Fair Grounds, March 19, 2025 – Some victories are about more than just crossing the wire first; they validate a plan, a strategy, and an investment. BOSUN (Midshipman – Kipling’s Joy, by Kipling) delivered on all fronts in his turf debut at Fair Grounds, capturing a $52,000 Maiden Special Weight event with an authoritative 4½-length victory under jockey Jose L. Ortiz.
Purchased by Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers as an OPTIMAL Mating Sales Selection for Larry Hirsch, BOSUN’s win underscores the power of data-driven bloodstock selection. The Highlander Training Center-owned colt had flashed talent on dirt but truly found his stride switching to the grass, stopping the clock in 1:05.72 for 5 ½ furlongs over a firm turf course.
Tactical Patience by Bosun Turns into Turf Dominance
Breaking from post 8, BOSUN settled into midpack early, tracking honest fractions of :22.51 and :47.72. Ortiz guided him into the three-path, allowing him to launch his bid at the top of the stretch. Showing a powerful turn of foot, BOSUN reeled in the leaders at the sixteenth pole and drew clear impressively, earning an 86 Equibase Speed Figure—a career-best mark that signals bigger things to come.
Behind him, E Lion closed strongly from the back of the pack to grab second, while Restore (FR), who had dueled for the lead throughout, faded to third. But there was no doubt who the star of the race was—BOSUN was simply too good.
A Carefully Planned Investment Pays Off
BOSUN’s victory is the latest success story for Shepherd Equine Advisers’ OPTIMAL Matings methodology, a data-driven approach designed to maximize racing success. Originally purchased for $57,000 as a yearling at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, BOSUN’s physical and pedigree development saw his value soar to $225,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, where Hirsch secured him through agent Clark Shepherd.
“BOSUN always had the pedigree and physicality to excel, but we knew he’d thrive in the right conditions,” said Shepherd. “Today, he proved he belongs, and this is just the beginning.”
Progression and Potential
BOSUN’s career trajectory has been a steady climb, demonstrating marked improvement with each race:
- Aqueduct (April 4, 2024) – 2nd (Maiden Special Weight, dirt) 77 Equibase Speed Figure
- Belmont at the Big A (May 10, 2024) – 5th (Maiden Special Weight, sloppy dirt) 59 Equibase Speed Figure
- Fair Grounds (March 19, 2025) – 1st (Maiden Special Weight, turf) 86 Equibase Speed Figure
This pattern suggests that the surface switch unlocked his full potential, a move that will guide his campaign moving forward.
What’s Next for Bosun?
With his first win in the books and a growing confidence level, BOSUN is poised to take the next step. Trainer Joe Sharp will likely look for an allowance race or stakes opportunity on turf, where BOSUN’s tactical speed and finishing kick can be fully utilized. Given his breeding and race style, races at six to seven furlongs on turf seem to be an ideal next step.
For Highlander Training Center, Larry Hirsch, and Shepherd Equine Advisers, this victory is more than just a maiden-breaking score—it’s validation that data-backed bloodstock selection continues to yield exceptional results.
Stay tuned as BOSUN charts his course toward bigger races in 2025. The best is yet to come.
Want to invest in your own future winner? Contact Shepherd Equine Advisers today and discover how OPTIMAL Matings can help you make data-driven, high-return bloodstock decisions.
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