Straight Eight is sometimes called “Mark Spitz” around the barn because he “swims like a fish” and loves his pool time! For us, he was a straight-up chill dude, but all business, and got right to work posing like a pro. His handlers describe him as being “the sweetest, most laid back” horse with a “temperament to die for”. And that’s what we observed from this very agreeable fellow. We were told that he is “super in his stall”, with no stable vices. His exercise riders report that he is easy to ride and sometimes even “wants to be a tad on the lazy” side. So, there you go… who doesn’t love a laid-back OTTB who just wants to hang out at the pool? Overall, we observed nice balance and square proportions. But can you imagine how adorable he will be when he fills out and adds a little more muscle to his neck and topline? We loved his cute face too. And he has an interesting smudge mark on his right thigh / gaskin. He was reported to us to be sound. We observed this cutie walking and jogging politely on a relaxed lead. Chill, laid-back, and agreeable, he would be a fun project!

With 14 starts, he has amassed a respectable $50,712 in earnings with a 3-3-2 record, but this year he has only been on the board once with a single win. So his connections feel that it is time to consider other options for him. We can imagine him being happy and successful in many different disciplines.

Straight Eight is by Honorable Dillion, who is a son of Tapit out of a mare from the Blushing Groom line. His dam is Clean Jean, who was a winning machine and a Finger Lakes legend. In 2012, Clean Jean won more races than any other horse in the US. She has passed heart, durability, and a good temperament on to her foals. Clean Jean has a half brother who we placed a few years ago who is a successful eventer. She is by Ecton Park, a son of Forty Niner.