Carpe Diem, whose name means “seize the day” in Latin, was a $1.6 million co-sales topper as a two-year-old in training at OBS March. Trained by Todd Pletcher for the partnership of Stonestreet Stables and WinStar Farm, he has already returned dividends on the hefty investment.
The well-bred son of Giant’s Causeway was unveiled in a 5 1/2-furlong dash at Saratoga, where he flashed high speed from the rail yet kicked on strongly late to hold sway by 2 1/2 lengths.
Carpe Diem took a substantial jump in class and distance for the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) over 1 1/16 miles. The added ground suited him well, and the chestnut looked like a powerhouse when drawing off by 6 1/4 lengths. In the process, he emulated his half-brother J. B.’s Thunder, who captured the 2010 Breeders’ Futurity on the old Keeneland Polytrack.
Dispatched as the 9-5 favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), Carpe Diem rallied belatedly for second. He was no match for the victorious Texas Red, but edged Upstart.
Carpe Diem returned from his holiday break in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and outclassed the field in his three-year-old debut. After stalking the pace, the even-money favorite pulled five lengths clear.
For his final Kentucky Derby (G1) prep, Carpe Diem will head back to Keeneland – the scene of his Breeders’ Futurity triumph – for the April 4 Blue Grass S. (G1).
Bred in Kentucky by Coffeepot Stable, Carpe Diem was produced by stakes scorer and Grade 2-placed Unbridled’s Song mare Rebridled Dreams. In addition to her two Breeders’ Futurity winners, she is also responsible for multiple English stakes winner and Group 3-placed Doncaster Rover.