For nearly fifteen years, Mike Pender established himself as a formidable trainer on the highly competitive Southern California racing circuit. He achieved notable success with horses like Ultimate Eagle and Jeranimo, acquired for modest prices at breeze-up sales. However, a year after a significant upset win with Lombo, Pender transitioned into the bloodstock arena. Without the substantial financial backing he once had, Pender has carved out a successful niche as a bloodstock agent by emphasizing meticulous due diligence and his keen eye for talent.
Pender’s approach involves a calculated risk, as he often invests in horses with the intention of owning them himself. “I think it keeps me really focused and hungry,” Pender remarked, highlighting the personal stakes involved in his decision-making process. This hands-on approach, coupled with a discerning judgment, has allowed him to consistently identify promising runners, albeit often flying under the radar.
Discovering Promising Fillies
Two recent success stories for Pender are a pair of Florida-bred fillies by Bucchero, both purchased for $40,000 at the OBS June Sale, a year apart. Neither filly had owners lined up at the time of purchase, a gamble Pender was willing to take.
Queen Maxima: A Refined Talent
Queen Maxima, a chestnut filly, was acquired by Pender after an impressive quarter-mile breeze in :20 3/5 seconds. Her pedigree traces back to the successful Florida handicap horse Halo’s Image. Pender noted her exceptional movement and overall athleticism during the breeze, a key factor in his evaluation.
Despite her promising initial showing, Queen Maxima’s development wasn’t without challenges. Pender described her as having “a variety of minor ailments” upon arrival, requiring patience from her owners. He recognized her innate talent and potential, assuring the owners that with time, she could become a significant runner. This patience proved crucial, as the filly remained in the barn for seven months during her development.
Queen Maxima’s racing career has shown flashes of brilliance. She debuted with an impressive win sprinting on turf at Del Mar in August. After a less stellar performance over a mile, she secured a strong second-place finish in the Unzip Me Stakes at Santa Anita. Her recent performances include two consecutive allowance wins, showcasing her ability to overcome challenging positions and demonstrating a remarkable late acceleration. Pender believes her versatility and potential are immense, suggesting she could comfortably compete at a mile and beyond.
Queen Maxima is slated to return to stakes competition in the Wishing Well Stakes and may eventually race on dirt.
Queen Maxima in a race.
Robin With a Why: A Spirited Competitor
Pender’s other notable acquisition from the OBS June Sale is Robin With a Why. This filly was purchased after being bought back at the OBS October sale and then failing to meet her reserve the following spring. She eventually became Pender’s own, though she was later approached for sale during the summer.
Trainer Paul Aguirre described Robin With a Why as outworking all her stablemates during workouts, indicating a strong competitive spirit. Her debut race saw her run gamely but ultimately finish second to the more experienced Canto Della Terra.
Contrasting Personalities and a Promising Sire
The two fillies, while both successful acquisitions, possess distinct personalities and physical attributes. Robin With a Why is described as a large, lanky filly with a substantial build, whereas Queen Maxima is more refined and delicate. Their temperaments also differ significantly, with Robin With a Why showing a more assertive disposition and Queen Maxima exhibiting a gentler nature.
Both fillies are sired by Bucchero, a stallion Pender holds in high regard. Pender admires Bucchero for his affordability and the value found in his progeny at sales. He affectionately refers to Bucchero as “the poor man’s Into Mischief,” highlighting his ability to sire versatile racehorses capable of tenacious performances.
Pender’s track record includes other significant purchases, such as Artislas, a winner of the GIII Del Mar Juvenile Turf, and Hidden Connection, a graded stakes winner who was later sold for a substantial sum.
