Fair Grounds, February 15, 2025 – Some wins are measured in lengths, others in sheer dominance. St. Armands Key, a four-year-old colt by Lost Treasure (IRE) out of Henny’s Hurricane (by Henny Hughes), delivered both on Saturday with a 4¾-length romp in the $55,000 Allowance at Fair Grounds. The performance earned him a career-best 97 Equibase Speed Figure and confirmed his trajectory toward bigger races in 2025.
With Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons, St. Armands Key broke sharply and settled in a stalking position, looming large behind the leaders. He tipped out three-wide entering the stretch and uncorked an explosive turn of foot, putting the race to bed in a matter of strides. By the time he crossed the wire in 1:37.78 for the mile on firm turf, there was no doubt, this was a horse on the rise.
Picked for Success
Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers saw the potential in St. Armands Key long before Saturday’s win. Purchased for just $15,000 as a weanling at the Keeneland November Sale, the colt was acquired by International Equine and placed in the capable hands of trainer Joe Sharp. The patience and strategy paid off, as St. Armands Key has developed into a serious allowance horse with a promising future.
“We believed in this colt from day one,” said Shepherd. “He’s got the right genetic mix and now he’s showing he can back it up on the track.”
The Path to Victory for St. Armands Key
The February 15 win was a culmination of steady improvement over his seven-race career. After breaking his maiden at Fair Grounds in November 2023, he faced tougher allowance company, consistently hitting the board. Key performances leading up to this breakout win include:
- 3rd, Allowance Optional Claiming (Churchill Downs, 5/11/24) – 94 Equibase Speed Figure
- 4th, Allowance (Keeneland, 4/13/24) – 93 Equibase Speed Figure
- 3rd, Allowance Optional Claiming (Fair Grounds, 3/24/24) – 87 Equibase Speed Figure
The pattern was clear. St. Armands Key was knocking on the door, and Saturday, he kicked it down.
What’s Next for St. Armands Key?
With a 92 Beyer Speed Figure and 97 Equibase Speed Figure, St. Armands Key is proving he belongs at the next level. The connections will likely target higher-level allowance races or possibly stakes company in the coming months. With his tactical versatility and a powerful closing kick, he has the makings of a legitimate stakes contender.
His pedigree suggests continued improvement. His dam, Henny’s Hurricane, has already produced multiple winners, including a half-brother by Quality Road sold to Saudi Arabia. She is currently bred to Maxfield, further cementing the family’s status as a producer of elite runners.
A Smart Investment Paying Off
From a $15,000 purchase to a $108,068 earner, St. Armands Key is the kind of horse that exemplifies smart bloodstock selection. His two wins, a pair of thirds and a runner-up finish in seven career starts show consistency and continued progression. Hallmarks of a racehorse on the ascent.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see a horse like this develop,” said Shepherd. “He’s got the ability, the pedigree and the right connections. We’re just getting started.”
For Shepherd Equine Advisers and International Equine, St. Armands Key is more than just a winner. He’s proof that data-driven breeding and bloodstock selection can turn a bargain buy into a serious contender. And if Saturday’s performance is any indication, there’s plenty more to come.
Finding superior bloodstock services is a challenge. Shepherd Equine Advisers uses OPTIMAL Matings to identify the best genetics for your Thoroughbred breeding decisions, ensuring you confidently invest in elite horses with optimal racing success.
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