Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Baxter’s Big Weekend

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

It’s going to be an exciting weekend for California’s Andrea Baxter; she and her four-star partner Indy 500, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare, have made the trek all the way from the west coast across the pond to take another shot at Big Bad Burghley. Indy 500 (Cromwell X Tens of Thousands, by Spend A Buck) was bred for racing and was originally registered as My Gifted Indyanna, but never made it to the track.

Indy 500 isn’t the only horse of Andrea’s that will be competing in a big event this weekend. Soaring Bird (Birdonthewire X Vuelta, by Far North), an 11-year old Thoroughbred gelding who was also unraced, owned by Connie and Andrea Baxter will be contesting the Adequan Gold Cup Advanced Final at the AECs under rider Rebecca “Bec” Braitling. That’s a lot of excitement this weekend for the Twin Rivers Ranch crew!

Whether or not they’ve previously raced, it’s hard to beat a Thoroughbred when it comes to athleticism. Here are three OTTBs who could be the next big thing in eventing:

Quiet Temptress. Photo via Marker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Quiet Temptress (DEVIL HIS DUE – SULTRY WISPER, BY SULTRY SONG): 2013 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred mare

Lightly raced with just four starts, this stately mare looks destined for great things. The folks at MMSC liken her to a “Range Rover”: she has a solid build and all-terrain capabilities, plus she’s understatedly classy yet powerful. “Tempi” is also a confident but level-headed horse, so that power will easily be able to be channeled into performance once she understands her new job better. Not only does she have potential to be a powerhouse under saddle, but she is easy-going and kind on the ground as well.

View Quiet Temptress on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Dyna Sue. Photo via CANTER PA.

Dyna Sue (PHILANTHROPIST – HANNAH SUE, BY STORMY ATLANTIC): 2013 15.3-hand Ontario-bred mare

O, Canada! This Ontario-bred pocket-rocket has a nice athletic build and appears to have the makings of a nice sport horse prospect. Not only is she good-looking, but her connections say she’s very kind and sensible — not a stereotypical chestnut mare at all — even her trainer’s kids have handled this one! Dyna Sue was moderately successful on the track, with over $50,000 in 29 starts, and held up well to retire sound.

View Dyna Sue on CANTER PA.

Big Platinum. Photo via CANTER CA.

Big Platinum (BIG BROWN – NICE PIC, BY PICCOLINO): 2013 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Now this is an aptly-named horse. His Jockey Club-registered moniker clearly suits him plus he goes by “Romeo” around the barn, which also befits this handsome fellow. Romeo is retiring in good form from a racing career with 30 starts and almost $45,000 in winnings. He looks athletic and nicely-built for jumping, but judging by his jog video he looks like her has the movement to impress in the dressage arena as well.

View Big Platinum on CANTER California.