The FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes has been the proving ground for future champions and provided a road to the Breeders' Cup for nearly 40 years.
Started in 1982 as a showcase for 2-year-olds grown in the Sunshine State, the series has expanded under the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association to include both a win bonus program and 3-year-old opportunities at both Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.
“The rich history of the series has given opportunities to showcase Florida stallions and the talent coming out of the Sunshine state,” said FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell. “Along the way, the Florida Sire Stakes has produced alumni that have won the Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup races, and national honors.”
Big Drama swept the Florida Sire Stakes in 2008 before going on to win the Breeders' Cup Sprint in 2010. That same year, Awesome Feather swept the filly division and followed it up with a Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies win. Thirteen horses have swept the series.
Not Surprising won the 1992 FSS Dr. Fager and finished out of the money in the next two legs in the FSS Affirmed and FSS In Reality. Three year later, he was named national champion sprinter.
Holy Bull won the In Reality in 1993 before becoming Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old colt in 1994.
Hollywood Wildcat won the 1993 Breeders' Cup Distaff after finishing sixth the previous year in the FSS Susan's Girl.
Unbridled finished second in the 1989 In Reality and captured the Kentucky Derby the following year. He was also named national champion 3-year-old and has since produced four generations of Breeders' Cup winners.
Not Surprising honored a retirement ceremony on Festival of the Sun day at Calder Race Course.
Brave Raj, who won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in 1986, won the Susan's Girl and the My Dear Girl leading up to the Cup.
Smile swept the colt series in 1984 before winning the Breeders' Cup Sprint and was named champion sprinter in 1986.
The question remains as to whether 2020 will produce yet another historically significant Florida Stallion Stakes performance, a future Breeders' Cup winner or Eclipse Award champion. There may be a star juvenile now training at Gulfstream Park or Palm Meadows or at a training center or farm in Ocala that is just waiting for the opportunity to join the ranks of successful Florida Sire Stakes grads.
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