Speedhorse December 5, 2008

Texas Classic Derby, G1
DMNV MOUNTABLE SCALES ANOTHER HEIGHT
December 5, 2008

There’s a long-time saying in the industry that the mark of a true sire or a true broodmare is whether or not they can out-produce themselves. The first proof of that particular pudding that comes to mind is Dash For Cash who eclipsed his own prowess on the track and in the breeding shed with First Down Dash. And, if things continue at their present clip, there may be a new name to add to the list.

Panther Mountain, the sire of DMNV Mountable, earned $459,921 with a 105 speed index. His four-year-old son has earned $463,400 with a 107 speed index and he’s not finished. This year alone, DMNV Mountable, out of Cheyennes Bullion by Bully Bullion, has won three Grade 1 stakes-Remington Park Derby, heritage Place Derby and, on November 29, the Grade 1, 440 yard $383,756 Texas Classic Derby at Lone Star Park. That’s not an easy trick to pull off.

Bred by Toby Dahl, DMNV Mountable is owned by cousins Ezra Lee and Toby Dahl of Colorado. He’s trained by Jacque Uphaus.

After three consecutive wins, including the Remington Park Derby along with the trials and finals of the Heritage place Derby, DMNV Mountable moved to New Mexico and Ruidoso Downs. He went from there to Zia where he was third in the Grade 2 Hobbs America Derby. For the first time in his career, the colt had experienced a lot in his performance.

“Hindsight is always perfect,” said Lee, “and, looking back, I probably wouldn’t have sent him to Ruidoso. On the other hand, if I hadn’t gone, I’d always be wondering what if.

“We did a little work with the colt after we Ruidoso and he started coming back to his game. To tell you the truth, we were pleased with that third at Hobbs because it told us he was coming out of his slump.”

DMNV Mountable laid down tracks for Lone Star Park, establishing the groundwork for what would be his Texas debut. Uphaus had him ready for the Texas Classic Derby trials on November 14, which he won by a neck in: 21.444 for the fourth fastest qualifying time.

“We really felt he was back where he should be,” said Lee. “He made a good break in the finals and had a clean trip. He did exactly what all of us wanted.”

DMNV Mountable left from the 1-hold under Alex Baldillez, who’s ridden the colt in the last four starts. He and Coronas Leaving You, who broke from the seven, settled quickly into a duel following Coronas Leaving You’s speedy break.

Coronas Leaving You and DMNV Mountable sparred back and forth with Coronas Leaving You hanging on the lead in a death grip. DMNV Mountable never lost his focus, however, leaning hard on the other colt and overtaking him in the last few strides. The winning margin was a head in :21.507 for a 98 speed index and $170,776.

“Toby and I liked this colt from the very beginning,” said Lee, “but we never dreamed he’d do what he’s done. Don’t forget—this is our first racehorse which makes everything that much more incredible.”

DMNV Mountable has gone through a jam-packed season but his races have been well spaced. “There may be one more race this year,” as said Lee,”but we haven’t made a final decision on that. And, right now, we’re planning on running him in ’09.

“To us, Jacque Uphaus is a fantastic trainer and I’m convinced the industry will hear more from her in the years to come. She treats a horse unbelievable well and definitely knows her business.”

Cheyennes Bullion, DMNV Mountable’s 1992 dam, is out of Cheyennes Huwana by Arbeka jet One. Bred by Larry Rice of Nebraska, she’s owned by Lee and Dahl. The mare has produced six foals, six to race, five ROMs, one stakes winner, and one stakes-placer.