Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Omaha Beach
Fox Hill Farms Inc.'s Omaha Beach picked up his second consecutive graded stakes win following a one-length tally in the Arkansas Derby (G1). The colt has earned 137.5 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and will vie for favoritism at Churchill Downs on May 4.
Omaha Beach raced on the lawn in his first trio of outings as a juvenile and hit the board on each occasion. The Richard Mandella trainee was switched to the dirt for his three-year-old debut and checked in a sharp second at Santa Anita Park. A nine-length maiden victory followed, and the dark bay colt then captured the Rebel Stakes (G2) when topping unbeaten champion Game Winner by a measured nose.
The colt was bred in the Bluegrass State by Charming Syndicate, and he didn't meet his reserve after a final bid of $625,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He was purchased privately after the sale by his current owner.
Omaha Beach is by top sire War Front, who has celebrated great success on both sides of the ocean. From 10 crops to date, War Front has sired eight individual champions and more than 80 stakes winners. The son of Danzig is well represented for the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Omaha Beach and Risen Star Stakes (G2) victor War of Will.
Omaha Beach is out of the winning Seeking the Gold mare Charming, who counts herself a half-sister to champion Will Take Charge as well as 2012 Florida Derby (G1) star Take Charge Indy. Omaha Beach was preceded in Grade 1 glory by his half-sister, champion and 2014 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) heroine Take Charge Brandi.
His second dam is the Dehere mare Take Charge Lady, who was the 2013 Broodmare of the Year. She was also a multiple Grade 1 winner who finished second in the 2002 Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Dehere has been an outstanding broodmare sire. His daughters have produced more than 100 stakes winners, including champions Will Take Charge, Long Train Running and Midnight Lute. Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) star City of Light, and Grade 1 winner and sire Graydar, are also out of Dehere mares.
Omaha Beach is from a rapidly evolving female line and his sire is among the best at his craft. The sophomore has been finishing off his route races like a colt that will not have distance limitations. And his connections are as likable as any in the thoroughbred industry, in my opinion.
I believe Omaha Beach possesses all the tools to be crowned a Kentucky Derby winner.
PHOTO: Omaha Beach captures the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park on April 13 under jockey Mike Smith (c) Coady Photography/Oaklawn Park
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