PAPER WASP
PERSONALITY
While many of the international horses in the Valkyrie Y19 crop are absolute gems, Wasp was certainly aptly named and it doesn't paint a pretty picture. At first glance, Wasp looks entirely too thin and leggy to be any good over dirt, perhaps better suited as a turf horse, but he never seems to have gotten the memo. While he might appear gangly, he has absolutely no problem getting that frame moving when he wants to. And rarely does he not want to - Wasp is a busy body, constantly moving and milling around like a third grader fidgeting before recess. While it was endearing and laughable when he originally came to the farm as a short yearling, time has made a mean monster out of this horse and he's anything but sweet. He doesn't like to be handled or touched, and he has to be led to and from the barn with a lip chain or a chain in the mouth to keep him under control. Otherwise he'll charge off and kick back - he's well aware that he's bigger than his handlers, and he doesn't see the point in cooperating. And when he lashes out, he fully means to draw blood - fingers, ears, or elbows, you'd better guard yourself against him or you'll end up scarred. Unfortunately, he's not any better under saddle, and always requires two handlers going to and from the track. He's a gape-mouthed, high-headed rocking horse, always on the edge of an explosion. When he is let loose, though, he at least has the innate will and drive to want to out-compete the other horses. He'll race in the field, fight to get free and compete in a workout. He's way more interested in that than in being cooperative, so the only way to get things done is to strong-arm him into the correct direction then let him loose like the cannon he is.
LEG TYPE: STALKER
Wasp is a nasty animal through and through, and it becomes apparent to the crowd in the post parade. He can't be ponied to the gate because he'd rather try and kick the pony and get himself hurt in the process than play nice. He walks into the gate easily, but that's almost part of the problem - he's prone to explosive outbursts while waiting for the others to load, so it's safest if he goes in last. When he breaks, it's under a strong hold from his jockey. If not, he takes off straight for the front and he'll burn himself up halfway through the race. Instead, his jockey has to play a long game of keep-away, holding Wasp back by four or five length for as long as humanly possible despite his protests and eagerness to run. He's learned to just barely tolerate the hold - and sometimes he'll still break away, running whether it's time or not. When he's timed perfectly, he'll make his move slinging around the turn and it's more explosive than he looks like he's capable of, digging almost frantically into the track and flying up the outside. He's viciously competitive, and he loves nothing more than a good chase to the finish.
LEG TYPE: STALKER
Wasp is a nasty animal through and through, and it becomes apparent to the crowd in the post parade. He can't be ponied to the gate because he'd rather try and kick the pony and get himself hurt in the process than play nice. He walks into the gate easily, but that's almost part of the problem - he's prone to explosive outbursts while waiting for the others to load, so it's safest if he goes in last. When he breaks, it's under a strong hold from his jockey. If not, he takes off straight for the front and he'll burn himself up halfway through the race. Instead, his jockey has to play a long game of keep-away, holding Wasp back by four or five length for as long as humanly possible despite his protests and eagerness to run. He's learned to just barely tolerate the hold - and sometimes he'll still break away, running whether it's time or not. When he's timed perfectly, he'll make his move slinging around the turn and it's more explosive than he looks like he's capable of, digging almost frantically into the track and flying up the outside. He's viciously competitive, and he loves nothing more than a good chase to the finish.
CURRENT SEASON
Record: 23-4-9-4 Ridden By: Hal Suhail 2nd in BSD Wedlock Stakes - Jan Wk 3 [9F/D/3] [+3]
2nd in BSD Rahy Derby - Feb Wk 2 [8F/D/3] [+3] 7th in GHF Unicorn Horn Junior Dirt Mile** - Jan Wk 4 [8F/D/7] [+3] Total Points: 24 Starter Points [+5] | Raced Previously [+5] | Raced 3+ Seasons [+5]
Y21: W/P/S 10+ HOTY [+5] | Won HOTY [+5] | Won 5+ HOTY [+5] |
PAST PERFORMANCES
TWO YEAR OLD SEASON [Y21]
1st in GHF Might Moose Stakes - Jan Wk 1 [8F/D/5] [+4]
1st in BSD Gallahadion Stakes - Mar Wk 1 [8F/D/3] [+4]
1st in BSD T. W. Sweezey Stakes - Apr Wk 4 [8F/D/2] [+4]
1st in TW Wolfram Stakes* - June Wk 1 [9F/D/5] [+8]
2nd in TW Prince Henry Stakes* - Mar Wk 3 [8.5F/D/2] [+6]
2nd in GHF Magic Millions Mile* - Apr Wk 1 [8F/D/2] [+6]
2nd in GHF Holden Beach Stakes* - June Wk 4 [8F/S/5] [+6]
2nd in GHF High Strung Derby - Sept Wk 1 [7F/D/3] [+3]
2nd in GHF Art's Abbey Stakes* - Sep Wk 3 [10F/D/6] [+6]
2nd in BSD Doltree Derby - Nov Wk 2 [10F/D/3] [+3]
2nd in BSD Strappish Stakes - Dec Wk 2 [10F/D/4] [+3]
3rd in GHF FTH Juvenile Dirt Mile* - May Wk 2 [8F/D/4] [+4]
3rd in TW Villified Stakes* - Oct Wk 1 [8.5F/D/3] [+4]
3rd in TW Eddy County Stakes* - Oct Wk 4 [8F/D/4] [+4]
3rd in TW South Ocean Stakes* - Nov Wk 4 [7F/D/4] [+4]
4th in BSD The Shallows Derby* - Feb Wk 2 [8F/S/7] [+2]
5th in TW Silver Stride Stakes* - Jan Wk 4 [9F/D/7] [+2]
5th in TW Frost King Stakes* - Aug Wk 3 [7.5/D/5] [+2]
5th in GHF Breeders' Cup Juvenile** - Dec Wk 4 [+3]
Horse Pictured: Mark Valeski | Buybacks: None | Other Reserves: None