Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Society Man

Running long is a strong suit for Society Man, runner-up in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) and a maiden winner over the same distance. Stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1) should fit the chestnut gelding just fine.

After all, Society Man is a son of champion two-year-old male and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Good Magic, runner-up to Triple Crown winner Justify in the 2018 Kentucky Derby. A son of two-time Horse of the Year and stamina influence Curlin, Good Magic is off to a strong start at stud, siring 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, 1 3/16-mile Preakness (G1) runner-up Blazing Sevens, and 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby (G1) hero Muth.

Good Magic is clearly capable of siring classic types, and Society Man has likely received additional stamina from the bottom half of his pedigree. His dam is You Cheated, a durable mare who counted a third-place finish in the one-mile Latonia S. as her best effort from 26 starts. She, in turn, is a daughter of Colonel John, winner of the 1 1/4-mile Travers (G1) and 1 1/8-mile Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Colonel John hasn’t reached the highest ranks as a stallion, though the best of his progeny have been capable route racers. Mirth starred in the 1 1/4-mile Rodeo Drive (G1), La Coronel won the 1 1/8-mile Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1), Colonelsdarktemper took the 1 1/8-mile West Virginia Derby (G3), Gentle Ruler used her stamina to win the 1 3/8-mile Robert G. Dick Memorial (G3) and 1 1/2-mile Dowager (G3), Airoforce won the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), and Dalmore nabbed the 1 1/16-mile Affirmed (G3).

Colonel John’s record as a broodmare sire isn’t quite as flashy, though his daughters have foaled Pat Day Mile (G2) winner Rushie, who placed in the 1 1/8-mile Santa Anita Derby (G1); Bankit, a seven-time stakes winner over distances from one mile to 1 1/8 miles; and Southwest (G3) winner Mystik Dan, who is slated to join Society Man in the 2024 Kentucky Derby starting gate.

The pedigree cross of Good Magic and Colonel John is geared toward success running 1 1/8 miles and farther, stamping the Kentucky Derby as a logical target for Society Man.