Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Sole Volante
Feb 10, 2020
Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone and Limelight Stables’ Sole Volante picked up 10 points on the “2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby” following his triumph in the $200,000 Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs. The gelding was 2 1/2 lengths clear under the line after completing 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.60 under the guidance of Luca Panici. He improved his lifetime line to 4-3-0-1, $196,310 after notching his first graded stakes victory.
Sole Volante was unveiled on October 12 in a 7 1/2-furlong maiden special weight event on the lawn at Gulfstream Park West, and he aced his first assignment with a three-length romp. Moving to Gulfstream Park for a second appearance, the bay was much the best in posting a two-length score in the grassy Pulpit S. while trying black-type foes for the initial time.
The son of 2014 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) star Karakontie made his debut on the dirt in his 3-year-old bow and checked in a clear third in the Mucho Macho Man S. most recently.
Sole Volante was bred in the Bluegrass State by Flaxman Holdings, and he passed through the auction ring on a pair of occasions. The grandson of Bernstein fetched a bid of just $6,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, prior to bringing the gavel down at a bargain $20,000 at the 2019 OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training.
Conditioned by Patrick Biancone, Sole Volante was produced from the winning Kingmambo mare Light Blow, and he was preceded in graded glory by his half-brother Explode who captured the 2019 Canadian Derby (G3). Light Blow is a full sister to 2007 Epsom Oaks (G1) queen Light Shift, and a half-sister to two-time champion Shiva. This is the same female line as champions Ulysses, Cloth of Stars, Northern Trick, and Main Sequence.
The surging sophomore has improved his Brisnet Speed figure (81-95-100-102) in each lifetime race, and the 108 Brisnet Late Pace figure that he registered in the Sam F. Davis suggests that distance will not pose a problem for him going forward.
Sole Volante is an improving 3-year-old with a strong turn of foot, and he boasts a catalog page that is second to none. His female line is full of champions and horses that could stay classic distances. The gelding’s ability to unleash a potent late kick on the dirt makes him a serious Triple Crown contender.
I expect ‘Flying Sun’ to be a formidable foe on the 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby.
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