First crop stallions: The pacers

Every spring, harness racing trainers converse, hope, and dream about their prospective 2-year-olds in training—much in the same way breeders ponder about their stallion’s first crop of youngsters. What follows is an examination of the stallions who are first crop sires—with statistics garnered from the US Trotting Association—and some of the mares they were bred to.

This list is made up of stallions of both gaits, with 30 or more eligible 2-year-olds in 2024. The stallion’s name is found in bold red, all caps, underlined, with the mares’ and progeny names in bold, upper- and lower-case text.

Today are the pacers and tomorrow will be the trotters.

PACERS

TALL DARK STRANGER p, 2, 1:49.1s; 3, 1:47.1 ($2,020,195), a son of industry leader Bettor’s Delight and former Dan Patch Horse of the Year and 2 & 3-Year-Old Dan Patch Pacing Colt of the Year (2019, 2020), is definitely the one to watch. Standing at Hanover Shoe Farms in Pennsylvania for a fee of $20,000, this former terror on the track bred 140 mares his first year (2021); 137 in 2022, and 122 in 2023, for a total of 223 registered foals (110 colts and 113 fillies). He has 108 freshman pacers set to move forward in 2024.

Tall Dark Stranger matings have been with some of the pacing gait’s most prolific broodmares, including numerous daughters of Captaintreacherous, Somebeachsomewhere, American ideal, Rocknroll Hanover, Western Ideal, Always B Miki, and many others. What follows is a sampling of those mares Tall Dark Stranger has bred and their progeny.

American Jewel p, 3, 1:48.2s ($1,840,565), a daughter of American Ideal, out of the Camluck mare Trim Hanover, p, 3, 1:52.4 ($123,117) and the dam of nine foals, including U S Captain (by Captaintreacherous) p, 3, 1:49 ($390,577) and the 3-year-old filly Odds On Platinum (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 2, 1:52.2s ($274,399); and Long Beach (by Somebeachsomewhere) p, 4, 1:52.3f ($80,135).

Idyllic Beach p, 2, 1:50.3s ($1,155,273), a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, out of the American Ideal mare Idyllic p, 3, 1:50 ($1,296,967). She is the dam of five foals to date, including two by Tall Dark Stranger; and Idyllic Delight (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 2, 1:53.3s ($40,947) and Hurrikane Cheyenne (by Always B Miki) p, 3, 1:52.3s ($32,826).

Yagonnakissmeornot p, 5, 1:49.3 ($1,458,850), a daughter of The Panderosa, out of the unraced Artsplace mare Artstopper. She was bred to Tall Dark Stranger in 2022 and 2023, and already has a Captaintreacherous colt, the 3-year-old Kissincaptain p, 2, 1:53.2 ($46,100).

Krispy Apple p, 6, 1:48.4f ($1,905,676), a daughter of Western Ideal out of the Life Sign mare Apple Krisp p, 3, 1:49.4 ($206,200). She has a pair of Tall Dark Stranger youngsters to her credit, the 2-year-old colt Bobbingforapples and an unnamed 2023 filly. She is also the dam of three other foals, all of whom made it to the races, including the 4-year-old gelding Girldad (by Sweet Lou) p, 3, 1:52.4f ($85,919).

Kissin In The Sand p, 3, 1:47.4 ($1,741,094), a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere out of the Real Artist mare Kiss Me Kate p, 3, 1:51.3f ($283,839), who dropped her first foal in 2023, a Tall Dark Stranger colt christened Solidarity.

Sandbetweenurtoes (by Somebeachsomewhere) p, 3, 1:49.1 ($1,065,848), the dam of two Tall Dark Stranger babies—the 2022 filly Shesnostranger, and an unnamed 2023 foal. She was coupled with Bulldog Hanover in 2023.

Apple Bottom Jeans, a $1,007,748-winning daughter of Mr Apples, who recorded a 5-year-old mark of 1:50.1, had her first foal, a Tall Dark Stranger filly, in 2023, named With The Fur. Apple Bottom Jeans is out of The Panderosa mare Scylla Hanover p, 5, 1:54.4f ($107,710).

PAPI ROB HANOVER, a son of Somebeachsomewhere, is another sire standing at Hanover Shoe Farms, for a fee of $10,000. This multiple stakes winner is out of the Rocknroll Hanover mare Panera Hanover p, 4, 1:51.2f ($158,712), and bred 137 in 2021; 139 in 2022 and 2023. He has 202 registered foals (94 colts and 108 fillies). Papi Rob Hanover has been teamed with mares by American Ideal, Bettor’s Delight, Always B Miki, Sweet Lou, Western Ideal, Art Major, Well Said, etc., and has 105 freshman pacers set to set sail in 2024.

Lucy’s Pearl p, 3, 1:50.1f ($341,213), the Dan Patch Pacing Broodmare of 2023, is a daughter of Well Said out of the Camluck mare Remember When p, 4, 1:50.3s ($917,523). The dam of six foals to date, her only by Papi Rob Hanover is the 2-year-old colt Second Generation. Her other five foals, all by Sweet Lou, have excelled, including: Lou’s Pearlman p, 3, 1:47.4 ($1,242,987); My Girl EJ p, 2, 1:49.1 ($698,397); Lousain Bolt p, 3, 1:51.4f ($120,586); and Loukes Perry p, 4, 1:50.1f ($103,839).

Go On BB, p, 4, 1:50f ($1,461,538), a daughter of Dontgetinmyway, out of the Nobleland Sam mare Challo BB p, 3, 1:55.3h ($32,028) produced seven foals, prior to her 2022 freshman colt Gold Glove Hanover by Papi Rob Hanover. Her others include Gotthisone Hanover (by Somebeachsomewhere) p, 6, 1:51.4s ($209,196); Going Gone Hanover p, 3, 1:51 ($132,372) and Lyons Legacy (both by Captaintreacherous) p, 4, 1:52.3f ($97,607), among others.

Baron Remy, p, 4, 1:50.3h ($666,042) is a daughter of Yankee Cruiser, out of the Shady Character mare Riley Character p, 5, 1:51.4f ($149,550), and has two foals by Papi Rob Hanover: the 2-year-old filly Ava’s Remy and the 2023 colt Al Papi.

JK Alwaysbalady, p, 2, 1:51s ($244,356), a daughter by Always B Miki, is out of the Art Major mare and world champion JK She’sa lady p, 2, 1:50.1s ($919,583). Her only foal to date is the Papi Rob Hanover yearling filly JK Sassy Lady, and her second foal by this same sire is due this Spring.

Eiffel Tower p, 3, 1:52.4f ($231,762) is by The Panderosa, out of the No Pan Intended mare C’est Tout p, 3, 1:57.4 f ($12,255), whose first foal, the 3-year-old filly Belle Fille, p, 3, 1:55.2f ($18,875) is by Downbytheseaside, while her second foal, the 2-year-old Summer In Paris, is a daughter from Papi Rob Hanover.

Terroronthebeach p, 3, 1:53.2s ($147,408), a daughter of Western Terror, is out of the Beach Towel mare Beach Guest p, 4, 1:51.3 ($182,801), with eight foals to date, including a 2023 unnamed filly by Papi Rob Hanover. Her other foals include: No Lou Zing (by Sweet Lou) p, 5, 1:49s ($882,087); Shock N Awe (by Art Major) p, 4, 1:52.1f ($113,816); and Odds On Harmony (by Rockin Image) p, 3, 1:53.2s ($63,849), etc.

CAPT MIDNIGHT p, 3, 1:48.3s ($551,567), a son of Captaintreacherous, out of the American Ideal mare It Was Fascination p, 3, 1:51.2 ($317,222), bred 140 mares in 2021, 139 in 2022, and 135 in 2023 for a total of 176 registered foals (83 colts and 93 fillies). He stands at Kountry Lane Standardbreds in Indiana for a fee of $5,000 and has a total of 87 freshman pacers looking to make their debut in 2024.

Sealark Hanover p, 7, 1:53.2f ($119,378), a daughter of Rocknroll Hanover, is out of the unraced Big Towner mare Sandlark Hanover, but has produced two solid raceway horses from five foals to date, including: PJ Dena (by JK Endofanera) p, 4, 1:51.4f ($72,735); and the 3-year-old Bluebird Ina (by Check Six) p, 2, 1:56f ($10,985).

Mystical Treasure, p, 4, 1:49.4f ($287,034) is a daughter of Real Desire, out of the unraced Jenna’s Beach Boy mare Sneakheravalentine. While two of her five foals have shown speed, Eraoftreasures (by JK Endofanera)—p, 3, 1:52.2s and Ponda Spark (by Luck Be Withyou)—p, 2, 1:54.4; neither have earned much money. It may be up to the Capt Midnight 2023 yearling filly Ponda Knight, to finally prove Mystical Treasure a worthy broodmare.

Rockin BB p, 4, 1:51.3s ($203,765), a daughter of Rockin Image, out of the Yankee Cruiser mare Yankee Pankee BB, has the credentials to be a solid broodmare, but as of yet, is unproven. She has an Always a Virgin 3-year-old in RockinontheVirg, and a 2022 Capt Midnight filly, Captivating BB, and a yearling Capt Midnight filly named Captains Daughter.

BET THE MOON p, 3, 1:50f ($796,646) is another son of Bettor’s Delight who is a first crop sire in 2024, with 50 freshman pacers set to move forward this season. He was bred to 88 mares in 2021 and 44 in 2023, for a total of 80 registered foals (42 colts and 38 fillies). Out of the Artsplace mare Sun N Moon, p, 4, 1:52.3 ($207,616), Bet The Moon stands at Woodmere Farm on Prince Edward Island for a fee of $1,000. He has half-brothers in Ideal Weather (by Western Ideal) p, 4, 1:49.3s ($850,128); Jacked Up (by Western Hanover) p, 10, 1:50.3 ($7866,486); Moon Beam (by Dragon Again) p, 3, 1:51f ($772,486); Vanilla Malted (by Sweet Lou) p, 6, 1:50.4h ($239,038); Amped Up (by Village Jolt) p, 8, 1:51.4 ($171,010); and Sunset Over Miami (by Well Said) p, 5, 1:53.1 ($146,455) etc.

Band Of Emeralds p, 2, 1:54.2s ($99,710) is a daughter of Jate Lobell, out of the Abercrombie mare Anns Emerald p, 3, 1:55.1f ($241,267). She is already the dam of several standouts, including Emerald Express (by The Panderosa) p, 8, 1:50.1 ($271,593); Major Look (by Art Major) p, 3, 1:49.3f ($519,829); and Another Look (by Art Major) p, 3, 1:57.4h ($56,207), among others.

Jasper Avenue p, 3, 1:51.1s ($391,778), is a daughter of Village Jasper, out of the Dexter Nukes mare Lobro Zanadu p, 3, 1:53.4s ($40,400) who has produced 13 foals to date, including Windsong Filou (by Astreos) p, 4, 1:51.3 ($345,725); Windsongmagnifique (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 6, 1:51s ($275,187); Windsong Grand Ave (by Camluck) p, 3, 1:51.3s ($266,832); and Windsong Parisian (by Sportswriter) p, 3, 1:53.3f ($101,048), etc.

Chocolate Art p, 3, 1:53.1f ($233,553) is a daughter of Artiscape, out of the Presidential Ball mare White Chocolate p, 3, 1:59.4f ($1,518), with her ninth foal being the Bet The Moon filly, Ms Kane. This filly is therefore a half-sister to Tyd The Glyde (by Well Said) p, 8, 1:50s ($220,995); Chocolate Terror (by Stonebridge Terror) p, 8, 1:54.2f ($151,920); and Ms Moyse (by Rollwithitharry) p, 6, 1:55.1h ($48,803), etc.

LT’s Magic p, 3, 1:55.1 ($225,676), is a prolifically producing daughter by Magical Mike, out of the No Nukes daughter Scarletas Dream p, 3, 2:02.1h ($868), with eight of her nine foals racing and taking records. Her 2022 Bet The Moon filly has been christened Woodmere Starlett, and is a half-sister to Sammy’s Magic Girl (by Western Hanover) p, 3, 1:52f ($178,952); Lastingart Hanover (by Real Artist) p, 3, 1:50.3f ($151,831); and Pink Magic (by The Panderosa) p, 3, 1:53.1f ($102,513), etc.

CATCH THE FIRE p, 5, 1:46 ($1,494,434) is a Captaintreacherous son, out of the Bettor’s Delight mare Dream Outload p, 3, 1:55.4s ($58,099). He is one of the few stallions who raced and performed stallion duties at the same time, racing from ages 2 (in 2019) through 5 (2022), and breeding 86 mares in 2021; 135 in 2022, and 127 in 2023. From 126 registered foals to date, he has 78 colts and 48 fillies, with 50 prospective 2-year-olds looking to debut in 2024.

Ocean Pearl p, 5, 1:53.2f ($143,637) is a daughter by On The Attack, out of the Nobleland Sam mare Romola Grey p ($2,726). Despite not being terrific on the track, she has proved otherwise in the breeding shed, as the dam of Ocean Rock(by Rockin Amadeus) p, 4, 1:48 ($1,289,326); Ocean Music (by Racing Hill) p, 4, 1:501.1f ($232,513); Ocean Blue (by Rockin Amadeus) p, 3, 1:52f ($99,198); Ocean Vintage (by Western Vintage) p, 3, 1:54.2h ($33,002) and the 3-year-old Fear The Dragon filly Calypso Pearl p, 3, 1:55.1f ($6,000). Ocean Pearl has an unnamed yearling Catch The Fire colt and was bred to Lather Up in 2023.

Yankee’s Royalty p, 5, 1:52.4f ($115,550) is a daughter of Yankee Cruiser, out of the Barefoot Hanover mare Barefoot N Naughty p, 2, Q2:05.1 ($362), who has produced six foals to date, including the 2-year-old Catch The Fire colt Crusing Along. She also has foaled Barefoot Julie (by Mister Big) p, 4, 1:53.4h $(102,645); A Yankee Feeln (by Feelin Friskie) p, 7, 1:54f ($94,934); and Royal Rocker (by Rockin Amadeus p, 2, 1:57.4f ($12,267).

Cruise On Ashley p, 2, 1:55.1h ($53,407), a daughter of Yankee Cruiser, had a top race mare in Big Bad Ashley (by Big Bad John) p, 4, 1:52.4h ($264,118) and the solid raceway mare in Crusingatmidnight (by Big Bad John) p, 3, 1:55.2f ($41,561), among others. Cruise On Ashley is out of the unraced Precious Bunny mare Abitof Ashley and has a 2-year-old gelding by Catch The Fire in Crusinoverfire.

Ashlee’s Star p, 2, 1:58.4h ($18,110) is a daughter of Western Hanover out of the Camtastic mare Lady Ashlee Ann and the dam of ten foals, including a 2023 yearling colt by Catch The Fire with the nom de plume of Matthew’s Star. She has also produced Twinkle (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 4, 1:51.3 ($354,278) and Ashlee Sparkles (by Art Major) p, 3, 1:53.4f ($55,926); and Royal Ashton (by Royal Mattjesty) p, 4, 1:55f ($53,039), etc.

CAPTAIN TREVOR p, 3, 1:49 ($232,164) is a 2016 son of Captaintreacherous, out of the American Ideal mare It Was Fascination p, 3, 1:51.2 ($317,222), making him a full brother to the aforementioned Capt Midnight. Captain Trevor stood his first season in Illinois in 2021, and bred 69 mares, then bred 91 in 2022 and 66 in 2023. He currently has 84 registered foals (38 colts and 46 fillies), with 47 freshmen pacers set to move forward in 2024. He currently stands at Crebs Farm in Cantrall, IL for a fee of $2,500.

Aries Conquest p, 2, 1:52.4 ($308,278) is a daughter of Arts Conquest, out of the On The Road Again mare Round Again p, 3, 1:53 ($38,709). Her 2-year-old Captain Trevor filly, Commandress Aries, is a half-sister to Western Conquest (by American Ideal) p, 3, 1:52.1f ($416,226); Bakken (by No Pan Intended) p, 4, 1:53.1h ($231,542); Aries Angel (by Western Ideal) p, 4, 1:52.3f ($185,516); and White Jade (by American Ideal) p, 3, 1:52s ($114,382), etc.

Da Sleazy One p, 5, 1:53.4 ($101,549) is a daughter of Sportsmaster, out of the Armbro Wolf mare Something Sleazy p, 4, 1:59.4 ($42,581). This mare’s 2-year-old filly Sleazy Survivor, by Captain Trevor, is a half-sister to Sleazy Does It (by Sagebrush) p, 5, 1:51.3 ($317,916); Thesleazyprincess (by Sagebrush) p, 3, 1:52.2 ($304,287); Captain Sleaze (by Sagebrush) p, 5, 1:50.1s ($284,970); and Uptown Sleaze (by Sagebrush) p, 4, 1:51.2 ($105,927), etc.

Nashville Blues p, 3, 1:55s ($14,208) is a daughter of Camluck, out of the Big Towner mare Armbro Nashville p, 3, 1:58.1s ($18,020) and has a 2-year-old Captain Trevor filly in Fox Valley Showgal. Nashville Blues has produced five previous winners, including JK Objection (JK Endofanera) p, 5, 1:50.1f ($201,237) and Primo Extremo (by Rockin Image) p, 3, 1:52.1s ($164,100), among others.

Western Wizard, an unraced daughter of Western Hanover, out of the Tyler B mare Lady Genius p, 3, 1:53.2 ($378,632) has produced 14 foals to date, including the 2-year-old Captain Trevor colt Western Trevor. This youngster has half-siblings in Ozmopolitan (by Artsplace) p, 4, 1:53.2f ($185,025); Western Perch (by Duneside Perch) p, 5, 1:51.4f ($141,104); Rusty’s Rascal (by Artsplace) p, 6, 1:57.1h ($103,057); and Hammer (by Life Sign) p, 4, 1:56.1 ($62,449), etc.

DANCIN LOU p, 4, 1:47.2 ($991,441) is a son of Sweet Lou out of the Cambest mare Dancewiththebest p, 4, 1:54.4f ($40,922), and will have 45 youngsters ready to line up behind the gate in 2024. Standing in Ontario at Tara Hills Stud for a fee of $5,000 Canadian, Dancin Lou was a Breeders Crown, Tattersalls, and Haughton Memorial winner, and is a three-quarter brother to Dancin Yankee p, 1:47.2f ($2,004,867). He bred 81 mares in 2021; 58 in 2022; and 48 in 2023, for a total of 68 registered foals (44 colts and 24 fillies).

Fancilful Western is an unraced daughter by Western Hanover out of the Artsplace mare Fanciful Hanover p, 3, 1:54.2h ($281,010) and the dam of 10 foals, including her 2022 filly Ha Fancy Dancin (by Dancin Lou). This filly’s half-siblings include Hide The Cheddar (by Betterthancheddar) p, 6, 1:52.2f ($156,352) and Sure Fired Bet (by Better’s Delight) p, 6, 1:52.1s ($154,620), etc.

Lady DM p, 5, 1:51s ($538,406), a daughter by DM Dilinger, out of the Vanishing Point mare Susie Qu Undersky p, 5, 2:01h ($29,246), produced the final foal of her career in the 2-year-old Dancin Lou colt Dashing Lou. Lady DM’s top foals include Sportsmanship (by Sportswriter) p, 4, 1:49.3 ($421,153); Lay Lady Lay (by Up The Credit) p, 4, 1:51s ($358,939); Whitehaven Beach (by Sunshine Beach) p, 4, 1:53.4f ($183,750); and Preeminence (by Sportswriter) p, 3,1:51.2s ($127,575), etc.

Pasta Blue Chip p, 3, 1:53.4f ($55,633) is a daughter of Art Major, out of the Matt’s Scooter mare Mattaroni p, 3, 1:52.3 ($744,481) and the dam of three foals to date, including her 2022 Dancin Lou filly TH Cha Cha Cha. Pasta Blue Chip has also produced Tarapasta (by Downbytheseaside) p, 3, 1:51.2f ($258,675) and Pasta Delight (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 2, Q1:57.4s ($28,637).

Vivid Shine p, 4, Q1:54.3f ($41,835) is a Dragon Again mare, out of the Jate Lobell mare Eternal Justice p, 3, 1:53.1 ($65,123), and the dam of five foals, including the 2-year-old Dancin Lou colt Da Super Glo. This youngster is a half-brother to Risenshine Seaside (by Downbytheseaside) p, 4, 1:48.3f ($315,193) and the 3-year-old DA Wicked Shine (by McWicked) p, 2, 1;54.3s ($6,080).

CATTLEWASH p, 3, 1:46.4 ($1,134,78), a fantastically quick son of Somebeachsomewhere, is out of the Bettor’s Delight mare Road Bet p, 4, 1:52f ($380,315) and has produced 170 foals to date (88 colts and 82 fillies). He stood his first season in New Jersey, breeding 54 mares in 2021, and the last three years has found him in Ontario at Tara Hills Stud, breeding 178 mares in 2022 and 2023, for a fee of $7,500 in Canadian dollars. He has 38 youngsters ready to make their 2-year-old debut in 2024.

Sand Gesture p, 3, 1:53f ($432,595), was a speedy daughter by Dragon Again, out of the Western Hanover mare Western Gesture p, 2, Q1:59.4 ($1,124). She has produced seven foals to date, including: Katniss S BG (by Mach Three) p, 3, 1:53s ($99,45) and Make Big Sbg (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 3, 1:59.2h ($27,947), etc. Her 2023 yearling filly, by Cattlewash, is named Taylor Desbi.

Eyewitness Account p, 6, 1:52.2h ($331,624) is by Camluck, out of the Ball And Chain mare Unchained Speed p, 4, 1:54s ($63,497). This dam of four foals has produced Seasar L (by Downbytheseaside) p, 3, 1:54.2f ($57,119) and has a 2023 yearling colt by Cattlewash.

Kay’s Dragon Lady p, 3, 1:54f ($187,215), a daughter by Dragon Again, is out of the Real Desire mare Warrawee Kay p, 2, 1:51.3 ($286,751). Her first four foals have all made it to the races, including Three Dragons (by Mach Three) p, 5, 1:54.2 ($146,976); Scarlet Dragon (by Betterthancheddar) p, 4, 1:57.1h ($69,349); Ebony Lady (by Shadow Play) p, 3, 1:53s ($30,398); and Kays Writer (by Sportswriter) p, 3, 1:55f ($27,866). She has a yearling colt, The Sleeping Giant, by Cattlewash.

Chocolate Truffle p, 2, Q2:00s ($23,164), a daughter of Western Hanover, has produced nine foals to date. She is out of the Legal Notice mare Little Black Book p, 5, 1:54h ($288,457), with her first foal coming in 2012, a gelded son of No Pan Intended named Seaforth p, 2, 1:52.2f ($88,900). Her other foals include Chocolate Swirl (by Mach Three) p, 5, 1:52 f ($75,232); Silk Road Smash (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 4, 1:53.1f ($66,833); Bettys Bay (by Mach Three) p, 3, 1:54.4s ($55,761); and Green Point (by Sportswriter) p, 4, Q1:53.4s $(41,203), etc.

The trotters will be posted tomorrow!

by Kimberly Rinker, for Harnesslink