22Common Defense

Breeders’ Cup winners David Bernsen and Tony Holmes will be hoping they might add a Kentucky Derby to their resumes with Common Defense.

Holmes, who co-bred Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy and Turf winner Dangerous Midge, bred Common Defense with his son Michael and Norevale Farm, owned by Holmes’ daughter Sarah Dooley and her husband Leo. Bernsen, who co-owned Breeders’ Cup winners Roy H. and Stormy Liberal, later bought into the colt, who is trained by Kenny McPeek.

Common Defense is by Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) winner Karakontie, who has mainly excelled as a turf sire but whose progeny also include Sam F. Davis (G3) winner Sole Volante.  His non-winning dam Allusion, by the versatile sire Street Cry, is a sister to multiple Grade 1 placegetter And Why Not and comes from the family of Withers (G3) winner Far From Over.

Karakontie hasn’t sired many stakes-winning horses at 1 1/4 miles and beyond, even on turf, and though there is some stamina on his dam’s side he can’t be seen as certain to stay the Kentucky Derby trip.

Related Stories:

2024 Kentucky Derby News and Notes

Ultimate Road to the Kentucky Derby Racing Guide

The Complete Kentucky Derby Guide powered by Brisnet

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Pletcher saddles three winners

Track this horse with free TwinSpires Stable Alerts: Add Common Defense to your stable now.