First-crop sires: Authentic may still hit the mark

Authentic recorded his first official workout in late spring of his two-year-old season, but he wasn’t ready for the races until mid-November, debuting with a convincing but rank win over 5 1/2 furlongs in 2019. Blessed with speed and a long stride, the flashy colt developed into America’s top horse, compiling victories in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) along the way to being named Horse of the Year and champion three-year-old male for 2020.

By five-time reigning champion sire Into Mischief, Authentic’s first crop was well-received at the sales, leading all freshmen sires with a seven-figure seller at the OBS March two-year-old sale this spring. But like their sire, his offspring may need a little more time to deliver their best form on track.

Authentic retired to Spendthrift Farm near Lexington, Kentucky, with earnings of more than $7.2 million from an 8-6-2-0 record, including wins in the Haskell (G1), San Felipe (G2), and Sham (G3).

Let’s review some of his runners to hit the track so far.

Adeera

Adeera opened her racing career with a 3 3/4-length, gate-to-wire victory at Churchill Downs in late May. Steve Asmussen trains the bay filly, who commanded $300,000 as a yearling at the 2023 Keeneland September sale.

She exits a third in the Aug. 11 Ellis Park Debutante S.

Adeera is the third stakes performer out of the Grade 3-placed Majestic Presence, a daughter of Majestic Warrior. Adeera’s half-brother, Newgate, captured the Santa Anita H. (G1) earlier this year, and they are both half-siblings to Denim and Pearls, winner of April’s Beaumont (G2) at Keeneland.

Authentic Strike, Charlotte’s Heart, Truly Legit

The word was out when Authentic Strike made his career debut at Ellis Park on Aug. 12, as bettors hammered the chestnut colt down to 0.99-1 favoritism over 11 rivals. He did not disappoint, overcoming a little bit of a sluggish start to lead most in a seven-furlong maiden special weight, and Luis Saez was up for Rodolphe Brisset on the $450,000 two-year-old purchase.

Authentic Strike may target the Sept. 14 Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs, a qualifier in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series.

A half-sister to multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Casa Creed, Charlotte’s Heart impressed when making her first start over Saratoga’s turf on Aug. 25, closing stoutly to win a 5 1/2-furlong test going away by 1 1/2 lengths. Mark Casse conditions the promising New York-bred filly, and Charlotte’s Heart sold for $725,000 at the 2023 Saratoga yearling sale.

Truly Legit is readying for his next appearance after winning the first time out at Horseshoe Indianapolis in early July, taking a mile maiden special weight by nearly two lengths in frontrunning fashion. Christopher Davis trains the gray colt, a $120,000 seller at April’s OBS two-year-old sale.

Conclusion

Horsemen remain bullish on Authentic’s prospects as a sire. His first crop remains eligible to pick up steam over the final four months of 2024, and we will continue to monitor their progress.