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We have recommended that the multiple stakes-winning Outflanker mare Kosmo’s Buddy visit the high-class Grade 1 winner and sire First Samurai, by Storm Cat’s son Giant’s Causeway, in 2018.
Kosmo’s Buddy won or placed in 14 stakes races from 2- through 5-years-old, winning on both turf and dirt, and her progeny so far include the winners Chanel Number One (by English Channel) and Super Buddy (by Super Saver). Kosmo’s Buddy is out of the stakes-placed winning Vaulted, by Allen’s Prospect. Vaulted won seven times and was 2nd in three stakes (she also handled both turf and dirt). From ten foals besides Kosmo’s Buddy, Vaulted produced nine starters and eight winners. Of Vaulted’s four other daughters, one – Vaulted Numbers, by Polish Numbers – has produced the stakes-placed winner Puddy de Luca, by Hold That Tiger (a son of Storm Cat). Puddy de Luca won eight races and placed in seven stakes at Belmont, Monmouth, Parx/Philadelphia, Penn, and Presque Isle. Vaulted Numbers produced four other foals, all of whom were winners (and all four of which were by Storm Cat-line stallions).
Given that Kosmo’s Buddy’s half-sister has produced a stakes-caliber runner by a son of Storm Cat – and especially since both sisters are by sons of Danzig with Buckpasser close-up, as well – combined with the fact that Kosmo’s Buddy has already been tried with stallions from most of the other dominant sire-lines available these days, we suggested that a Storm Cat-line sire made sense to try with her this year. And First Samurai is one of the most-established (but still affordable) stallions from that line available.
By Storm Cat’s best son Giant’s Causeway, First Samurai was a multiple Grade 1-winning 2-year-old who also took the G2 Fountain of Youth at 3. He retired to Claiborne with a $40,000 fee initially, and though he didn’t set the world on fire off the bat, he did get Grade 1 winners Justin Phillip, Lea and Executiveprivilege out of his first three crops. His stud fee dropped all the way to $15,000 because the commercial market is so fickle, but once people realized that you could wait on his foals, his respect within the industry is back on the upswing – and he does have 5% stakes winners from foals, including a pair of 2017 Graded stakes-winning 3-year-olds, and three stakes-winning juveniles of last year.
Commercially, First Samurai has also hit a resurgence, with his 2017 yearlings averaging $108,897 for 34 sold (compared to a $67,038 average in 2016), off of his $15,000 fee. His next two crops to reach the races are his largest in some time, and he appears poised to continue his re-ascension going forward. First Samurai has also proven a versatile stallion, getting sprinters and routers, as well as horses that excel on turf and dirt – all of which will complement the versatility of Kosmo’s Buddy and her family.
A strong, masculine horse who has plenty of leg, First Samurai has had success with Northern Dancer-line mares, while Giant’s Causeway and his sons have produced no fewer than 11 Grade/Group 1 winners out of Danzig-line mares, and he should be a nice physical match with Kosmo’s Buddy, as well.
First Samurai wins the G1 Hopeful
First Samurai’s son Lea sets a new track record in the G1 Donn
First Samurai’s daughter Miss Sky Warrior wins the G2 Gazelle
First Samurai’s son Sharp Samurai wins the G2 Del Mar Derby