Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

We love OTTB Wishlist success stories, and a great one was sent our way this week from reader Jennifer Kessler.

Just two weeks ago Jennifer became the proud owner of Chuck’s Chuck, a CANTER California OTTB who was one of our weekly picks last fall.

Even then, when the 3-year-old gelding (Grey Memo – Lady Elizabeth, by Snuck In) was winding down his short-lived career at Golden Gate Fields, he was, as we put it, “easy on the eyes.” 

Photo via CANTER California.

Photo via CANTER California.

Amazingly, he’s managed to get even more handsome since then!

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kessler.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kessler.

“His name is now Dante and he is set to be my new eventing partner!” Jennifer tells us. “Dante has proven already to have an incredible mind. He is smart, brave, and so sweet. He has been a pleasure to have in the barn, is already making strides in only about five rides with me, and is loving all of the carrots he receives from all of his adoring fans.”

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kessler.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kessler.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kessler.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kessler.

What a looker — we’ll be keeping an eye on Jennifer and Dante for the future, for sure! Here are three other OTTBs who caught our eye this week:

Photo via New Vocations.

Photo via New Vocations.

Legions Star (Legion Field – Star Sequence, by De Niro) is a 2007, 16.2-hand New York bred mare. Better known as “Star” around the farm, this big, beautiful girl has a friendly personality and quiet nature. She is easy to handle, stands well for the farrier and vet, gets along well with other horses, and has quickly become a barn favorite. Star is more of a “tomboy” type — not mare-ish at all — and her handlers say she is very personable and enjoys grooming, bathing and bonding time.

Star transitioned into work without issue and has been enjoying getting back into a routine. She had a less then impressive racing career, earning only $35,000 in 33 starts during her four years on the track. This beautiful mare is sure to have a more successful second career with her sporthorse build, ground-covering gaits and wonderful trainability. She is very willing under saddle and picks up on new things quickly. She is sensible, brave and always tries her hardest. She’ll do best with an intermediate rider and is suitable for any discipline — looks like a fun one to bring along!

 View Legions Star on New Vocations. 

Photo via CANTER Arizona.

Photo via CANTER Arizona.

Excessive Payne (In Excess (IRE) – Sally’s Forum, by Open Forum) is an approximately 17-hand 2010 gelding who is ready for his next job.

After just 10 starts and a year or so off, “Papa” is no longer showing any desire to race. He is reportedly retiring sound and without any other known injuries. CANTER says this boy was a total flirt during his photo shoot, giving hugs and showing off his gorgeous dapples. He is an absolute sweetheart with no vices per his owner. He will do pretty much anything for a peppermint, so keep plenty in your pockets. There is definitely no shortage of character here! Papa is located at a barn not far from Turf Paradise where he is beginning his off the track transition.

View Excessive Payne on CANTER Arizona. 

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Photo via CANTER PA.

April’s Surprise (Lion Hearted – Freedom’s Road, by Mojave Moon) is a 2012, 16-hand mare who is primed with potential!

Having had just six starts on the track, here’s your chance at a nice young prospect with next to no wear or tear. Her pedigree is peppered with nice sport names that should be a good indication of her suitability in a second career. As she matures and fills out, this girl will be a beautiful find. CANTER is told this one is sweet to ride, has sweeping movement and doesn’t do anything wrong … except run slow. No issues or vices, this girl is ready to go right to work!

View April’s Surprise on CANTER PA.