For Lee Pokoik, a lifelong dream of seeing a horse he bred race in the Kentucky Derby is closer than ever, thanks to the thrilling victory of Commandment! For over 35 years, Pokoik has dedicated himself to the intricate world of Thoroughbred breeding, and now, the possibility of witnessing a champion he nurtured compete in the iconic Kentucky Derby (G1) is within reach.
Commandment, a magnificent colt by Into Mischief, recently captured the prestigious Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on February 28th at Gulfstream Park. What makes this win particularly special is that Commandment was bred by Pokoik himself, and his dam is Sippican Harbor, a mare Pokoik once raced and who herself triumphed in the Spinaway Stakes (G1) back in 2018.
Pokoik's breeding philosophy is quite strategic: he typically breeds to sell, managing a stable of about 12-15 horses annually. His yearly plan involves offering all his colts for sale while carefully selecting and retaining the highest quality fillies to enhance his own broodmare band.
Interestingly, Commandment was offered for sale twice before finding his current owners. He failed to meet his reserve price of $485,000 as a weanling at Fasig-Tipton's The November Sale. Later, as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton's The Saratoga Sale, he garnered a final bid of $475,000. It wasn't until the fall of 2023, at Keeneland's September Yearling Sale, that Case Clay Thoroughbred Management, acting for Wathnan Racing, secured the colt for a substantial $500,000.
Reflecting on Commandment's impressive Fountain of Youth performance, Pokoik expressed his elation. "That was some race," he remarked. He highlighted the colt's exceptional pedigree and support team: "You look at Commandment, what has he got going for him? He's got Into Mischief, he's got (trainer) Brad Cox, He's got (jockey) Irad (Ortiz), you can't ask for anything more. And, he's out of a grade 1-winning mare."
Pokoik further elaborated on Commandment's qualities, noting his intelligence and bravery on the track. "He's a smart horse. He splits horses. He's fearless. He gallops out strong. I don't think he'll have any problem going a mile and a quarter," he confidently stated, referring to the Kentucky Derby's distance.
This isn't Pokoik's first foray into breeding talented racehorses. He also bred Gunmetal Gray, who won the Sham Stakes (G3) in 2019 and achieved grade 1 status as a juvenile. Gunmetal Gray was on track for the 2019 Kentucky Derby but was unfortunately sidelined by an injury in late March of that year.
"I've had a couple good horses, had horses in the Breeders' Cup a couple times," Pokoik shared. He added with hopeful anticipation, "We'll see how Commandment does. If he stays sound and makes it to the Derby, and God forbid he wins. Oh, my God, that would be awesome. It would be exciting, and I'll be rooting for him."
Pokoik, a native New Yorker, approaches the sport with a keen business acumen, always assessing the market value of his horses. He hinted that Sippican Harbor might be heading to the sales ring this fall, contingent on Commandment's continued success boosting her value. Excitingly, she is slated to be bred back to Into Mischief, meaning she will be carrying a full sibling to Commandment!
"She's got a McKinzie coming this month, and a yearling filly by Elite Power (that will be sold as a yearling)," he mentioned.
At 80 years young, Pokoik admitted he never envisioned attending the Kentucky Derby, partly due to the large crowds and parking challenges. However, when asked if he would make the trip if Commandment qualifies, his enthusiasm was palpable. "Oh yeah. Hopefully I'll be in the paddock, and hopefully I'll be in the winner's circle."
But here's where it gets interesting... Pokoik's business model involves selling most colts, yet Commandment, a horse he bred and who is now a strong Derby contender, was offered twice without a buyer meeting his price. Is this a sign that sometimes the market undervalues true potential, or was it simply a matter of timing? And for Pokoik, a breeder who typically sells, what would it mean emotionally to win the Derby with a horse he bred and then sold? Do you think the excitement of breeding a Derby winner outweighs the potential financial gain of selling such a horse? Share your thoughts below!
