Named for ancient ruins, Volubilis is newest winner

Coming out sharp after two unplaced efforts in the maiden-claiming ranks and overcoming a difficult post position and wide trip, Volubilis on Friday became the 77th winner from my sales-tip Class of 2010.

Volubilis is an archaeological marvel in Morocco, the site of what are considered the most well-preserved Roman ruins in that part of North Africa. This Volubilis is a chestnut son of Songandaprayer out of the graded stakes-winning Corporate Report mare Queen of Money.

The gelding was fifth in his debut at the maiden-claiming $10K-$9,500 level in April, then was bumped way up to MCL $25K-$23K, where he finished next-to-last. Back down among his original friends, he broke from the 9-hole in a 10-horse race, was four- to five-wide on the turn, and still charged on to cover six furlongs on Polytrack in 1:11.59 and score by a length and a quarter under Jesse Campbell. Sent off at a bit of a price, Volubilis paid $19.60 to win.

Volubilis was bred in Kentucky by Mueller Farms Inc., and is trained by Arthur Silvera. He becomes the eighth winner from nine foals of racing age out of his dam (including two stakes winners, a stakes-placer, and a fourth foal who became a stakes-producer) and Volubilis has now earned $9,787 from three starts.

Off his familial strength and a 10-flat eighth, I recommended Volubilis out of the 2010 OBS April sale, where he went to David Rowbotham for $28,000 as Hip 307. Rowbotham campaigns the horse in an ownership group with several other principals.

With Volubilis' victory, the 187 member sales-tip class now boasts 41.2 percent winners from all selections. While the link still requires some updating, you can follow the sales class here.