Spendthrift Farm Buys Majority Interest in Authentic

B. Wayne Hughes' Spendthrift Farm has acquired a majority ownership interest in the undefeated 3-year-old colt Authentic, the likely favorite for the June 6 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Spendthrift now partners with Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables, which have both retained an ownership interest in the son of Into Mischief , North America's reigning champion general sire who stands at Spendthrift. SF Racing, Fred Hertrich, John Fielding, and Golconda Stables—other partners in Authentic's original ownership group—have sold their respective interests in the colt.

"We are very excited to join an accomplished team on such a talented and promising colt as Authentic," said Ned Toffey, general manager at Spendthrift. "We believe Into Mischief is still in the early stages of his successes, and we are hopeful Authentic can be a significant part. This colt possesses all the signature attributes we have come to know from Into Mischief, and we feel strongly that those attributes are going to carry on through his sons in the breeding shed."

As a 2-year-old, Authentic won on debut going 5 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar. He then scored runaway victories in the Sham Stakes (G3) and San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park in his lone pair of starts as a 3-year-old.

In the one-mile Sham, Authentic stamped himself as a leading classic contender, cruising to a 7 3/4-length win in his stakes and two-turn debut. Next, he affirmed that status in his most recent effort, capturing the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe by 2 1/4 lengths over Honor A. P. and champion 2-year-old Storm the Court. 

Trained by Bob Baffert, Authentic breezed a bullet six furlongs in 1:12 2/5 May 31 in his final workout before the Santa Anita Derby, where he will again be ridden by jockey Drayden Van Dyke. The colt is currently ninth on the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) leaderboard with 60 points. Saturday's Santa Anita Derby, in which he will be rematched with Honor A. P., is worth 100 points to the winner.

"Authentic was a beautiful yearling, an unfurnished May foal at the time but with a wonderful presence and way about him," said Tom Ryan of SF Racing. "Watching Bob and his team develop this colt, with his 2-year-old win at Del Mar and two more domineering wins as a 3-year-old, has been a great experience. Bob and Drayden have believed in him from the beginning and he has completely validated their confidence. Authentic is the very best of Into Mischief, with brilliance in abundance and an effortless running style that should carry him the distance."

"He was a very athletic mover, a fast-looking colt with the size and scope to carry his speed," said Donato Lanni, who signed for Authentic as a yearling for $350,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. SF Bloodstock and Starlight West were listed as purchasers of the Bridie Harrison-consigned colt.

An earner of $331,200, Authentic is out of the Mr. Greeley mare Flawless and was bred in Kentucky by Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds. He is related to two other minor winners.