ABIDALE

Abidale is a stunning Thoroughbred mare, foaled on February 1, 2019, by Cairo Prince out of the A.P. Indy mare November. Bred by Sierra Farm, Abidale has proven to be a consistent performer throughout her career. Trained by Ryan Gillespie and owned by Covilar Farms LLC, Abidale has accumulated career earnings of $192,054 over the course of 27 races, with nine wins, five second-place finishes, and one third-place finish.

Abidale’s racing career began after being sold for $25,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where she was consigned by Sierra Farm and purchased by John Servis. Since then, she has raced primarily in allowance events, with her most recent victory coming on January 24, 2024, in a Starter Allowance race at Parx Racing. Known for her adaptability, Abidale has competed successfully at multiple tracks, including Parx Racing, Laurel Park, Delaware Park, Hollywood Casino, and Monmouth Park. Abidale has competed predominantly on dirt surfaces, consistently performing at tracks across the United States. Among her notable achievements are multiple victories over one mile, a distance where her endurance and tactical speed shine.

Ranked 50th by wins in 2023, Abidale’s consistency on the track is a testament to her competitive spirit and determination. Under the guidance of jockey Justin M. Lewis, she continues to race at a high level and is a top contender in mid-level racing events. With her strong pedigree, solid race record, and adaptability, Abidale embodies the qualities of a competitive and tenacious Thoroughbred, making her a standout in the racing scene.

 

Pedigree Analysis of Abidale (Cairo Prince – November, by A.P. Indy)
 
Abidale’s pedigree is a rich history of some of the most influential sires and broodmares in Thoroughbred history. Her lineage brings together key elements of speed, stamina, and durability, making her not only an accomplished racehorse but a mare with immense potential as a broodmare.
 
SIRE LINE: CAIRO PRINCE
 
Cairo Prince (by Pioneer of the Nile) is known for passing on versatility and speed to his progeny, and Abidale exemplifies these traits. Let’s break down his lineage:  
 
1. Pioneer of the Nile (Empire Maker – Star of Goshen, by Lord At War)
  • Empire Maker: A Belmont Stakes winner and a leading sire, Empire Maker infused stamina and class into the line. His progeny excel in middle and longer distances, with highlights including Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.  
  • Star of Goshen: A mare known for her precocity and speed, her influence is seen in Pioneer of the Nile’s ability to produce versatile offspring.  
 
2. Holy Bubbette (Holy Bull – Juliac, by Accipiter) 
  • Holy Bull: A Hall of Fame inductee, Holy Bull was a dominant racehorse known for his exceptional speed and toughness. He contributes to Abidale’s ability to show early tactical speed and set strong paces in her races.  
  • Juliac: A broodmare who added durability to Holy Bull’s progeny, helping to balance the brilliance of her foals.
 
DAM LINE: NOVEMBER
 
November is a daughter of A.P. Indy, one of the most celebrated sires in modern racing, and the mare Zigember, a representative of Danzig’s powerful bloodline. Here’s how this side of her pedigree influences Abidale:  
 
1. A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew – Weekend Surprise, by Secretariat)
  • Seattle Slew: The 1977 Triple Crown winner and a prolific sire, Seattle Slew brought stamina, soundness, and a competitive spirit to this line.  
  • Weekend Surprise: A Broodmare of the Year, Weekend Surprise produced both A.P. Indy and Summer Squall, emphasizing stamina, class, and versatility.  
  • Secretariat: Weekend Surprise’s sire, Secretariat, needs no introduction—his influence on stamina and sheer brilliance runs deep.  
 
2. Zigember (Danzig – Red Ember, by Crimson Satan)  
  • Danzig: An unparalleled influence in Thoroughbred breeding, Danzig’s progeny are known for their speed and adaptability. He adds a layer of precocity and versatility to Abidale’s pedigree.  
  • Red Ember: By Crimson Satan, Red Ember added toughness and soundness, ensuring longevity in her descendants.  
 
NOTABLE BROODMARES IN ABIDALE’S PEDIGREE
 
1. Toussaud (Dam of Empire Maker) 
  • A legendary broodmare, Toussaud produced multiple Grade 1 winners, including Empire Maker. Her influence adds elegance, versatility, and elite genetics to Abidale’s pedigree.  
 
2. Weekend Surprise (Dam of A.P. Indy)
  • A cornerstone of modern breeding, Weekend Surprise anchors Abidale’s stamina and class with her dual influence through A.P. Indy and Summer Squall.  
 
3. Castle Eight (Dam of Star of Goshen)
  • Castle Eight was known for her ability to produce speed and precocity, adding a sharp edge to this branch of the pedigree.  
 
 
CROSS-INFLUENCES
 
Abidale’s pedigree showcases the Northern Dancer and Mr. Prospector crosses—a combination that has proven to be one of the most successful in Thoroughbred history. This pairing blends Northern Dancer’s speed and agility with Mr. Prospector’s stamina and durability.
 
1. Northern Dancer
  • Appears prominently on both the sire and dam sides, contributing agility, quickness, and success over multiple distances.  
 
2. Mr. Prospector
  • Known for passing on stamina and versatility, his presence ensures that Abidale is well-suited for producing foals capable of excelling in a variety of racing conditions.
 
DOSAGE PROFILE (4-8-10-0-0)
 
Abidale’s Dosage Profile reflects her ability to perform across various distances:  
  • Brilliant and Intermediate Speed (4 + 8): Contributed by Cairo Prince, Holy Bull, and Danzig.  
  • Classic Stamina (10): Strong influence from A.P. Indy, Empire Maker, and Seattle Slew.  
 
Her Dosage Index (3.40) and Center of Distribution (+0.73) favor a balance between speed and stamina, which aligns with her ability to win over middle distances and maintain consistency.
 
TRANSLATION TO RACING SUCCESS 
 
Abidale’s pedigree combines:  
  • The speed and precocity of Cairo Prince and Danzig.  
  • The stamina and durability of A.P. Indy and Seattle Slew.  
  • The class and versatility of Empire Maker and Northern Dancer.  
 
These traits directly contributed to her remarkable 2023 season, where she ranked 50th by wins, achieving 6 victories and 4 second-place finishes in 11 starts. This performance not only highlights her racing ability but also solidifies her value as a broodmare.
 
CONCLUSION
 
Abidale’s pedigree is a masterclass in blending speed, stamina, and durability. It explains her consistent success on the racetrack and positions her as a broodmare with the potential to produce future champions. Her elite lineage ensures that her influence will be felt for generations, both at Covilar Farms and in the broader Thoroughbred racing world.