It’s possible that the harder tracks out west don’t suit the progeny of Bernardini, one of the best young sires at stud today. His offspring have won on eastern dirt, all variations of all weather, and turf, but it’s notable that he has few winners in California, especially at Santa Anita, and none of his 12 stakes winners (including four Grade 1 winners, two Grade 2 winners, and three Grade 3 winners) have had their black type photos snapped in a California winner’s circle. Add to this that his nine other stakes-placed runners did not get their black type in California either, except for NY Grade 1 winner A Z Warrior.
Coincidence? Statistical aberration? Possible. But here are Bernardini’s stakes horses (with California races noted):
Stay Thirsty: G1 winner on dirt in NY
To Honor and Serve: G1 winner in NY
Biondetti: G1 winner in Italy
A Z Warrior: G1 winner in NY (G3-placed at Del Mar, won Hollywood Park MSW)
Wilburn: G2 winner in IN (won MSW at Santa Anita, fifth in AOC)
Gamilati: G2 winner in UK
Alpha: G3 winner in NY
Theyskens’ Theory: G3 winner in UK
Algorithms: G3 winner in FLA
Hammers Bullet: LR winner in CAN
R Gypsy Gold: LR winner in NY
Exclusive Diva: LR winner in WA
Arthur’s Tale: G1-placed in NY
Genten: G2-placed JPN
Meidung: G2-placed AUS
Casual Trick: SP in FLA
Gallant Dreams: SP in NY
My Assets: SP in NY
Treasury Devil: SP in UK
Crossbow: SP in NY
Bold Warrior: SP in FLA
Very interesting Sid. The surface at Santa Anita leaves much to be desired and we have the 2012 BC there.
Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to know why some horses get Californian racing and some don’t. Could it simply be that the configuration of
the tracks benefit certain horses more than others? Either way you might be on to something Sid because Mineshaft wins more on the east coast too.