Forbidden Kingdom , a talented Triple Crown hopeful on the dirt at 3 in 2022, demonstrated a new dimension by successfully battling turf sprinters in the Dec. 30 Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park.
Even rain in the morning, which prompted a switch from the downhill course to the main course, didn’t deter Forbidden Kingdom, nor many of his always-enthusiastic MyRacehorse owners.
One of several horses Spendthrift Farm shares with MyRacehorse, Forbidden Kingdom overcame some intestinal issues, said trainer Richard Mandella. The 4-year-old colt appears back to excellent form, as he led almost from the beginning of the 6 1/2-furlong Hernandez.
Named for Santa Anita’s first announcer, the Hernandez attracted an overflow field of 13, many of whom might have scratched if the morning rain had continued and the race was moved to the dirt. Instead, only Lovesick Blues came out, letting in also-eligible Dancing Buck , who provided the most competition for Forbidden Kingdom.
When the gate opened, Dancing Buck popped out on the lead from the outside, but Forbidden Kingdom, the 4-1 third choice, quickly took command. His front-running tactics have always served him well, as he won the 2022 San Vicente (G2) and San Felipe (G2) stakes on the lead.
“He got me into the race right away and used all his speed,” said jockey Flavien Prat. “From there we were able to get some fractions and he kicked home well.”
Forbidden Kingdom traveled the first quarter-mile in :23.99 and a half-mile in :48.19. Dancing Buck stuck close, but at the wire Forbidden Kingdom defeated him by a half-length in 1:14.92. Turn On The Jets finished 1 3/4 lengths back in third.
“He fought off a horse that was trying hard to beat him,” said Mandella. “He showed a lot of class. This has always been a top-class racehorse. He got an intestinal problem that compromised him.”
Forbidden Kingdom had run on turf only once before, when third in the 2021 Speakeasy Stakes as a 2-year-old.
“He trained really good and I expected him to run great,” Mandella said. “I didn’t have anything else to run him in. I thought about it, and there was no reason not to run him on the turf.”
The Hernandez was Forbidden Kingdom’s first race since he finished fourth in the May 27 Triple Bend Stakes (G2). Prior to that he ran second in the 2022 Malibu (G1) and 2023 San Carlos (G2) stakes. All three races were seven furlongs on dirt.
Many of the MyRacehorse owners crowded into the winner’s circle after the Hernandez to celebrate.
“We got a good crowd; about 60 today,” said Joe Moran, MyRacehorse’s California racing manager. “But we’ve got more than a couple hundred in him in particular. It was a good way to wrap up the year.”
MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm connections celebrate Forbidden Kingdom’s Joe Hernandez Stakes win Dec. 30 in the Santa Anita winner’s circle
Moran said the enthusiasm and social media support continue to be high in MyRacehorse, which offers micro-shares in runners.
“We did a nice live show this morning to prep the race, and we had about 300 people tune in just on YouTube,” Moran said.
Spendthrift and MyRacehorse bought Forbidden Kingdom from Paramount Sales for $300,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling Showcase. Springhouse Farm bred Forbidden Kingdom in Kentucky from the graded stakes-winning Five Star Day mare Just Louise .
Forbidden Kingdom is one of eight 2023 group or graded stakes winners sired by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah . The group includes top level winners such as Victoria Derby (G1) winner Riff Rocket and New York Stakes (G1T) winner Marketsegmentation . American Pharoah will stand for a 2024 stud fee of $50,000 at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky.
Video: Joe Hernandez S. (G2T)
