Kentucky Derby Alumni Update for Nov. 15, 2021

Many Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks alumni are catching a breath after the Breeders’ Cup, before they head into their 2022 campaigns, or in some cases off to the breeding shed. But, others are planning fall and winter campaigns, so let’s check in:

• South Bend (15th, 2020 Kentucky Derby) returned to allowance company for the first time since April, and won for the first time since April. Going a mile on the Churchill Downs dirt, he settled at the rear of a field of five that included G2 winner Rushie, G3 winner Title Ready and G2 placed Sonneman. Still in last with a furlong remaining, South Bend finished smartly to win by three quarters of a length over Sonneman.
• Long Range Toddy (16th, 2019 Kentucky Derby) returns to action on November 17 at Churchill Downs. Most recently third in the David M. Vance Stakes at Remington Park on September 26, he returns to allowance company for the first time since May of 2020. He drew post three of six in a seven-furlong dirt sprint, and his foes include graded stakes-placed runners like Three Technique, Bon Raison, Pneumatic, and Endorsed.

• Though Mandaloun (2nd, 2021 Kentucky Derby) has not raced since being placed first in the Haskell (G1) on July 17, he has returned to training at Churchill Downs. He is being pointed toward the Saudi Cup (G1), with a likely prep stateside. Hot Rod Charlie (3rd, 2021 Kentucky Derby) is also expected to remain in training at four, though Essential Quality (4th, 2021 Kentucky Derby) has retired to stand at Darley America’s Jonabell Farm.
• Shedaresthedevil (1st, 2020 Kentucky Oaks) sold for $5 million at the Fasig-Tipton Night of Stars, but she will remain in training with Brad Cox for owners Whisper Hill Farm, Flurry Racing, and Qatar Racing. Swiss Skydiver (2nd, 2020 Kentucky Oaks) sold for almost as much, $4.7 million; the Preakness Stakes winner was purchased by Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm, and will retire to breed in Japan.

• Firenze Fire (11th, 2018 Kentucky Derby), one of the few alumni from his year still in action, has been retired to stud after his eighth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. He will go to Arrow Stud in Japan, standing beside 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome as well as Shanghai Bobby.