Overdriven, undefeated G2-winning juvenile, retires to Ocala Stud
Thursday, December 6, 2012

Repole Stable's Overdriven, last year's undefeated 2-year-old and dominant winner of the Sanford S. (G2) at Saratoga, has been retired from racing and will stand the 2013 breeding season at J. Michael O'Farrell's Ocala Stud as a Ocala Stud/Repole Stable partnership. His introductory fee will be $3,000 stands and nurses.

“Overdriven was an immensely talented 2-year-old and showed serious signs of being special,” said O'Farrell. “He also happens to be a fantastic-looking individual, and by the right sire. I believe he's a natural for Florida and will be very well-received by breeders.”

Overdriven stamped himself as one of the leading 2-year-olds in North America in the summer of 2011. His debut garnered a lot of attention after he overcame a troubled start in a five-furlong maiden special weight heat at Belmont to blaze home a clear winner in :56 2/5, defeating next-out Saratoga track record-setter J C's Pride by 3 ½ lengths. Overdriven earned a rarely-seen 100 Beyer Speed Figure as a first-time starter, and moved on to Saratoga as the odds-on choice in the Sanford S. (G2) just three weeks later.

In the Sanford, Overdriven again flashed his high cruising speed before dominating an over-matched group of juveniles in the stretch of the six-furlong stakes on opening weekend at Saratoga. His final margin of victory was four lengths, earning the colt a 93 Beyer and making him the early favorite for Saratoga's Grade 1 Hopeful S. later in the meet.

Prior to the Hopeful, Overdriven was forced to the sidelines for the remainder of his 2-year-old season due to a minor injury. In 2012, he overcame some setbacks to return to the races last month, but after incurring another setback that would sideline him for the remainder of year, the decision was made for him to be retired to stud.

“Overdriven had tremendous potential, and everyone who's ever been around the horse has raved about him,” said Mike Repole. “It's a shame he didn't get the Grade 1 win that his talent showed. We were extremely confident training up to the Hopeful (G1) last year, and then he had the setback. It's exciting to stand a horse in Florida, especially at a farm with a tradition of top stallions like Ocala Stud. I plan on supporting Overdriven with mares, and I look forward to having the chance of buying some of his babies in future sales.”

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Overdriven was weighted at 115 on the 2011 Experimental Free Handicap, above Grade 1 winners Alpha, Take Charge Indy and I'll Have Another. His 100 Beyer was one of only three triple-digit Beyers earned by a 2-year-old in 2011.

“Overdriven was easily one of the best 2-year-olds in my barn last year,” said Pletcher. “He was so fast that he trained with some of my best older horses in the mornings. He could have been any kind, and he'll have the chance to be any kind of stallion when you consider his great combination of pedigree, ability and conformation. This colt has it all.”

By Tale of the Cat, Overdriven was a $350,000 yearling out of multiple graded stakes-producer Air France, by French Deputy. Overdriven retires with earnings of $129,750, and joins leading 2-year-old sire Lion Heart as the only undefeated graded stakes-winning juveniles by Tale of the Cat with triple-digit Beyer speed standing at stud.

For more information on Overdriven, or to set up an appointment for inspection, please contact Joe or David O'Farrell at 352-237-2171.

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