Champion Colt Rated by Merit Joins Ocala Stud for Breeding Season
A distinguished racehorse, known as Rated by Merit, is set to begin his new career at Ocala Stud for the 2027 breeding season. This announcement follows his impressive retirement, marked by an undefeated two-year-old campaign where he dominated the 2024 Florida Sire Stakes series, and a notable triumph in the 2025 Discovery Handicap at three. His stud fee has been established at $3,500, structured as 'payable when the foal stands and nurses', a common practice designed to mitigate risk for breeders.
Rated by Merit demonstrated remarkable early speed and the endurance necessary to excel over longer distances during his 2024 Florida Sire Stakes sweep. He outpaced competitors across three races by a total of 16 lengths. His performance in the Affirmed division, where he achieved a 99 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form, stood out as the highest Beyer rating for any two-year-old in his cohort, signaling his exceptional talent. This achievement places him among an elite group of eleven male horses to conquer all three legs of the series, including celebrated champions such as Smile and Big Drama, both of whom earned Grade 1 victories and Eclipse Awards.
David O'Farrell of Ocala Stud emphasized the unique combination of the colt's early brilliance and his proven class at age three as key attractions for prospective breeders. Rated by Merit maintained his undefeated record through his first five starts, culminating in a career-best 106 Beyer in the Discovery Handicap. As a Florida homebred for St. Elias Stable, he is sired by Battalion Runner, a multiple graded stakes-placed offspring of Unbridled's Song, and out of Banner Waving, a Speightstown mare. His lineage boasts an impressive roster of accomplished horses, including Grade 1 winner Runup the Colors, multiple graded stakes winner Revolutionary, and the millionaire Bango, reinforcing his strong genetic predisposition for racing excellence.
The arrival of Rated by Merit at Ocala Stud represents an exciting new chapter for the breeding industry. His documented success on the track, coupled with a strong pedigree, offers a promising future for the development of thoroughbred lines. This opportunity allows for the perpetuation of desirable traits, contributing to the ongoing pursuit of speed, stamina, and competitive spirit in future generations of racehorses.