Alicia Wincze Hughes on horse racing

Starlight Racing’s undefeated Algorithms, who was retired from racing earlier this month, will enter stud at Claiborne Farm for 2013, according to an announcement made by farm representative Bernie Sams.  The son of leading sire Bernardini will stand for $7,500 and will be syndicated.

Trained by Todd Pletcher Algorithms, won three races in three starts.  He broke his maiden in June of his 2-year-old year at Belmont by 5 1/4 lengths, ran down the competition to win an allowance race at Gulfstream by a length, then propelled himself onto the national stage with a convincing five-length win over champion Hansen in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes.

“This horse was very straightforward.  He was one of everyone’s favorites as a yearling and came to us early because he did everything right,” said Pletcher.  “He went from an impressive maiden win to a competitive allowance race, then successfully took a big step up in the Holy Bull.”

Algorithms was slated to run in the Grade II Fountain of Youth against eventual Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags but was scratched the day of the race due to a splint on his right front leg.

“I thought this horse was one of the best prospects I’ve bought in years,” said Frank Brothers, who purchased Algorithms for Starlight Racing.  “He had a presence, great balance and conformation, and was light on his feet.  He has the pedigree, was out of a top class mare – he looked to have the whole package.”

Bred in Kentucky by Oakbrook Farm, Algorithms is  out of the graded stakes mare Ava Knowsthecode, who is the dam of four graded stakes winners.  In addition to Algorithms, she has produced Hutcheson Stakes winner Keyed Entry; Miami Mile winner Successful Mission; and Woody Stephens winner Justin Phillip.