Van Guard

Van Guard

Horse Information
Registered Number: 1437
Nickname: Van
Age: Four (Y10)
Breed: Thoroughbred
Colour & Markings: Dark Bay
Height: 17.1 hands
Gender: Colt
Personality: It appears all of his mother's fiery temper has been passed into this brilliant colt. He's huge, the biggest of the bunch of his year, with a massive body and huge hindquarters. He's definitely like his father in that moment. Nothing about Van is light or calm. He's constantly moving, looks just like his father did as a two year old, which is quite scary because Van is younger than his father was at that time, and has similar movements. Van Guard seems a bit lighter on his feet, not so heavy in his play as his sire was. He's definitely a thug at times, but surprisingly he gets along very well with the other horses. Despite his grand size, Van Guard is not the boss of his little herd. He has no desire to lead them in a break out run, but he definitely waits for his chance to strike. Even in play this youth is like a shadow, always stalking for the right moment to break away. Van does not mind human control, but it's not like he's directly in love with it either. He tolerates humans, but surprisingly is a big softy when being groomed. He likes to lean on people, a habit that Ripley intends to break because it could get them in trouble on the track. He loves to get baths, loves to play with the gate workers while they hold his head. Though because he can be a moose, the gate workers aren't exactly fond of him. Hal has been attracted to this horse since he first stepped off of the trailer - there was something about him that captivated her. He is not a horse that spooks often or shows fear. He is a courageous horse, though he can get riled up if another challenges him. He plays nicely and really loves the snow. He is a hardy animal, with solid body and mind. However, he acts like a normal horse is supposed to. The only difference is that he's got talent for a million normal horses.

Pedigree: Native Flame x Thanks for the Memories

Racing Information
Grade: Three
Race Record: 24-8-10-4
Consistency: 92%
Dirt: Great
Turf: Good
Distance: 9-12
Leg Type: Stalker
Racing Style: Just like when he plays with the other colts when he was little, Van will break fast but drop right back behind the leaders. He doesn't like attention drawn to him and will stalk the lead like a giant shadow. Don't underestimate his speed or legs. When this colt wants to get up and go, he will dig in and fly away from the pack with great strides. He does better with more competition.
Jockey: Halexia Suhail

Workout/Training Posts:

• Get On Your Guard
  
• Guardian Fire
  
• Ancient Fire
  
• Guard Yourself
  
• Meet Your Match
  
• Guard Your Mind
  
• Field of Dreams
  
• No Flashing Lights
  
• Dancing Diana
  -------------
  
• Perfect Guard - Winter Cup
  
• Fifty to Guard - January Week 1
• Front Lines - February Week 4

Racing Results:

2YO SEASON [Y12]
1st in May Maiden Dirt - May. Week 2[M]
3rd in Green Horse Dirt - Dec. Week 3[G5/4]
3rd in the TW Philliper Maiden - Apr. Week 4[M]
5th in Back In Black Maiden - Jan. Week 3[M]

3YO SEASON [Y13]
1st in Focus Stakes - Apr. Week Three [G5]
1st in TW Deschampbault Derby - Apr. Week Four [G5]
1st in TW Yukonite Derby Race One - May Week Three [G5]
1st in September Dirt Stakes - Sept. Week Two [O]
1st in TW Dirty Intentions Stakes - Sept. Week Three [G4]
1st in TW Vas-y Derby - Sept. Week Four [G4]
2nd in TW Upper Deck Derby - Jan. Week Four [G5]
2nd in TW Parfair Derby - Feb. Week Four [G5]
2nd in Awesome Stakes - July Week Three [G4]
2nd in TW Cococabana Derby - July Week Four [G4]
2nd in TW Akuma Battlecry Stakes - Aug. Week Three [G4]
2nd in TW NOVIZIO DERBY* - Sept. Week One [G5+G4]
2nd in GHF WINTER CUP GRADE THREE DIRT* - October Week 4
2nd in December Dirt Stakes - December Week 2
3rd in Green Horse Dirt - Jan. Week Three [O]
3rd in Hollywood Derby - Aug. Week One [G3]
3rd in GHF Gem Stakes - November Week 1
4th in GHF DUBAI COLT CUP* - November Week 3

4YO SEASON [Y14]
1st in GHF February Dirt Stakes - February Week 2 [G5+]
2nd in TW Eupolio Derby - January Week 1 [G3]
2nd in GHF Green Horse Dirt - January Week 3 [G5+]



Buyback: Witch Creek Stables
Horse Pictured: Quality Road