Big City Man Wins the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
2009 – Florida-bred Big City Man extended his win streak to five with a victory in the Group 3 Al Tayer Motors Al Shindagha Sprint at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai.
Ridden by Jose L. Verenzuela for trainer Jerry Barton, Big City Man defeated Star Crowned in second with Diana’s Choice third in the six furlong test.
Two races later in March, Big City Man became the second consecutive Florida-bred to win the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News at Nad Al Sheba, following Benny the Bull.
Big City Man started his streak with a maiden victory in June of 2007 then won the $100,000 Criterium on July 7 and the $100,000 Florida Stallion Stakes Dr. Fager on Aug. 11, all at Calder. He would not start again until January of 2009 when he won a rated conditions race at Nad Al Sheba ahead of the Al Shindagha Sprint.
A son of Northern Afleet out of Mini Appeal, by Valid Appeal, Big City Man was bred by Four Horsemen’s Ranch and had lifetime earnings of $1,521,505 from six wins and two seconds in eight starts.
Big City Man was a two-time graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales having first sold for $15,000 to Freddie Hyatt at the 2006 OBS Winter Mixed Sale where he was consigned by Four Horsemen Ranch. Later in 2006, Frances and Barbara Vanlangendonck sold him through their Summerfield consignment as agent to Mr. T Stables for $45,000 at the OBS August Yearling Sale.