Belmont Stakes Pedigree Analysis: Suddenbreakingnews Impressive Bloodlines

An understanding of pedigree is critical when analyzing how a horse might adjust to a variable they are encountering for the first time. In the case of the Belmont - as is the case practically every year - none of the 13 runners have ever attempted the mile and a half distance. With most American-bred horses genetically suited for much shorter races, the Belmont Stakes has proven to be the kind of distance test that brings DNA to the forefront of the conversation.

Distance upon distance 

Suddenbreakingnews is hardly without his faults, including being utterly devoid of early speed, but the three year-old son of Mineshaft seems ideally bred to cover long distances of ground. Mineshaft, the 2003 Horse of the Year was a Grade 1 winner at a mile and a quarter and a son of 1992 Horse of the Year and champion sire A.P Indy. Importantly A.P Indy won the 1992 Belmont Stakes and sired Rags to Riches who, in 2007, become the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes since 1905. As impressive as Suddenbreakingnew's pedigree is in the male line, it's equally important to note the female side of his family.

Like sire like dam

Uchitel, Suddenbreakingnews' dam, is a daughter of 2005 Belmont Stakes winner Afleet Alex. Afleet Alex won that race in impressive fashion after capturing the Preakness Stakes three weeks earlier. As bloodstock agents say in Kentucky, Suddenbreaking news is bred "top and bottom" to run all day. The colt will likely need a little racing luck, but could certainly show up with his best race to date in the $1.5 million Belmont.