By Elaine Belval
It can be a devastating blow when a stallion dies young, as was the case with 17-year-old Carson City, who died in 2004. He was one of the better sons of Mr. Prospector at stud and has just under 100 SWs to his credit. But, luckily, Carson City has left behind several sons who are more than proving their worth, including City Zip and leading Louisiana sire Good and Tough. But, this past week has belonged to son Pollard’s Vision.
On Tuesday, December 6th, the consistent Il Villano took his second stakes for owner Chuck Russo, breeder Vossfeld Bloodstock and trainer Susan Crowell. He won the six-furlong Southampton S. on the artificial surface at Parx by five lengths after winning on dirt at Aqueduct. On Saturday, December 10th, Pollard’s Boy won his first stakes, taking the Pennslyvania Nursery Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths for owners Thomas McClay and Mohns Hill Farm, breeder Denise McHenry-Dommel and trainer Bernard Houghton.
Pollard’s Vision, as a racehorse, was atypical for Carson City, best known as a sire of precocious runners and sprinters. Pollard’s Vision did make six starts at two (including a stakes placing), but he showed his best form at three and four. He made 11 starts at three, winning or placing in nine of them. He had victories in the G2 Illinois Derby and G3 National Jockey Club H. at four. He also placed in the G1 Pimlico Special to Eddington (defeating Funny Cide).
Without a Grade 1 victory to his credit, Pollard’s Vision stood for a modest $7,500 and attracted well over 100 mares his first season.
His first crop now has eight SWs, led by the mercilessly talented Blind Luck — winner of six G1 races. And Pollard’s Vision is showing the versatility as a sire that Carson City’s best sons have. Six of his SWs have won stakes at two, and he has two winners on the artificial and one on the turf. And his runners have a very impressive median earnings of $15,000.
With Pollard’s Vision’s solid numbers, he will not have to depend on Blind Luck to keep his name in the news. His 2012 fee is still a modest $12,500 at Wintergreen Stallion Station.
Our Ky. Breeding Partner Machmer Hall / Carrie Brogden bred his 1st 2 yr old winner named AIR CREW , he has won 8 races in Italy & is G2 placed , winner of $275,000 + (turf).
His top runner to date was Blind Luck , but what I’ve seen from his 2 yr old colt IL VILLANO , he might be his best . The grey is undefeated 3 for 3 & wins in hand. We bred our Tiznow mare to him this yr. and am looking forward to our NYB foal this coming spring . Looks like they all can run on dirt , synthetic & turf , couldn’t ask for anything more in a reasonable valued stallion , he puts out RUNNERS .
Bill Barone / Sunny Crest Farm, NY