Starlight, Arctic Bright

According to my Sitemeter statistics, one of the most popular Google searches that has driven traffic to my site over the past several years is “Arctic Bright” which leads one to this 2007 post “Homage to Tom Fool.” The post includes an adorable baby photo of Arctic Bright, a pure white thoroughbred colt by the black stallion Painting Freedom out of the chestnut Reign Road mare Mesa Queen. In addition to his striking color, what initially interested me about him was the fact that his fourth dam Nowmepache is a half-sister to Foolish Pleasure.

It turns out that this now 3-year-old will be making his racing debut on Friday at Turfway, in a maiden special weight (race 12) where he’s one of only two 3-year-olds (the other six entrants are 4-year-olds). He’s posted two 5f workouts since late February, with honest though not spectacular times (1:03.80, and 1:02.80), and, according to published reports, his connections plan to stand him at stud next year, unless he proves successful on the track.

Wouldn’t that be something if a pure white 3-year-old of relatively-obscure breeding came out of nowhere to be a major player in the Triple Crown? Ah, the stuff of dreams, and good juvenile fiction! Still, sincere best wishes to his owners (including my fellow namesake Valerie) who have been in touch occasionally over the years about him.