By J.N. Campbell
Pura Vida Investments celebrated a maiden-breaking win in style Thursday at Ellis Park when 2-year-old Rhyme Schemes (Ghostzapper–Katherine, by Distorted Humor) won second out in a gate-to-wire romp by 9 1/2 lengths and posted a 94 Beyer speed figure at the Pea Patch for trainer Norm Casse.
In his debut May 18 at Churchill Downs, the chestnut colt finished a well-beaten sixth behind first-time starter Wilson Q (Constitution) and next-out Tremont S. victor Gold Sweep (Speightstown).
“We've gone about training our 2-year-olds a little bit differently this year than previous years,” Casse said. “This was Rhyme Schemes' second start and we haven't really cranked up any of our 2-year-olds going into their debut. We've been using their first start to build on their fitness. So, it was extremely impressive the way this horse won. We added blinkers for his second start and they seemed to help a lot as well.”
Bred by Parks Investment Group, he brought $210,000 out of the Paramount Sales consignment at Keeneland September and was part of nearly a dozen that Pura Vida purchased at the sale. Launched by bloodstock agent Deuce Greathouse, the group has upped its ante each year, beginning in 2020 when they spent $350,000 on six fillies.
“We've really tried to keep it small,” said Greathouse. “Cindy Hutson and Brett Setzer were foundation investors that helped me get Pura Vida going. We just went over $1.5 million in purchases this past year, but we intend on continuing to keep the circle small. I've know Norm [Casse] for some time and even though we weren't sure how Rhyme Schemes would run, we knew he was from one of the best families in North America.”
Out of a female family which includes MGISW Dream Rush (Wild Rush) and her daughter GISW Dreaming of Julia (A.P. Indy), who in turn produced two-time champion Malathaat (Curlin) and her full-sister GSW Julia Shining, Rhyme Schemes is his dam's second offspring to make the races. He has a 3-year-old half-brother named Nullarbor (Candy Ride {Arg}), who went for $40,000 back in April at the Keeneland Horses of Racing Age sale to Sean S. Perl Bloodstock and is now owned by Smith Ranch Stables. Dam Katherine is also responsible for a yearling colt by Honor A.P. and she foaled another one by Candy Ride (Arg}) Apr. 22.
When asked about Rhyme Schemes's next start, Greathouse said, “I think it has to be a stakes, perhaps the Bashford Manor next month or Saratoga makes a ton of sense too, so we will have to see.”
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