The breeding rights to undefeated Grade I winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Charlatan (Speightstown–Authenticity, by Quiet American) have been purchased by Hill 'n' Dale Farm, according to a press release issued by the farm Wednesday morning. No price was given in the release.
“Horses with Charlatan's immense ability combined with superior pedigree, conformation, depth of female family and star-quality appeal are a very rare commodity,” said John G. Sikura, President of Hill 'n' Dale.
Charlatan's perfect three-for-three career has made him the `wow' horse of the Triple Crown trail this year. His effortless victory in his stakes debut in the GI Arkansas Derby on Saturday was his third such easy win, whose combined margin of victory now totals 22 lengths.
“This horse is effortless and gets over the ground so easily. He is just exceptionally fast and does it without asking,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “That's what the great ones do. To ship him to win a Grade I in his third start shows you what I think of him. When you see him in person you say, `wow.'”
The colt has drawn comparisons to the 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy) for not only his connections, but for his February debut and dominance of his early performances. He broke his maiden by 5 3/4 lengths in his Feb. 16 six-furlong debut at Santa Anita, and took a Mar. 14 allowance in his two-turn debut going a mile by 10 1/4 lengths before his romp in the nine-furlong Arkansas Derby.
Charlatan's dam, the multiple graded stakes winner and multiple Grade I-placed Authenticity (Quiet American), was on the board 11 times in 12 starts. Winner of the GII La Troienne at Churchill and the GIII Shuvee H. at Saratoga, she was runner-up in the GI Ogden Phipps, the GI Personal Ensign, the GI Zenyatta, and third in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff.
“I love Gone West as a prepotent sire influence and both Quiet American and Deputy Minister (his first two broodmare sires) are foundational influences,” said Sikura. “His raw talent and athleticism enables him to carry his brilliant speed around two turns with ease.”
Bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Charlatan was sold at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $700,000 to a partnership including SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Fred Hertrich, John Fielding and Golconda Stables. Stonestreet stayed in for a piece of the colt.
“The SF racing model continues to produce Classic horses and what a great thing that is for our game,” said Sikura. “Their whole team is to be commended for unprecedented results at the highest levels of racing. I look forward to watching Charlatan build upon his impressive resume under the management and guidance of their team until his retirement to Hill 'n' Dale.”
Stonestreet Farm's bloodstock adviser John Moynihan added, “Physically, he's one of the best horses we've ever bred. What sets him apart is the way he moves. He moves like a great horse. He is just a real athlete. He is the epitome of what we've tried to breed up to this point. Charlatan is a perfect combination of the genes meeting the physical. He is an absolute standout.”
SF's Tom Ryan said that Hill 'n' Dale was a natural and fitting partner.
“We were delighted to do the breeding rights deal with Hill 'n' Dale,” said Ryan. “They have launched and managed the careers of several-breed shaping sires. Johnny's record speaks for itself. Charlatan will be given every chance at stud given their track record of standing and developing elite stallions.”
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