S2 E11: OTTB on Tap Evaluates Vol 3 - Flowers Apriority, Cowboy Swagger and Mr. Cellular

In this episode of OTTB on Tap Evaluates, we dive into the pedigrees, conformation, and potential of three listener-submitted Thoroughbreds: Flowers Apriority, Cowboy Swagger, and Mr. Cellular. Join Niamh and Emily as they analyze each horse’s unique racing background, bloodlines, and suitability for sport horse careers.

From standout sires like Grand Slam and Gone West in Flowers Apriority’s lineage, to Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone’s influence on Cowboy Swagger, and the athletic versatility passed down to Mr. Cellular by Nyquist and Kitten’s Joy, this episode is packed with expert insights and fascinating history.

We also touch on key evaluation tips, such as analyzing conformation photos and understanding how pedigree impacts athleticism and temperament. As always, our assessments are based on our experience and research—perfect for anyone curious about Thoroughbred breeding or retraining.

Key topics include:

• Flowers Apriority’s Louisiana-bred racing career and her Grand Slam/Forty Niner lineage.
• Cowboy Swagger’s connection to Grindstone, Unbridled, and Forty Niner, and his compact, athletic conformation.
• Mr. Cellular’s standout breeding from Nyquist and Kitten’s Joy, and what it means for his second career.

Want to see the photos and details? Check out the corresponding episode page on www.ottbontap.com. Don’t forget to submit your OTTB for future episodes and sign up for our newsletter for bonus content and updates.

Listen in for a fun, educational deep dive into OTTB evaluation—and don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review if you enjoyed the show!

References:

Staff, BloodHorse. “Major Stallion Grand Slam Dies.” BloodHorse.com, 2 June 2016, www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/130740/major-stallion-grand-slam-dies.

BloodHorse. “The Legacy of Gone West.” BloodHorse.com, 1 June 2016, www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/109542/the-legacy-of-gone-west.

Wikipedia contributors. “Forty Niner (Horse).” Wikipedia, 11 Oct. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forty_Niner_(horse).

Angst, Frank. “Kentucky Derby Winner Grindstone Dies at 29.” BloodHorse.com, 23 Mar. 2022, www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/257553/kentucky-derby-winner-grindstone-dies-at-29.

Baquero - Horse. 6 June 1998, www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Baquero.

“Nyquist (Horse).” American Classic Pedigrees, www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/nyquist.html.