Nice Neighbor, a chestnut filly foaled on January 18, 2020, sired by Good Samaritan and out of Whataclassylady, has marked her presence in the thoroughbred racing world. Bred by Amy Marie Bayle, she is currently owned by Highlander Training Center, trained by W. Bret Calhoun, and was ridden by jockey Jose L. Alvarez in her last start.
In 2023, Nice Neighbor demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill on the track. Over six starts, she achieved three first-place finishes, one second, and two thirds, accruing earnings of $100,809. Throughout her career spanning nine races, she has earned $147,991, with four wins, three seconds, and two thirds, highlighting her reliability and competitiveness by never being off-the-board.
Nice Neighbor’s recent victory in the Useeit Stakes at Remington Park on December 15, 2023, was a notable achievement. In this race, she exhibited tactical acumen and physical prowess. Positioned two wide on the backstretch, she observed the pace carefully. Displaying a burst of speed on the far turn, she took control in the upper stretch and maintained her lead, clinching the race with a final Equibase Speed Figure of 80.
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Her performance in the Useeit Stakes is a culmination of her consistent development and strategic race planning. Nice Neighbor’s previous races at Remington Park and Sam Houston Race Park also showcase her versatility and adaptability. Her Equibase Speed Figures have been consistently strong, reflecting her competitive edge in various race conditions.
The decision to purchase Nice Neighbor was influenced by her pedigree having been analyzed as an OPTIMAL Mating. This approach, involving a detailed seven-generation pedigree analysis, considers factors such as outcrossing, inbreeding, linebreeding, gender balancing, and reinforcing female families. It aims to maximize genetic and physical compatibility, leading to the breeding of superior racehorses. Shepherd Equine Advisers, representing Larry Hirsch, acquired Nice Neighbor for $40,000 at the Fasig-Tipton February sale in 2021, recognizing her potential as a result of this meticulous breeding strategy.
Nice Neighbor’s journey in the thoroughbred racing circuit is a reflection of careful planning, breeding excellence, and skillful management. From her early days as a promising yearling at the auction to her triumphs on the racetrack, her development has been marked by strategic decisions and an unwavering focus on maximizing her innate capabilities.
Her achievements, especially her recent victory at the Useeit Stakes, signify more than just a win; they represent the fruition of a well-executed plan, combining optimal breeding, dedicated training, and exceptional racing talent. As she continues her career, Nice Neighbor stands as a model of thoroughbred excellence, showcasing the effectiveness of combining scientific breeding strategies with traditional horsemanship.
In the competitive realm of horse racing, Nice Neighbor’s story is a testament to the power of strategic breeding and focused training. Her success serves as an inspiration, illustrating how a thorough understanding of pedigree, coupled with a commitment to nurturing and developing innate talent, can lead to remarkable achievements on the racetrack.
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