One day after capturing the Belmont S. (G1) with Tapwrit, trainer Todd Pletcher was already unveiling a promising juvenile for Tapwrit’s co-owner, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, at Gulfstream Park. That two-year-old, Earth, got up in time to become the first winner sired by 2013 Kentucky Derby (G1) star Orb.
The 9-5 second choice in the five-furlong turf maiden, Earth fittingly took up the third spot early behind Wesley Ward’s speedy Pocket Book and Run Rate. Pocket Book ripped through fractions of :21.75 and :44.26, appearing full of run in midstretch.
By that point, jockey Tyler Gaffalione was straightening out Earth’s orbit. The first-time starter spun a little wide off the turn, and raced greenly in upper stretch as he clung to his left lead. Once organized onto his right lead, he hurtled through space and picked up Pocket Book in the final strides. The top two pulled 5 3/4 lengths clear of third, and the winner clocked :56.43 on the firm course.
The well-named Earth was bred by Calumet Farm and sold for $190,000 as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July. The March 31 colt is the first foal produced by the Speightstown mare Mullins Bay, an unraced full sister to multiple Grade 3 winner Bridgetown. Mullins Bay is also a half-sister to Grade 3-placed multiple stakes scorer Carnacks Choice (a track record-setter on Keeneland’s old Polytrack) as well as multiple stakes winner Clement Rock. Earth’s third dam, Empress Aly, is a full sister to the most recent Calumet-bred Kentucky Derby hero, Strike the Gold (1991).
Orb broke his maiden at Aqueduct in his fourth try as a juvenile, the start of a five-race winning spree. The Shug McGaughey trainee captured a Gulfstream allowance on the way to the Fountain of Youth (G2)/Florida Derby (G1) double, and crowned it all when splashing to a convincing score in the Kentucky Derby. After a fourth in the Preakness (G1), Orb placed third in the Belmont S. and resurfaced with a tough third in the Travers (G1). The bay trailed in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in what turned out to be his career finale, and retired with a mark of 12-5-0-3, $2,612,516.
Orb’s first crop was very well received at the sales, with the freshman sire sporting an enviable pedigree and race record. The Stuart Janney III and Phipps Stable homebred boasts bloodlines similar to leading sire Tapit, both bred on the A.P. Indy – Unbridled cross.
By Malibu Moon and out of the winning Lady Liberty, Orb counts as his second dam Grade 2 victress Mesabi Maiden. His third dam, Grade 2-placed multiple stakes queen Steel Maiden, is a three-quarter sister to Grade 1-winning millionaire and sire Private Terms. Orb’s fourth dam, the prolific producer Laughter, is a three-quarter sister to the immortal Ruffian and a half to Icecapade and Buckfinder. She is also the ancestress of multiple Grade 1 hero and $2 million-earner Coronado’s Quest.
The seven-year-old stallion stands at Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, for a $25,000 fee, stands and nurses.
