GI Kentucky Derby contender Free Drop Billy (Union Rags–Trensa, by Giant's Causeway), winner of last year's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity, will stand at Spendthrift Farm at the end of his racing career, the nursery announced Monday. The sophomore is owned by Albaugh Family Stables, which also campaigned Brody's Cause (Giant's Causeway), who now stands at Spendthrift.
“We are delighted to be working with the Albaugh family again to stand Free Drop Billy,” said Ned Toffey, General Manager at Spendthrift Farm. “He's a great-looking horse who's proven to be talented, precocious and consistent and he's from a proven sire's family. He's a very complete stallion prospect, and he'll make a great addition to our roster.”
Free Drop Billy was second in the GIII Sanford S. and GI Hopeful S. at Saratoga last summer before his four-length victory in the Breeders' Futurity. Second behind Audible (Into Mischief) in the Feb. 3 GII Holy Bull S. and third behind Enticed (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Mar. 10 GIII Gotham S., he was most recently third behind champion Good Magic (Curlin) in the Apr. 7 GII Toyota Blue Grass S. On the board in seven of eight starts for trainer Dale Romans, the chestnut colt has two wins to date and earnings of $625,220.
“We are thankful for the opportunities Free Drop Billy has afforded us,” said Jason Loutsch of Albaugh Family Stable, “and we are extremely excited about his future stallion career at Spendthrift. Since his debut win, we have saddled him seven times in graded stakes competition across multiple tracks and he hit the board in six of those starts. He is the most honest and workmanlike horse we have ever owned. He just loves to train and always gives a big effort.”
Out of graded stakes placed Trensa, Free Drop Billy is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Hawkbill (Kitten's Joy). He was purchased for $200,000 at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
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