Scott Leeds, whose Walking L Thoroughbreds purchased Fighting Seabee at last year’s Fasig July Sale, landed another classy son of Summer Front yesterday at the 2019 July Sale, going to $200,000 for the yearling colt out of Praising. Agent Kenny McPeek, who advises Leeds at auction and trains his stable of runners, had to fight off several other interested parties to land the colt, considered one of the best physicals on the sales grounds.
Leeds joked aftewards that Fighting Seabee’s impressive victory last Saturday at Ellis Park meant this colt “cost him double”, and certainly the manner in which Fighting Seabee dominated on debut is helping to put Summer Front’s star on the rise. Sporting an impressive worktab, Fighting Seabee debuted going one mile on the turf. Under Brian Hernandez, he sat fourth through most of the running, made a rail-skimming move into contention on the home-turn, and once guided off the rail at the head of the stretch, he quickly dismissed his opposition to win by two comfortable lengths.
Sharing in the success of Fighting Seabee are the PTSD Foundation and the Seabee Foundation, each of which will receive a portion of Fighting Seabee’s race earnings throughout his career – a most generous gesture on behalf of Walking L Thoroughbreds to honor Leeds’ grandfather, Fred C. Hunter, who was a “Seabee” in the 42nd Naval Construction Battalion during WWII.
Walking L Thoroughbreds has quickly risen to prominence in the ownership ranks with horses like Lightscameraaction, Oxford Lane, and last year’s Iroquois S. (G3) winner, Cairo Cat (by Cairo Prince). Another successful July Sale purchase by McPeek and Walking L, Cairo Cat is close to a return to action, with McPeek eyeing the Curlin S. at Saratoga. Furthering the growing ties between Walking L Thoroughbreds and Airdrie’s stallions, Walking L also purchased a striking filly by Creative Cause yesterday for $150,000. Bred by H&E Ranch, the filly was produced by Just Like Pop (by Unbridled’s Song) and consigned by Lane’s End Farm.
Airdrie Stud appreciates Scott’s support and wish him, Kenny, Fest Miles and the whole team every success with Walking L Thoroughbreds.
