Tag: Jill Gordon

Highgate Sales Hopes for ‘Brilliant’ Debut

Jill Gordon and Jacob West's new venture Highgate Sales looks to get off to a strong start with its first consignment at the upcoming Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale. They have a very good chance to do so thanks to the 10-horse consignment's star, GI La Brea S. runner-up Brilliant Cut (Speightstown) (Hip 541).

“We couldn't be more excited to be offering her on behalf of this ownership group [Boom Racing, ERJ Racing, Dave Kenney and William Strauss],” Gordon said. “They are a fun group of guys and I have had some luck in the past selling some fillies off the track for them. They don't breed, so we thought we would cash in while the iron's hot. On the buyer's perspective, you have limitless possibilities. You can run her for the rest of the year or you can take her directly to the breeding shed. She is by a leading broodmare sire in Speightstown. You combine her looks, her pedigree and her race record and she is the complete package for buyers.”

Brilliant Cut was claimed by these connections and trainer Doug O'Neill for $50,000 out of a winning effort at fourth asking at Del Mar in the fall of 2020. Third to La Brea winner Kalypso (Brody's Cause) in the GII Santa Ynez S. last winter, she was fourth next out in the GIII La Virgenes S., after which she was switched to the turf, finishing second in a local optional claimer last March.

Given a brief freshening, Brilliant Cut returned in the grassy Unzip Me S. in Arcadia Oct. 3, finishing fourth. Getting back on dirt, she returned to wining ways in an Oct. 30 starter optional claimer. Dispatched at 20-1 in the La Brea, she tracked pressed from second most of the way and stayed on to complete the exacta.

“We toyed with the idea [of selling her] a little bit before the La Brea and after that effort, it was clear [selling in a breeding stock sale] made the most sense for those guys and what their goals are,” Gordon said. “She shipped to Kentucky the very first week of January and she has been sales prepping at Nick Drion's farm since then. I am really appreciative for all of the hard work that he puts in. He does a wonderful job and she couldn't be in better hands.”

Brilliant Cut has a pedigree to match her ever-improving race record and lovely physical. Her year-younger half-sister Lemieux (Nyquist) captured a stake at Gulfstream last term and is gearing up for her 3-year-old season. Their dam Polish a Diamond (The Factor) is a half to SW & MGISP Bonnie Blue Flag (Mineshaft), who is the dam of one of the most exciting horses in training, GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner and recent GI Pegasus World Cup romper Life is Good (Into Mischief). Polish a Diamond is also a half to MGISW Diamondrella, who is the dam of GSW Spectroscope (Medaglia d'Oro), and to SW Highest Honors (Tapit).

“It is a family that is just exploding top to bottom,” Gordon said. “Life is Good obviously gave us a really good update over the weekend. Her 3-year-old half-sister Lemieux was a stakes winner last year and is back on the worktab for [Mark] Casse. It is a family that seems to have a new update every week.”

Gordon and West announced the launch of their new sales and bloodstock agency just before Christmas and this February consignment will be their first under the Highgate banner. Gordon brings plenty of experience to the consignment from her previous roles at Claiborne Farm and Warrendale Sales.

When asked about what led to this new venture, Gordon said, “It was something I thought about for quite a while. I sat down with Jacob West, who is obviously a very successful agent and a very good friend of mine. We decided to just jump in and do it. We have skill sets that are very complimentary and we work well together. I have sold horses for him in the past. We decided to just take the leap of faith. I have a good group of clients who are going to support me and Jacob brings a lot to the table.”

The Highgate banner will make an appearance at the major yearling, racehorse and breeding stock sales this season.

“We will do breeding stock, racehorses and yearlings,” Gordon said. “We will do the April sale at Keeneland, [Fasig] July, hopefully a [Fasig] Saratoga consignment and then we will roll right into September at Keeneland.”

While Brilliant Cut may be the star of Highgate's shedrow, the remaining nine mares also have plenty to offer potential clients.

“We have a really exciting consignment top to bottom,” Gordon said. “We feel like every horse we are bringing over has something to offer in terms of appeal. We have Vacay (Not This Time) (Hip 501). She is an exciting filly. She was a stakes winner at two and a multiple stakes-placed at three. She is by Not This Time, who couldn't be having a better couple of months.”

She added, “We have mares in foal to red-hot covering sires, like Munnings, Maclean's Music and Connect. We also have an Into Mischief broodmare prospect [Speeding (Hip 502)] with a lot of appeal. She was a winner herself and her recently turned 3-year-old brother was stakes-placed as a 2-year-old and is back on the worktab for Arnaud Delacour.”

As to be expected when starting a new business, Gordon heads into her first sale with Highgate with a mix of nerves and excitement.

“I think anytime you start something new there are a certain amount of nerves associated with that,” she said. “We have a great team around us. I have a guy Jose Vaquera who is going to run the barn with me. He has come with me from place to place, so having him there with me is a big comfort. We are excited to get started. This is something we have been brainstorming and working on for a while. We are excited to bring what we think is a really quality group of horses over for our first sale.”

The Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, which was delayed a day due to a winter storm in Lexington, runs Feb. 8-9 with each session beginning at 10 a.m.

The post Highgate Sales Hopes for ‘Brilliant’ Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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West, Gordon Launch Highgate Sales

Jill Gordon and Jacob West have launched Highgate Sales, a new sales company which will make its debut at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale in February.

Highgate Sales will offer consignments at breeding stock, yearling, and horses of racing age sales, as well as offering appraisals, private purchases and sales, and portfolio management services.

Gordon formerly worked at Claiborne Farm as the Sales and Client Relations Manager for 3 1/2 years after a three-year stint at Warrendale Sales. In her role at Claiborne, she oversaw all aspects of the public sales consignment as well as outside sales recruitment. She also assisted with private sales and handled client communication throughout the year.

“Jill was a fantastic asset to the team during her tenure at Claiborne. Her depth of knowledge of the industry and work ethic is next to none. I know she will be successful as she takes on this new endeavor and I wish her the best,” said Claiborne Farm President Walker Hancock.

Gordon will help Claiborne Farm transition through next month's Keeneland January Breeding Stock Sale before starting her full time role at Highgate Sales.

“I am very grateful and appreciative for my time at Claiborne Farm,” Gordon said. “I have built some great relationships and have been surrounded by some of the best horses and families in the stud book. I look forward to partnering with Jacob and combining our skill sets to best serve our clients in this new chapter of my career under the Highgate banner.”

Gordon was recently elected to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club's Board of Directors.

West began his career in racing as a yearling groom at Taylor Made before moving up to the operation's Buyer Account Manager. West also worked as the Director of Bloodstock Services for Three Chimneys Farm where he managed the farm's private and public sales acquisitions.

West has been the Vice President of Bloodstock for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners since 2017, when he also launched West Bloodstock. This year West was appointed as the U.S. agent for Goffs.

“In forming this partnership with Jill Gordon the main focus will be on fulfilling our clients' needs,” West said. “Jill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Public Sales space. We look forward to working together and launching Highgate Sales.”

The post West, Gordon Launch Highgate Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Gordon, West To Launch Highgate Sales Consignment For Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale

Jill Gordon and Jacob West have announced the launch of Highgate Sales, a new sales company making its debut at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale in February.

Highgate Sales will offer consignments at breeding stock, yearling, and horses of racing age sales with a focus on providing individual service to each of its clients. In addition to its consignments, the operation will also offer appraisals, private purchases and sales, and portfolio management services.

Gordon has extensive knowledge of the bloodstock industry, working with some of the top farms and consignments in the nation. She formerly worked at Claiborne Farm as the sales and client relations manager for 3 1/2 years after a three-year stint at Warrendale Sales.

In her role at Claiborne, she oversaw all aspects of the public sales consignment as well as outside sales recruitment, growing the consignment considerably during that time. She also assisted with private sales and handled client communication throughout the year.

“Jill was a fantastic asset to the team during her tenure at Claiborne. Her depth of knowledge of the industry and work ethic is next to none. I know she will be successful as she takes on this new endeavor and I wish her the best,” said Claiborne Farm president Walker Hancock.

Gordon will help Claiborne Farm transition through next month's Keeneland January Breeding Stock Sale before starting her full time role at Highgate Sales.

“I am very grateful and appreciative for my time at Claiborne Farm,” Gordon said. “I have built some great relationships and have been surrounded by some of the best horses and families in the stud book. I look forward to partnering with Jacob and combining our skill sets to best serve our clients in this new chapter of my career under the Highgate banner.”

Gordon also works closely with the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association and was recently elected to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club's Board of Directors.

Successful bloodstock agent Jacob West started his career in racing as a yearling groom at Taylor Made. before moving up to a role with the operation as their buyer account manager. During that time, he managed investment portfolios, including public and private acquisitions, breeding, and racing management. West also worked as the director of bloodstock services for Three Chimneys Farm where he managed the farm's private and public sales acquisitions.

West has been the vice president of bloodstock for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners since 2017, when he also launched West Bloodstock. This year West was appointed as the U.S. agent for Goffs.

“In forming this partnership with Jill Gordon the main focus will be on fulfilling our clients' needs,” West said. “Jill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Public Sales space. We look forward to working together and launching Highgate Sales.”

The post Gordon, West To Launch Highgate Sales Consignment For Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Who’s Snow Trouble? The Burning Question At Keeneland November

The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale features some of the stud book's most recognizable bloodlines collected in one place, especially in its early books.

The venerable Claiborne Farm is itself responsible for some of the most popular Thoroughbreds in the history of the breed as a nursery, sales consignment, and stallion operation.

Those two facts are indisputably true. However, those two facts also produced the most asked question outside Claiborne's Barn 19 consignment on Wednesday and for months before the Keeneland sale: “Who's Snow Trouble?”

The question has been so prevalent ever since Claiborne Farm's Jill Gordon brought the pregnant broodmare Little Hidden Gem to Kentucky from upstate New York, that she named the ensuing foal “Who's Snow Trouble.”

That weanling colt will go through the ring Thursday at the Keeneland November sale as Hip 524, providing the biggest spotlight that his sire, namesake Snow Trouble, has ever seen.

“When you talk about a mare and say she's got a nice quality foal by her side, the first question is always, 'well, who's the foal by?'” Gordon said. “Every time you tell them he's by Snow Trouble, the only response I've ever got has been 'who is Snow Trouble?' So, we came up with the name, and he came by it honestly, but he certainly exceeded our expectations in terms of quality.”

Snow Trouble

The answer to the question, “Who is Snow Trouble?” requires a bit of digging.

Snow Trouble, a 10-year-old Pennsylvania-bred son of Tapit, began his racing career in Europe, breaking his maiden at Goodwood as a 2-year-old.

In the summer of his 4-year-old season, he returned to the U.S. to race for new owner Matthew Schera and trainer Todd Pletcher and he won in his second domestic attempt at Gulfstream Park West. He was eventually relocated back to his native Pennsylvania, where he remained an allowance-level runner until his retirement at the end of 2016, finishing with three wins in 23 starts for $108,975.

Snow Trouble is a son of top commercial sire Tapit, out of the stakes-producing Storm Cat mare Smara, with a page that includes notable sire Bernstein, meaning he was ripe for a regional stallion station to take a chance on him. He entered stud in Arkansas for the 2018 breeding season, moved to New Mexico a year later, and settled at Foggy Bottom Farm in Geneseo, N.Y. in 2020 for owner Anthony Basquez.

Who's Snow Trouble is one of six registered foals by his sire, with the oldest being 2-year-olds of 2021. None have raced.

Foggy Bottom Farm's Gary Least was not aware that Snow Trouble had a weanling cataloged in the Keeneland November sale, or what he'd been named, but he erupted with laughter when he first heard it.

“I love it,” he said, catching his breath. “That's perfect.”

Geneseo is near Finger Lakes, and Least said Basquez brought the stallion to Foggy Bottom to breed runners for that track and take advantage of New York's lucrative state-bred incentive programs.

The mares have been unspectacular in population so far, and Least was not at all defensive about the fact that the stallion is not a household name, but he was confident that tide would turn once the first New York-sired runners by Snow Trouble hit the track at Finger Lakes.

“He's a son of Tapit with modest aspirations, standing in a modest niche market, and he's probably going to get a piece of it,” Least said. “He's got good bone, and they've got good bone. They're conformationally correct horses. They're not china dolls. The rest of it is really on the dams.”

With that question answered, the next question becomes “How did a Snow Trouble colt make it into Book 2 of the Keeneland November sale?”

That thread starts in the classifieds section of The Blood-Horse magazine.

In an issue late last year, Basquez offered Little Hidden Gem, a placed Bodemeister mare whose claim to fame was being a half-sister to Jackie's Warrior. At that time, Jackie's Warrior had recently completed his multiple Grade 1-winning juvenile campaign, giving the mare an active page. She was pregnant for the first time to Snow Trouble.

“I actually found her in a classified ad, and I called this guy out of the blue,” Gordon said. “I always surf those kinds of things, and always figured eventually maybe I'd find a diamond in the rough, and what a diamond in the rough she's been.

“We called and kind of went back and forth,” she continued. “It was the week of Christmas that we were trying to figure out a way to get her bought, and the only videos the farm was able to send me looked like they were shot on a 1990s Nokia flip phone. There had recently been an ice storm, and you could barely make the horse out from the background. We kind of just decided to take a leap of faith and buy her.”

Gordon bought Little Hidden Gem in partnership with Claiborne Farm, and they shared the credit as breeder when Who's Snow Trouble was born on Feb. 26 of this year.

Little Hidden Gem and a young Who's Snow Trouble.

The commerciality of Jackie's Warrior was what got Gordon and Claiborne through the door with Little Hidden Gem, but that runner's ascent into becoming one of North America's top sprinters made the mare a candidate for the Keeneland November sale to capitalize on that success. She was bred to City of Light for the 2022 foaling season, and both Little Hidden Gem and Who's Show Trouble were cataloged.

“She's a very well-made mare,” Gordon said about Little Hidden Gem. “From the side, she's very pretty. City of Light should suit her. He'll give her that little bit of size she might want. In terms of buying something that you have no idea what it's going to look like, and hoping for the best, she was another 'little hidden gem.'”

The mare was the draw, and Gordon freely admits it, but how does one convince Keeneland's sales team to place a weanling by such an obscure sire so high up in the book order, just one day after the multi-million dollar titans of the elite Book 1?

“You send them a picture of him,” Gordon said.

“He's as good a foal as we've got in this sale, he just happens to be by a stallion that nobody's heard of,” she continued. “Our idea with bringing him up here was to help support and promote the mare, and he's done all that and more. He's got the best attitude, he goes out there and puts his head down and marches around. He's having a big time up there at Barn 19. He thinks this is great.”

On the high end of the bloodstock trade, the name at the top of the page is one of the ultimate gatekeepers. Being by the right sire can set a general price ceiling and floor that one can expect to meet, as long as the vet report checks out, while being by a less fashionable sire puts a heavier emphasis on the ceiling.

If the top of his pedigree read “Tapit” instead of his son, Who's Snow Trouble's calm, willing demeanor and stout frame would make him less of a curiosity and more of a threat to bring top dollar in the ring.

As it stands, Gordon admitted that the weanling has had to sell himself, because is sire is so far off the beaten path. Fortunately, she had the right horse for the job.

“He was out 80 times today,” Gordon said. “That's as much traffic as you can ask for a foal in November.”

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