Authentic Spirit Retirement

While Authentic Spirit had been doing well upon his return to training, as farm trainer Ciaran Dunne began to ramp up the pressure in preparation for speed work, your son of Authentic had another EIPH episode. While it was not as serious as his previous episode, he also wasn’t up to the same intensity in his training regiment—which, as you may recall, was still not very high when the prior incident occurred.

This has made the decision very easy and clear: the only truly viable (and responsible) course of action is to retire Authentic Spirit. The only other consideration would be to give him another extended break from training (six months) and try again, but given his episodes have taken place so early on in the training process, it would be very unlikely for him to ever progress to the point of being able to race successfully in the future. We believe we’ve given him every chance, and we have to do what’s best for the horse at this stage.

Thankfully, our partner and Authentic Spirit’s breeder, Carrie Brogden, was gracious enough to take Authentic Spirit back to her farm in Kentucky with the goal of making him a riding horse for her daughter. Once he arrives back in Kentucky, we are certain we will still get updates and content and will plan to pass along any updates we are able to share.

 

Authentic Spirit Gallop Footage

Our team checked in on Authentic Spirit this morning while in Ocala for the OBS March Sale. Your son of Authentic is doing well, admittedly progressing faster than we would have expected. Farm trainer Ciaran Dunne did some very minor speed work with him earlier this week and is planning to start kicking up the intensity now that he has a few weeks of steady galloping under him.

Authentic Spirit Update

We checked in with Carrie Brogden of Machmer Hall yesterday afternoon for an update on Authentic Spirit. He’s doing well according to Carrie and his schedule has not changed much, remaining outside daily with his buddy Vinceremos. We plan on having him re-checked in the coming week or two and as long as everything looks good, he will ship to Ocala at the beginning of February to start back in training.

Authentic Spirit Workout Report

Authentic Spirit breezed yet again from the gate yesterday morning at Del Mar, covering five furlongs in 1:00.60. He breezed on the inside of Magale (who only worked a half-mile) from the Richard Baltas barn, breaking a step outward, but fairly well given some of his past gate breezes. Magale was a bit quicker the first eight of a mile, but Authentic Spirit quickly got even terms and eventually stuck his head in front going into the turn. He was always under a pretty strong hold when his mate challenged him again and Authentic Spirit drew off nicely when completing his final furlong.

While your son of Authentic has posted some quick times in previous works, this was his best work in terms of finishing and galloping out. The barn remains pleased with your colt and is considering a six-furlong maiden special weight on August 3rd for a debut. We will follow up by Wednesday morning whether or not trainer Bob Baffert opts to enter him later that day. Otherwise, he won’t be far away from a debut and we will have two possibilities (Aug. 11th and Aug. 17th) in the second condition book at Del Mar.

Yesterday’s work can be seen above. In addition, XBTV also was able to catch the work and it can be seen here. This link leads to an XBTV workout hub. To unlock access to professional workouts, please sign up for a free 1/ST bet account if you haven’t already.

Authentic Spirit Workout Report

Authentic Spirit breezed his third half mile this morning at Los Alamitos and was credited with a final time of :49.20. Working on the inside of his stablemate, your colt was very professional and did it well within himself. Assistant trainer Mike Marlow has been extremely pleased with his progress, stating “he has been rising towards the top.”

With three half-mile breezes under his belt Mike reported he’s ready to breeze from the gate which will likely happen next week. As we reported he’s due to ship to Santa Anita any time but that decision will be left up to Bob Baffert.