Palace Malice (Curlin–Palace Rumor, by Royal Anthem), who carried the silks of Cot Campbell and partners’ Dogwood Stable to victories in the 2013 GI Belmont S. and to a spectacular success in the GI Metropolitan H. last season, has officially been retired from racing and will enter stud in 2016 at Three Chimneys Farm, who acquired a 50% interest in the horse in September 2014. A stud fee will be announced at a later date.
Bred in Kentucky by William S. Farish, Palace Malice made $25,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September sale, but blossomed over the course of the next seven months and was purchased by Dogwood for $200,000 out of the Keeneland April sale the following spring. A maiden winner at second asking, defeating subsequent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint winner Hightail (Mineshaft), Palace Malice was a close third in the GII Risen Star S. and earned a spot in the GI Kentucky Derby with a near-miss runner-up effort in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. Unplaced after surprisingly setting fast fractions in the Run for the Roses, the bay overcame a high draw and a wide trip to defeat GI Preakness S. hero Oxbow (Awesome Again) in the Belmont and handed future champion Will Take Charge (Unbridled’s Song) a one-length defeat in the GII Jim Dandy S. Fourth to Will Take Charge in the GI Travers S. after missing the break, he was a good second facing elders for the first time in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup and was a finalist for divisional honors alongside Will Take Charge and Derby winner Orb (Malibu Moon).
