TwinSpires annual series continues with five freshman sires to watch in 2024
Authentic wins the Kentucky Derby (Photo by Coady Media/Churchill Downs)
July 26th, 2024
For the fourth consecutive year, the stable of writers at TwinSpires will offer thoughts and analysis on five of the most compelling freshman sires whose offspring hit the track for the first time this year.
In past years, the series has covered several sires who made immediate impacts at stud, including Gun Runner, Good Magic, and Keen Ice. The latter two sired winners of the Kentucky Derby (G1) in their first crops. Among others featured in this series in the past are international sensation Justify, Bolt d’Oro, and City of Light.
As the season progresses through the remainder of the summer and into fall, periodic updates on the chosen sires will be published. Here’s a look at the five sires that will be covered.
Authentic
The most accomplished on the racetrack of the five sires we’ll be covering, Authentic captured the pandemic-delayed edition of the Kentucky Derby of 2020 and later garnered champion three-year-old male and Horse of the Year honors after capturing the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland.
Complexity
The fastest freshman sire out of the gate, 2018 Champagne (G1) winner Complexity has already been represented by a dozen winners, including Sanford (G3) hero Mo Plex and Victoria S. winner Mensa.
Game Winner
A son of Candy Ride, Game Winner was voted champion two-year-old male of 2018 after winning a trio of Grade 1s, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). He won or placed in three of four starts in an abbreviated campaign at three years old.
#5 Vodka With a Twist graduates in R3 at Churchill Downs under @decky_cann for trainer Jason McCutchen at odds of 8/1! 🍸
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 17, 2024
The 2YO filly is sired by first crop stallion Thousand Words, standing @spendthriftfarm.
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/ZY3QcBO4TW
Thousand Words
Counting the 2019 Los Alamitos Futurity (G1) as his signature win, Thousand Words is off to a fast start with his fillies. These include the stakes winners The Queens M G and Vodka With a Twist.
Vekoma
A multiple graded stakes winner at distances ranging from seven furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, including the Metropolitan H. (G1), Vekoma has rivaled Complexity in the precociousness of his juveniles. Through July 25, 11 of his offspring have already reached the winner’s circle.
