Cline Acquires Higher Power From Darby Dan To Stand In Ohio

[Wandering Eyes]

Bobby Cline's R.C. Cline Thoroughbred Farm in Ohio where he now stands three stallions, boards a broodmare band and maintains his role as an active trainer, has acquired Higher Power (by Medaglia d'Oro) from Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky, according to a press release from the Ohio operation on Friday.

While standing at Darby Dan, Higher Power has four crops and 211 foals. Out of a 160 foals of racing age and 35 lifetime winners, the stallion claims 67 current 2-year-olds.

As far as Higher Power's racing career is concerned, he captured the GI TVG Pacific Classic and finished third in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic in 2019. Owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler, the bay will be the only top-level winner standing in Ohio.

“He brings a whole lot of credentials to the state and should help the accredited program a lot,” said Cline, who has operated the farm in Orient, Ohio for 35 years. “He looks like a Medaglia d'Oro colt the way he's built–nice and stocky.

“What I really like about him is that he seems to have a really good mind, good temperament,” he said. “I've got a couple of babies of his that I train, they're pretty sensible and I believe he passes that on.”

Medaglia d'Oro's most successful offspring include the likes of Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and dual champion filly Songbird. The recently-retired Darley sire also has on his resume Good Cheer, Nitrogen, Bolt d'Oro, Plum Pretty and Violence, just to name a few.

The female family of the newly-minted Ohio-based sire was a product of Kentucky's Pin Oak breeding program. Higher Power's dam Alternate (Seattle Slew), who passed away in 2022, produced MGSW Alternation (by Distorted Humor)–the sire of GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Serengeti Empress and MSW Interrupted. Alternate is a half-sister to Canadian Horse of the Year and leading Canadian sire, Peaks and Valleys (by Mt. Livermore).

Higher Power's extended dam-side includes champion grass mare Forever Together (Belong to Me), and MGSW sires Mucho Gusto (by Mucho Macho Man) and Broken Vow (by Unbridled).

Cline's new stallion will stand for $2,000 LFSN and inquiries can be made by calling, (614) 877-2236.

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