Horses that don't debut until 4
 

Are there any examples in the past of horses that have not debuted until they were 4 but went on to success in Stakes races? Or once it takes a horse that long to get to the track are they pretty much doomed to mediocrity?

Yeah Shug had one who won a grade one.
Mare, I'm trying to remember her name. She won the Ballerina. I think Chic was in the name. Chic Shrine I think it was.

Wait I screwed that up, it was Chic's daughter I think. Damnit what was her name?

That Farish-Neil Howard horse that is still running didn't debut until he was 5. He paid like 17-1 in his debut at Keeneland.

Queena!!! It was Queena!!!!!!!!
She won the ballerina and didnt start til age 4. I may have screwed up the dam, but it was definitely her.

It's Chic ShirIne I believe.

I always hated Queena.

It was Queena and I screwed up her dam but was close, her dam was named Too Chic.
I loved Queena!!!
If I recall right she wasn't Phipps' horse, she was Emory Alexander's horse with those purplish silks.

The Dam is Too Chic so that sounds like the one. Good call.

Hollycombe did not start until 5 years old. Ran 1:09 for six furlongs the first time out. (I guess they coun't catch him until he turned five and slowed down.:D ) He subsequently won the 1999 Del Mar Breeder's Cup Handicap(Grade 2) and was second by a neck to Kona Gold in the Grade 2 2001 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap.

I think Pleasantly Perfect was 4 when he made his first start , he went on to win the Dubai World Cup and Breeders Cup along with some other graded stakes.

Those two answers won me a Saratoga hat from TVG, they won the same race, can't recall which one but I was the first person to get it right

How old was Azeri when she began her career?

November of her 3yo season.

He made one start in May of his 3yo season and was eased before returning at 4 so technically the first race he finished was at 4.

The recently retired Alumni Hall was a decent G3 type who didn't start until 4. Not exactly a world beater but he did win a couple graded stakes.

LOL its just funny the way that sounds. Should have seen Mandellas face after he failed to finish in that first out , he was all "Crap they paid X amount of dollars for this horse on my suggestion "

I don't think Benchmark made his first start until he was 4 years old.

Dahlia's Dreamer, a Grade 1 winner for Madeleine Paulson didnt debut until 4....

That was the Howard/Farish horse I was referring to who"s name I couldn't remember. He actually debuted at 5.

Fresh in my mind, because in his last career start (the Fayette) i had a pick 3 live to him with a will pay of over $3,000 and he ran pretty dismally.

I saw him at Lanes End a month ago, looks good. Doubt he'll be much of a commercial success because it's hard to project someone that started at 5 having win-early sire credibility, but should have some honest runners if they give him time (which they won't.)

When did Wanderin Boy start? I know he had a lot of setbacks but they may have come after a few starts early. He may not be a champ but he's far better than an empty stall..

Alumni Hall - he didn't run very well in his last few races, but considering that he made his debut so late, he had a very nice career. I'm frankly surprised that he's standing at Lane's End, as they already have his sire and two of his sons (Mingun and Stephen Got Even). I would think he'd be more of a regional sire; I love Indy, but I don't think AH will make in KY>

They also stand Mineshaft! I think Alumni Hall would be better-placed at their Texas or Maryland annex.

LOL I can't believe I forgot Mineshaft............wow, I can't wait till his babies run next year

Kastoria didnt debut til she was 4 - very unusual to see an aga khan filly debuting so late!

BOBOMAN....just this past weekend @ Hollywood Park
*see contest - week#3 thread...#19

Sorry, your right - it was his first stake win :)

Can any of you fine race historians tell me how old Kona Gold was when he first started. I know Bruce Headly has had alot of his horses start late, and last along time.

Thanks Hoss. I wasn't sure myself, being back east at the time...

Alydar was 10 years dead when Alumni Hall raced. AH is by AP Indy.