Ohio-based first-crop stallion What The Hill took early command in the leading money winning sires ranks this weekend, touting $163,659 in total earnings for 102 foals with 56 starters.
Following impressive performances by freshmen sons and daughters sweeping the $150,000 The Next Generation trotting events, Hickory Lane Horse Farm stallion What The Hill vaulted to the top of the sire earnings statistics, in front of perennial leaders Chapter Seven and Muscle Hill, as well as Father Patrick and first crop sire Walner.
Syndicate manager Kevin Greenfield said, “We were impressed with the performances of these youngsters on Friday (July 2) at Scioto. While we congratulate all the connections, we also look forward to their continued success in Ohio, as well as on the Grand Circuit.”
Be My Baby Now, a 2-year-old daughter of What The Hill from the Raffaello Ambrosio mare Baby Bella, won the $150,000 Next Generation for filly trotters in 1:57.4 from well off the pace at Scioto. Driven by Chris Page for trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services and Hatfield Stables, she is a half-sister to Buen Camino 1:52f ($782,951).
Bred by Stephanie Smith-Routhag, and consigned by Spring Haven Farm, Be My Baby Now was a $47,000 Ohio Selected Jug Sale yearling purchase.
In the $150,000 Next Generation for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, Chulo showed that he will be a horse to contend with in the coming months, having encountered and overcome a plethora of traffic trouble in his first lifetime start, he showed strength, stamina and courage.
Chulo rolled out smoothly from the outside post nine when the gate sprung, eventually fighting for position on the pylons. Then, after being shuffled back to third, he had to go around the tempo-setting breaker just past the half, and then tactically weaved his way past the leaders to win in 1:57f. Driven smartly by Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. and trained by Per Engblom, the son of What The Hill from the Majestic Son mare Chula is on lease to Buckstone Land Livestock and was bred by Renee Spahr.
What The Hill (2, 1:54.4; 3,1:51.4 [$1,263,864]), by Muscle Hill from the Angus Hall mare K T Cha Cha, enjoyed breeding a full complement of 140 mares in his first four seasons at stud at Hickory Lane Horse Farm in Findlay, Ohio. His stud fee is $7,000.
(What The Hill Syndicate)