In an era when fast, precocious 2-year-olds dominate the marketplace as potential next-generation sires, By My Standards offers a refreshing and compelling alternative. A multiple graded stakes-winning son of Goldencents, he hails from the sizzling Into Mischief sire line yet carved out a name for himself not with early brilliance but with sustained excellence over three seasons. From ages 3 to 5, he racked up victories in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Oaklawn Handicap (G2), Alysheba Stakes (G2), and New Orleans Classic (G2), while placing in elite company in races like the Met Mile (G1) and Whitney (G1). Durable, versatile, and honest, he earned nearly $2.3 million on the track.

This athletic bay colt, acquired early in Session 1 of the OBS April Sale, is from By My Standards’ first crop of 2-year-olds. He exemplifies the balance of speed and stamina, already thriving as an April juvenile while giving every indication that there’s much more to come. He breezed an eighth of a mile in 10.1 seconds, displaying a stride length more than 0.75 feet above average. Our on-track evaluators remarked on his focus, strength, and fluidity. 

West Point’s Joe Bianca commented:

“He has a really strong, muscular shoulder on him and had a great breeze. I love the By My Standards because he was a hardy horse from 3 to 5—a Louisiana Derby winner, Oaklawn Handicap winner, second in the Met Mile—so a horse who could go from a mile to a mile and three-sixteenths. I love when horses like that throw horses who are fast enough to sell well at this sale.”

This colt’s pedigree adds even more depth to the equation. His second dam is by Dynaformer, producer of a G2 turf marathon winner in the Elkhorn at Keeneland, and his third dam is by Danzig, descending from a blue-blooded Irish family featuring group performers and classic distance runners. His bloodlines blend American dirt toughness with European turf class, a valuable combination in today’s market.

Interestingly, he commanded the same hammer price at OBS as West Point’s Grade 1 winner Carson’s Run.

North America’s all-time winningest trainer, Steve Asmussen is renowned for developing elite juveniles and managing top-class careers from 2-year-old speedsters to Classic contenders. His resume includes Gun Runner, Curlin, Epicenter, Jackie’s Warrior, and countless graded stakes stars. With a deep understanding of how to bring young horses along while keeping them sound and happy, Asmussen is the perfect fit to guide this colt’s career.

Steve said, “This is a nice colt, I’m very happy to see him coming my way.”

Price includes all acquisition costs and training, veterinary, and insurance expenses until January 1, 2026.