Mr. Z received his first winner June 11 at Hipodromo de Las Americas in Mexico when his first-crop son Argon Asquifar proved best in a five-furlong maiden race, getting the distance in :59.2.
A son of the late Malibu Moon, Mr. Z hails from the family of Amelia Bearheart, dam of two-time Canadian Horse of the Year Chief Bearheart and grade 1 winner Explosive Red. He raced originally for Zayat Stables then was sold to Calumet Farm and logged 25 starts for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, winning the 2015 Ohio Derby and placing in three grade 1 events, with career earnings of $1,177,378. This year Mr. Z has had one 2-year-old colt sell for $10,000 to trainer Jeremiah O'Dwyer out of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Winter Mixed Sale for consignor Whitman Sales.
"I like him a lot; he is a lovely mover and goes well. He has a great attitude and wants to be a racehorse," O'Dwyer said of the colt out of Tahfeez (Aljabr).
Argon Asquifar is out of the Brahms mare Muffin Top, who earned $212,850 from a 9-5-5 record in 25 starts. Muffin Top has produced six foals with four to race, two being winners. She has a 2021 filly by Get Stormy by her side.
The 2-year-old colt Argon Asquifar won first time out for owner Alvartis Farm and trainer Adan Alejandre. He was bred in Kentucky by Dr. Michael Gentry and Carolyn Gentry.
Mr. Z stands at Calumet Farm in Lexington for a $2,500 fee.
