By Margaret Ransom
Next Shares, one of the runners who brought co-owner Michael Iavarone back into racing after the demise of IEAH Stables (remember Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown?), has been a bit of a head scratcher.
He seems to be either right there for a win or a large chunk, or well back, like his was to finish seventh in last year’s Pegasus World Cup Turf. He has won four stakes – three graded – since agent David Meah paid $190,000 for him in November of 2017 and his Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) victory at Keeneland in 2018 was spectacular. He’s long on talent — the issue is which Next Shares shows up for the PWC Turf at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 25.
“When I saw him I was instantly ‘wowed’ by him, no horse had ever struck me like he did that day at the Keeneland sale,” Meah said. “I couldn’t stop thinking about him and how I could round up the money to buy him. He just screamed out to me ‘Grade 1 winner’ not just horse. So I bought him, I couldn’t go home without him.
“It took me four days to get him sold and those were the longest four days of my life, but hey look at it now! It’s been a hell of a ride and there are plenty more big days ahead, I think. Richie (Baltas) has done a wonderful job and I believe everyone who invested in my belief and the horse himself have been thoroughly rewarded and are happy.”
Next Shares
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Owners: Debby Baltas, Richard Baltas, Christopher T. Dunn, Jules Iavarone, Michael Iavarone, Jerry McClanahan, Ritchie Robershaw and Mark Taylor
Career record: 29-7-4-2
Career earnings: $1,677,771
Pedigree: Archarcharch—Two Dot Slew, by Evansville Slew
Age: 7
Running style: Closer
Handicapping Insights:
“Seventh in this race last year; can’t recommend.’’ – Ed McNamara
“Comes in off G2 turf win at Del Mar, but with exception of a hot streak in second half of 2018 he doesn’t seem up to the task at this level. More of a turf miler typ.’’ – Noel Michaels
Notes: Bred in Kentucky by Buck Pond Farm … won the Old Friends Stakes at Kentucky Downs, guaranteeing himself a retirement spot at Old Friends when his racing days are over … originally an $87,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling in 2014 and sold to Michael Foster, who sent him to trainer William Cowans in Kentucky … has started at 10 tracks from coast to coast since debut in 2015.
Horse | Owner | Trainer |
---|---|---|
Admission Office | Amerman Racing | Brian Lynch |
Arklow | Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger, Peter Coneway | Brad Cox |
Channel Cat | Calumet Farm | Todd Pletcher |
Henley’s Joy | Bloom Racing Stable | Michael Maker |
Instilled Regard | OXO Equine | Chad Brown |
Magic Wand | Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier | Aidan O’Brien |
Mo Forza | Bardy Farm, OG Boss | Peter Mille |
Next Shares | Debby Baltas, Richard Baltas, Christopher Dunn, Jules Iavarone, Michael Iavarone, Jerry McClanahan, Ritchie Robershaw, Mark Taylor |
Richard Baltas |
Sacred Life | Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, Wonder Stables, Bethlehem Stables | Chad Brown |
Sadler’s Joy | Woodslane Farm | Tom Albertrani |
Without Parole | John D. Gunther, Tanya Gunther | Chad Brown |
Zulu Alpha | Michael Hui | Michael Maker |
Horse | Owner | Trainer |
---|---|---|
American Tattoo | Calumet Farm, John Anthony Stables | Todd Pletcher |
Mr. Misunderstood | Flurry Racing Stables | Brad Cox |
Synchrony | Pin Oak Stable | Michael Stidham |
Tusk | Jordan V. Wycoff | Saffie Joseph, Jr. |