Cloud Computing (Maclean's Music–Quick Temper, by A.P. Indy), who gave Klaravich Stable and William Lawrence and trainer Chad Brown their first taste of Classic success in the 2017 GI Preakness S., has been retired and will enter stud in 2019 at B. Wayne Hughes's Spendthrift Farm.
Bred in Kentucky by Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings and Stretch Run V, Cloud Computing was purchased by bloodstock agent Mike Ryan for $200,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September sale, the top price for a first-crop yearling by Maclean's Music. A maiden his six-furlong debut in February 2017, the dark bay was second in the GIII Gotham S. and a deceptively good third in the GII Wood Memorial S. before grabbing champion Classic Empire (Pioneerof the Nile) on the line at Old Hilltop. He earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort, equaling the Preakness Beyer of American Pharoah and Lookin At Lucky while exceeding those posted by Justify and Exaggerator. The Preakness score came just 98 days after his career debut.
“Cloud Computing is one of those horses that sells himself immediately when you see him,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift General Manager. “He's a Classic winner, but he's also the picture of what a Classic horse is supposed to look like. For him to go on and win the Preakness over Classic Empire less than 100 days after making his debut, that's pretty special and it speaks to his quality. There's a lot to like about Cloud Computing, and we believe breeders are going to love what they see.”
Added Brown, “Cloud Computing is one of the best-looking horses I've ever had walk into my shed row. We always had tremendous confidence in this horse, and he showed why in the Preakness. To give up so much seasoning to a champion like Classic Empire, he showed real brilliance to beat that colt. He's my first Classic winner and he's very special to us.”
“When I saw him at Hill 'n' Dale in August of 2015 right before the [Keeneland September] sale, I was awestruck. It was instant,” recollected Ryan. “In fact, I thought he was one of the best yearlings I had seen in 2015. He's LeBron James. He's got it all: size, strength, substance, quality, and tons of class.
“He's such an outstanding physical specimen that I'd be very confident he will reproduce himself. You'll go a long way before you find a better-looking horse than Cloud Computing. I think when people see him, they will be tremendously impressed with his physique and presence,” Ryan added.
Cloud Computing's dam, a daughter of GISW and nine-time stakes winner Halo America (Waquoit), was also a 3-year-old of some note, finishing second in the GII Silverbulletday S. while placing in two other graded stakes in her career.
Cloud Computing will be available as part of Spendthrift's 'Share The Upside' program at a fee of $8,500 for one year. Breeders must breed a mare in 2020 on a complimentary basis. After the breeder has a live foal in 2020, pays the stud fee and breeds a mare back, he or she earns a lifetime breeding right beginning in 2020. Those electing to not participate in 'Share The Upside' to Cloud Computing can breed for $7,500 stands-and-nurses terms.
WATCH: Cloud Computing winning the Preakness
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