Kantharos Makes a Splash at OBSAPR

Ocala Stud’s first-crop sire Kantharos (Lion Heart) had a strong showing during the first two sessions of the OBS April Sale. During the first day, hip 220 sold to CT. Grether, Inc. for $150,000. His showing in the second session was even more solid with hip 354 going to Eddie Plesa for $155,000; hip 422 fetching $80,000 from Brothers Two Stables; and hip 480 selling to Mr. Amore Stables for $95,000. 
    Kantharos, who was purchased by Stonestreet Stables for $250,000 at the 2010 OBS March Sale, was flawless in three 2-year-old starts, including wins in the GIII Bashford Manor and GII Saratoga Special. He retired in August of his juvenile year after suffering a leg fracture in training, and began his career at stud at Vinery and now stands at Ocala Stud for $5,000. 
    Kantharos’s first-crop success at the sale came as no surprise to Ocala Stud’s Michael O’Farrell Jr. 
    “We did [expect it].,” O’Farrell said. “They trained very well. They trained well over here the last two weeks prior to the sale. They breezed well at the breeze show and showed themselves well. They’re nice horses. Most of them look like their daddy and he was a racehorse–he was a very good racehorse. And, of course, Lion Heart he was extremely fast and could carry the distance, so there’s no reason to believe the Kantharos can’t carry the distance. He stamps his foals. They look a lot alike and they look like their daddy, and that’s all you can ask for. Obviously, we’re pleased, but it’s not a surprise.” 
    Eddie Woods, who consigned Kantharos as a 2-year-old, sees similarities between the sire and his offspring. “Some of them have that same head as him and they’re quick just like him. He’s as good of a freshman sire standing in Florida as there is.” 
    Woods has a filly by Kantharos scheduled to sell at the Barretts May Sale.