Who's Dancing Now?

Word has it that Bernadini has been doing the happy dance all day, since word broke that Horse of the Year, Zenyatta, will be visiting him this breeding season. The son of the great AP Indy, out of SW Cara Rafaela did not seem to be on any lists of prospects that I came across, but appears to be the perfect choice.


The Eclipse Champion 3 year old of 2006 and winner of the Preakness, Jim Dandy, Travers and JC Gold Cup, Bernadini has the important mix of speed and stamina. Always on, or near the lead he had no trouble carrying his speed the classic distance.

Though a young sire, he has gotten off to a very good start with 2 Grade 1 winners ( AZ Warrior and Biondetti) in his first crop from 2010. Those horses are all newly turn 3 year olds, including To Honor and Serve, who is on the Derby trail.

Bernadini is a very handsome, plain bay who stands 16.1 &1/2. Thus bigger than his sire and probably one of the defining reasons for the choice. He has good balance with a nice walk, and a kind eye. A hypothetical nick on True Nicks with Bernadini and Zenyatta gets an A++, based on the mating of sons of AP Indy and sons of Machiavellian ( Sire of Street Cry). There are already 2 Grade One winners based on this similar”nick", Flashing ( Gr 1 Test and Gazelle) and Jilbab ( CC American Oaks.) and this is out of only 10 starters. For an enhanced version of this, click here.

Bernadini has the speed and stamina, good size, great genes and a successful ( though new) stud career. Everything he needs to compliment the great Zenyatta. Now all that’s needed, as always, is a little luck from the Racing (or would that be the Breeding ?) Gods.