Mr. Milwaukee Brew 2 U

Much has been written about how successful Medaglia d’Oro’s progeny have been this year—including stakes-winners Rachel Alexandra, Gabby’s Golden Gal, Tasty Temptation, Payton d’Oro, and even maiden victress (and recent Jess Jackson purchase) Dashing Debby. He stood for $60,000 this year, and even with the global recession his fee next year should rise after being purchased this past June by Darley.

As a late summer three-year-old, the Bobby Frankel-trainee thrived at Saratoga, winning both the G2 Jim Dandy and G1 Travers—a good omen for Rachel? Like father, like daughter...at least as far as the Travers is concerned.

How can we forget, though, that in the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Classic held at Arlington Park, he (along with Derby winner War Emblem and a host of others) was upset by 43-1 longshot Volponi.



Volponi’s decisive win overshadowed the fine finish by Medaglia d’Oro’s 5-year-old stablemate, G1 Santa Anita Handicap winner Milwaukee Brew, who closed strongly for third-place. The following year, that son of Wild Again repeated his victory in the ‘Cap, over a field that included eventual 2003 Breeders’ Cup Classic victor Pleasantly Perfect and the excellent Congaree.

My point? Well, it’s time to give Milwaukee Brew some love—at one-eighth the stud fee of the exalted Medaglia d’Oro ($7,500), he appears to be a real bargain, and apparently equally adept at throwing pretty strong fillies.

Last year, Ginger Brew won the Woodbine Oaks before finishing a head behind Not Bourbon in the Queen’s Plate, the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown.



This year his Milwaukee Appeal produced a nearly identical result, winning the Woodbine Oaks, but finishing third, a neck behind Eye of the Leopard and Mr. Foricos Two U.



She came back last weekend to once again battle the boys, losing only by the tinest tip of her nose to Gallant, in the Prince of Wales Stakes—or did she? Apparently, there are still those who, even after viewing the photo, think it was a dead-heat. Keith over at Triple Dead Heat has a excellent commentary on Milwaukee Appeal here.

On Saturday, the Oklahoma-bred Peach Brew sprung a bit of a shocker, winning the G3 Arlington Oaks over short-priced favorite—and Medaglia d’Oro daughter—C. S. Silk. It was her first win in seven tries this year, but not for lack of trying; Peach Brew has knocked heads with (just to name a few) Rachel Alexandra, Just Jenda, Afleet Deceit, and Payton d’Oro—while running on dirt, synthetic and turf.

So, here's to Milwaukee Brew, currently #6 on the Leading Third-Crop Sire List.