Caleb's Posse: Last to First in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile has been won by many of the finest horses in this sport; Goldencents, Knicks Go, City of Light, and Life is Good to name a few. Though only inaugurated in 2007, twenty-three years after the first Breeders’ Cup, it’s a race that Spendthrift Farm’s general manager Ned Toffy claims is a feather in the cap for any stallion prospect. It proves that a horse is fast with the ability to hold that speed longer than the Sprint distance of six furlongs.
There have been many exciting performances in this race’s 15 editions, but one of the most thrilling victories occurred just four years after the race’s inauguration. Caleb’s Posse, the brilliant Amsterdam Stakes (G2) and King’s Bishop (G1) winner, flew from almost dead last to steal the race from Shackleford.
The win was undoubtedly a feather in his cap.
Breeding & Two-Year-Old Season (2008 - 2010):
Caleb’s Posse was foaled in Kentucky on April 4th, 2008. He is sired by Grade 2 winner Posse and is out of the Slewacide mare Abbey’s Missy. Posse has sired the likes of Canadian Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and Champion Sprinter in the USA, Kodiak Kowboy; two-time Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) winner and the richest New York-bred in history, Mind Your Biscuits; and a multitude of other graded stakes winners.
Caleb’s Posse’s female family includes the likes of Proud Silver, Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and Champion Older Female in Mexico, and Princess Orizaba, Champion Two-Year-Old Filly in Mexico.
Breeder Don C. McNeill decided to retain ownership of the colt in partnership with Cheyenne Stables. He was trained by Donnie Von Hemmel throughout his career.
Caleb’s Posse made his career debut on July 1st, 2010 at Arlington Park, finishing 2nd. He broke his maiden in his next start, which was promising enough for his connections to enter him in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3); he finished 3rd in his first graded stakes attempt as the second choice on the board.