Imagine dedicating over 35 years of your life to mastering the intricate art of Thoroughbred breeding, only to realize your ultimate dream might finally be within reach. For Lee Pokoik, that dream is the Kentucky Derby, and his ticket could be Commandment, the colt he bred who stormed to victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on February 28.
Commandment, a son of the renowned stallion Into Mischief, isn't just any racehorse. He's the product of Pokoik's meticulous breeding strategy, born from Sippican Harbor, a mare Pokoik himself raced to victory in the 2018 Spinaway Stakes (G1). This isn't Pokoik's first rodeo with top-tier horses. He's a seasoned breeder who strategically sells colts while retaining exceptional fillies to strengthen his broodmare band. But Commandment's journey to the Derby is particularly captivating.
Here's where it gets intriguing: Despite being offered for sale twice – once as a weanling for $485,000 and again as a yearling for $475,000 – Commandment failed to meet Pokoik's reserve price. It wasn't until Keeneland's September Yearling Sale in 2023 that Case Clay Thoroughbred Management, acting for Wathnan Racing, secured him for $500,000. Pokoik's confidence in Commandment's potential was unwavering, and the Fountain of Youth victory validated his belief.
"That was some race," Pokoik remarked, his pride palpable. "Commandment has all the ingredients for success: the bloodline of Into Mischief, the expertise of trainer Brad Cox, the skill of jockey Irad Ortiz, and a Grade 1-winning dam. He's a smart, fearless horse with a strong gallop. I truly believe he can handle the Derby distance."
Pokoik's experience extends beyond Commandment. He bred Gunmetal Gray, a Sham Stakes (G3) winner who narrowly missed the 2019 Kentucky Derby due to injury. Pokoik, a pragmatic New Yorker with a keen eye for market value, acknowledges the uncertainties of racing. "We'll see how Commandment progresses," he says. "If he stays healthy and makes it to the Derby, and if he wins... well, that would be beyond incredible."
And this is the part most people miss: Pokoik, at 80 years young, had never envisioned attending the Kentucky Derby, citing the crowds and logistics. But Commandment's rise has changed everything. When asked if he'd be there if Commandment qualifies, his answer was unequivocal: "Oh yeah. Hopefully, I'll be in the paddock, and hopefully, I'll be in the winner's circle."
The story doesn't end with Commandment. Pokoik's breeding prowess continues with Sippican Harbor, who is expecting a foal by McKinzie and has a yearling filly by Elite Power slated for sale. But here's the controversial question: With Commandment's success potentially skyrocketing Sippican Harbor's value, will Pokoik hold onto her, or will she grace the sales ring again? And what does this mean for the future of his breeding program?
One thing is certain: Lee Pokoik's journey, from decades of dedication to the potential pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing, is a testament to the power of passion, expertise, and a little bit of luck. Will Commandment fulfill his Derby dream? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this story is far from over. What are your thoughts? Do you think Commandment has what it takes to win the Kentucky Derby? Let us know in the comments!
