blend successfully with stamina bequeathed by staying mates. In Far From Over's case, this speed descends through Aishah's Storm Cat daughter Aldiza, winner of the 1998 Go for Wand Handicap (USA-I). Aldiza, in turn, produced Grade III-placed Alchemist, a full sister to 2008 Turnback the Alarm Handicap (USA-III) winner Altesse and the dam of Far From Over. For good measure, Far From Over has another cross of Courtly Dee through her champion daughter Althea, a full sister to Aquilegia and Aishah and the granddam of Far From Over's paternal grandsire Arch.
While Far From Over showed a fine turn of foot and surprising maturity to overcome his bad start in the Withers, his maiden win suggests that his most dangerous weapon may turn out to be the one Bayern has wielded so well -- the ability to use a high cruising speed to control a race from the front. But what may make him a better horse than Bayern if he lives up to his pedigree and promise is the ability he showed in the Withers to change his tactics if he doesn't get things his own way in the early going. Based on what he has shown so far, he will be one to watch.
As a son of Blame and a maternal grandson of A.P. Indy, the bay ridgling has no shortage of stamina in his pedigree. What saves him from the possibility of being a one-paced plodder is his maternal line, which traces back to the family of the modern foundation mare Courtly Dee. If this sounds familiar, it should; 2014 Breeders' Cup Classic (USA-I) winner Bayern is also a member of this family. In fact, Bayern and Far From Over are second cousins once removed in human terms; Bayern is a grandson of Aquilegia (Alydar--Courtly Dee), whose full sister Aishah is the great-granddam of Far From Over.
Courtly Dee's great legacy is quality speed, the kind that can blend successfully with stamina bequeathed by staying mates. In Far From Over's case, this speed descends through Aishah's Storm Cat daughter Aldiza, winner of the 1998 Go for Wand Handicap (USA-I). Aldiza, in turn, produced Grade III-placed Alchemist, a full sister to 2008 Turnback the Alarm Handicap (USA-III) winner Altesse and the dam of Far From Over. For good measure, Far From Over has another cross of Courtly Dee through her champion daughter Althea, a full sister to Aquilegia and Aishah and the granddam of Far From Over's paternal grandsire Arch.
While Far From Over showed a fine turn of foot and surprising maturity to overcome his bad start in the Withers, his maiden win suggests that his most dangerous weapon may turn out to be the one Bayern has wielded so well -- the ability to use a high cruising speed to control a race from the front. But what may make him a better horse than Bayern if he lives up to his pedigree and promise is the ability he showed in the Withers to change his tactics if he doesn't get things his own way in the early going. Based on what he has shown so far, he will be one to watch.
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