Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Shared Sense

The globally powerful racing stable Godolphin has spent more than two decades trying to win the Kentucky Derby (G1). Since 1999, 11 horses have carried the famous “Godolphin Blue” silks in the Run for the Roses, but none have finished better than fourth.

Whether the Godolphin homebred Shared Sense has enough speed and talent to reverse 20 years of frustration remains to be seen. But after rallying to a decisive three-length victory in the Indiana Derby (G3) at Indiana Grand, there’s no reason to doubt the stamina of this stoutly-bred sophomore.

It’s easy to see why Shared Sense has developed a late-rallying style—his pedigree is so packed with stamina, there’s hardly any room for tactical speed. Examine his immediate lineage, and you’ll find a couple of classic winners in the equation. Shared Sense’s sire is Street Sense, a charging winner of the 2007 Kentucky Derby, while his damsire is Bernardini, a runaway winner of the 2006 Preakness.

Both Street Sense and Bernardini have sired a handful of Grade 1 winners racing two turns on dirt, including Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner McKinzie (Street Sense) and Travers (G1) winners Stay Thirsty and Alpha (both by Bernarini). But combing their genetics appears to be a particularly potent recipe for success. From limited starters so far, the Street Sense/Bernardini cross has also produced Maxfield, impressive winner of the 1 1/16-mile Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on the 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Shared Sense is the first foal produced by Collective, an unraced mare hailing from a classy and stamina-oriented family of her own. A daughter of 2003 Santa Anita Oaks (G1) winner Composure, Collective is a full sister to Penwith, winner of the 1 1/16-mile Royal Delta (G3) who placed in the 1 1/4-mile Delaware H. (G1) and 1 1/8-mile Beldame (G1). Furthermore, Collective’s half-siblings Centring and Tranquil Manner both placed in Grade 1 company running 1 1/8 miles on dirt.

Dig back even deeper through Shared Sense’s pedigree and you’ll continue to uncover classic winners and stout breeding. Bernardini is a son of 1992 Belmont Stakes (G1) champion A.P. Indy, one of the greatest stamina influences in modern pedigrees. A.P. Indy, in turn, was a son of 1977 Triple Crown champion Seattle Slew.

The list goes on and on. Composure is a daughter of 1997 Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold. Bernardini’s second dam was sired by 1979 Kentucky Derby and Preakness (G1) champion Spectacular Bid. A.P. Indy’s dam, Weekend Surprise, was a daughter of record-shattering 1973 Triple Crown champion Secretariat. Street Sense is a son of Street Cry, the sire of widely acclaimed supermares Zenyatta and Winx. Street Sense’s dam, Bedazzle, is a granddaughter of breed-shaping sire Northern Dancer, victorious in the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

If you’ve been looking for a pedigree that exemplifies the definition of “regally bred,” it’s safe to say you’ve found one. With multiple doses of classic stamina coursing through his veins, Shared Sense has the breeding to absolutely thrive over the challenging 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby.