By Elaine Belval.
Few stallions have had such redemption as Ghostzapper: Retired to stud with a $200,000 fee and a huge reputation, it was only a few years ago that his fee had tumbled to $20,000. But good things often come to those who wait, and breeders should never count out the uncanny ability of the people at Adena Springs (owned by Frank Stronach) to “make” stallions.
The first weekend of October, Better Lucky won the G1 First Lady at Keeneland at one mile on the turf.. She is owned by Godolphin Racing, bred by Darley Stud, and trained by Thomas Albertrani. On that same card, Judy the Beauty won the G2 Thoroughbred Club of America S, at six furlongs on the Polytrack. Â She was bred by Adena Springs and is owned and trained by Wesley Ward. Â Then a week later, Za Approval won the G3 Knickerbocker at nine furlongs on the turf at Belmont. He is owned/bred by Live Oak Stud and trained by Christophe Clement.
So far in 2013, Ghostzapper has two G1 winners among his 14 individual SWs, with has almost $7 million in progeny earnings.
Ghostzapper’s progeny statistics are absolutely fantastic. Not counting 2013 two-year-olds, Ghostzapper has 75% starters, 58% winners, and an amazing 11% SWs. His progeny’s average earnings are $93,000 and his median earnings are $47,000. Almost 40% of his progeny’s stakes wins have come on the turf—his best such runner being the aforementioned Better Lucky—and almost 22% on artificial surfaces, including G1 winner Stately Victor. Three of his four G1 winners are fillies. His progeny show incredible versatility and have been successful at distances from five to 11 furlongs.
Among the runners Ghostzapper could have on 2013 Breeders’ Cup weekend include Starship Truffles (a 2013 G1 winner) and Judy the Beauty in the F/M Sprint; Moreno in the Classic; and Za Approval in the Turf.
Ghostzapper has proven to be an exceptional and worthy successor to his sire Awesome Again, alongside whom he stands in Kentucky at Adena Springs—proud breeder of both stallions.