Pedigree

Though unlikely to be one of the leading contenders in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) if she runs, it will not be for a lack of stamina that Absolutely Cindy starts as a longshot. Indeed, Absolutely Cindy is already one of the few candidates with a victory at the Oaks distance of 1 1/8 miles, and that occurred way back in October when she broke her maiden over the Keeneland turf.

Absolutely Cindy's success going a route of ground should comes as no surprise. Her sire, Arch, had a brief career of seven starts during which he won the 1 1/4-mile Super Derby (G1) and the 1 3/16-mile Fayette S. (G3) in track record time over classic winner Touch Gold. He finished ninth in his final career start in the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) against what was arguably one of the finest fields ever assembled for the race. In recent years, Arch has been represented at the track by Arravale, Pine Island and Prince Arch, all Grade 1 winners at 1 1/4 miles or longer.

Absolutely Cindy, a dual stakes winner including one against males, has already outperformed her pedigree in some respects. Her dam, Ms. Boucheron, was a minor winner of eight races in 87 starts and was unplaced 60 times. A three-time winner at 1 1/16 miles, Ms. Boucheron ended her racing career with a last-place finish in a conditioned $4,000 claimer. Ms. Boucheron is by L'Enjoleur, a regally bred son of Buckpasser out of champion and Alabama S. winner Fanfreluche (Northern Dancer). Horse of the Year in Canada both years he raced, L'Enjoleur at three captured the 10-furlong Queen's Plate.

L'Enjoleur's daughters have produced a diverse group of talents. Among the most notable are Grade 1 winners Grand Canyon (Fappiano) and Down the Aisle (Runaway Groom). Grand Canyon might have been the most talented member of his crop, but met a premature demise before making his three-year-old debut in 1990. Down the Aisle enjoyed his best season in 2000 when he captured three stakes, including the United Nations H. (G1) at 1 3/8 miles.