Pedigree

War Pass wrapped up his unbeaten juvenile campaign with a smashing win in the 1 1/16-mile Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), but questions surround his ability to get 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May. He's by Cherokee Run, who finished second in the 1993 Preakness S. (G1) but is best remembered for his sprinting accomplishments, winning the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) and Frank J. De Francis Memorial S. (G1) en route to champion sprinter honors in 1994. His best offspring include champion Chilukki, who like War Pass was very quick; Grade 1 juvenile winner Yonaguska; Kafwain; During; and millionaire Zanjero, who finished 12th in last year's Kentucky Derby after placing a close third in the Blue Grass S. (G1). The Average Winning Distance of his offspring is 6.8 furlongs. Cherokee Run is primarily a sprint/middle-distance influence, with few runners who have excelled at longer distances.

War Pass' dam, multiple stakes-placed Vue, is by the great Mr. Prospector, who sired Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and was also an excellent source of speed. Mr. Prospector has enjoyed terrific success as a broodmare sire as well, with his daughters responsible for such stars as Horse of the Year Mineshaft, champions Tempera and Hollywood Wildcat, handicap standout Rock Hard Ten, and noted sires Pulpit and Tale of the Cat, to mention only a few.

Vue was fast, racing mostly in sprints during her brief career on the track, and her first foal, Oath, captured the seven-furlong Spinaway S. (G1) during her unbeaten juvenile campaign. She's also responsible for the Grade 2-placed Vision of Beauty, who raced exclusively at shorter distances. This is a prominent female family. War Pass' fourth dam, champion Bayou by Hill Prince, was an outstanding producer who provides some hope for his chances at 10 furlongs. Her descendants include 1979 Belmont S. (G1) winner Coastal; two-time champion and $3.5 million earner Slew O' Gold; and multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Aptitude.

Was Pass was an awesome two-year-old performer, dominating his races with speed, but it remains to be seen whether he can keep moving forward at three while stretching out in ground. His pedigree isn't very encouraging for a classic distance of 1 1/4 miles.