Our #Pedigeek “Term of the Week” is:

Three-quarter sibling

In Thoroughbred breeding, full-siblings share both mother and father. Half-siblings share the same mother. To identify three-quarter siblings, you have to look to the second generation, and if three of the four grandparents match, ta-da, there you go. 

For example, in the first race at Saratoga Race Course this Saturday, look at #9 Daunt. This son of 2015 champion 2-year-old male Nyquist is out of Promotional, a Grade 3-placed, three-quarter-sister to multiple Grade 1 winning turf standout and millionaire Marketing Mix.

Promotional, who was second in the 2017 edition of the 1 ½-mile Rood and Riddle Dowager Stakes, is a daughter of Artie Schiller, victor of the 2005 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Marketing Mix, whose victories include the 2012 Rodeo Drive and 2013 Gamely Stakes, is a daughter of Medaglia d’Oro. So, not only do Promotional and Marketing Mix share the exact same pair of grandparents, Kris S and Nimble Mind, through their mother, Instant Thought, both of their fathers, Artie Schiller and Medaglia d’Oro, are sons of El Prado. With three of their four grandparents matching, Promotional and Marketing Mix are considered three-quarter siblings.

This bolsters the pedigree argument for Daunt to be considered in this spot and makes his 20-1 morning-line odds look rather attractive. Whether or not he can post an upset in his career debut, routing against horses with experience, such as a strong contender like #10 Sweeping Giant, who looks to loom large second time out for trainer Todd Pletcher, remains to be seen. That boy is a son of Curlin and out of multiple graded-stakes-winning grass mare named Isabella Sings, whom Pletcher also trained. Still, with impressive genetic credentials himself, Daunt is a horse I would, at least, include in the exotics.

Saturday, Aug. 28

Saratoga Race Course, Race 1, Maiden Special Weight Race, 2-year-olds, 1 1/16 miles, turf, 11:35 a.m. ET

#9 DAUNT (20-1 morning-line odds)

Trainer: Robert Ribaudo

Jockey: Manuel Franco