The Michael McCarthy trained Axelrod is the latest star to be privately purchased by Phoenix Thoroughbreds with the Breeders’ Cup Classic set as his main target.
Over the past few months the innovative investment fund has been prominent at the yearling sales but are reaffirming their commitment to success on the track with the acquisition of a proven performer. It’s a strategy that has worked well for them in the past with the likes of Advertise and Signora Cabello providing top level successes having joined the organization after the start of their careers.
Axelrod has won four of his ten starts, including twice at Graded level, and was an excellent second to McKinzie in the Grade One Pennsylvania Derby last time out. That performance saw him run to a career best speed figure and coupled with his wins in the Indiana Derby and Smarty Jones Stakes Phoenix saw enough to see fit to add the three-year-old to their roster.
“He’s a nice horse strong horse with a big stride.” said Tom Ludt, the head of Equine Operations for the fund. “We’re looking at running him in the Breeders Cup Classic but all options are open as far as his next start is concerned”
Additionally, the Warrior’s Reward colt has a notably pedigree, that includes Champion Medaglia D’Oro as his Grand sire, so for an organization with a focus on future breeding opportunities he also has plenty to recommend him on that front. However, a career as a sire will be on hold for at least another 12 months.
“We plan on running him next year,” added Ludt “we will hopefully build a great racing resume for a stallion in 2020.”
The horse will stay with California based McCarthy and recently worked five furlongs at Santa Anita in 1.02.20 as he gears up for his next start.