Fair Grounds, March 22, 2025 — When you buy a horse for $15,000, the hope is that he turns out useful. But when that horse earns $144,000, wins multiple allowance races, and posts back-to-back Equibase Speed Figures over 100? That’s more than useful — that’s elite value.
St. Armands Key, a bay gelding by Lost Treasure (IRE) out of Henny’s Hurricane (by Henny Hughes), delivered another powerful performance Saturday in Race 4 at Fair Grounds, capturing the $60,000 Allowance Optional Claimer with grit and class.
Breaking from the rail under Irad Ortiz Jr., St. Armands Key stalked the pace along the inside, tipped four wide into the lane, and battled gamely down the stretch. Despite late contact with Eff Thirty Five, he dug in and held by a neck, stopping the clock in 1:42.81 for the 1 1/16-mile turf route, 2/5 of a second off the course record. The win earned him a career-best 104 Equibase Speed Figure — just one month after earning a 102 in a dominant turf allowance over the same course.
Bought Right. Developed Smart. Winning Often.
This isn’t an overnight success story. It’s a case study in buying with strategy and managing with patience.
St. Armands Key was purchased by Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers, acting as agent for International Equine, for just $15,000 at the Keeneland November Sale (Hip 3553, Four Star Sales consignment). At the time, he was an unheralded weanling with upside. Today, he’s a two-for-two performer in 2025, with career earnings of $144,068 from 8 starts, including 3 wins, 1 second, and 2 thirds.
Performance Trajectory: Not Just Winning — Improving
St. Armands Key’s development is textbook. After breaking his maiden last fall at Fair Grounds (81 fig), he steadily climbed the ranks:
- Nov 2023: Broke maiden at FG with an 81 fig
- Spring 2024: Multiple allowance placings at Churchill, Keeneland, and FG (figs in the high 80s/low 90s)
- Feb 2025: Breakout win with 102 fig
- Mar 2025: Backed it up with a 104
This kind of progression isn’t luck. It’s the result of careful selection, physical development, and strategic race placement — the same framework that drives every acquisition at Shepherd Equine Advisers.
What’s Next for St. Armands Key?
With two sharp wins to kick off the year and consistently rising figures, stakes company is now a realistic target. His tactical speed, turn of foot, and proven turf ability make him dangerous in both open allowance and restricted black-type events.
“From day one, we believed in this colt’s potential,” said Shepherd. “You don’t need a big price tag to find a serious racehorse — you just need to know what you’re looking for.”
Pedigree Snapshot for St. Armands Key
- Sire: Lost Treasure (IRE) – Danzig-line turf influence
- Dam: Henny’s Hurricane – by Henny Hughes, a source of early speed and proven runners
- Bred in Kentucky by: Andrew Warren
- Trained by: Joe Sharp
- Owned by: International Equine
Serious About Winning? It Starts Before You Buy.
St. Armands Key is proof that winning results come from smart decisions — not high price tags. If you’re investing in Thoroughbreds and want real results, it’s time to stop guessing.
At Shepherd Equine Advisers, we combine decades of racing experience with detailed pedigree analysis to help investors like you select horses that perform — not just look the part. Whether you’re building a private racing portfolio or planning your next acquisition, we help you win before you ever step in the ring.
👉 Ready to build your next winner? Click here: https://calendly.com/clark-bloodstock-agent-ky/consultation
Schedule your strategy call now at and let’s start making smarter, sharper investments in your bloodstock portfolio.
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