New York Sire Stakes champion and trotting stallion Molotov Cocktail will have a new base of operations for the 2025 breeding season.
Winbak Farm of Delaware announced on Wednesday, Jan. 30 the addition of Molotov Cocktail, 2, 1:56; 3, 1:52.2 ($428,902) to its stallion roster.
“Molotov Cocktail has excellent conformation and is one of the gamest horses I have ever owned,” said Richard Gutnick, the six-year-old stallion's co-owner. “I have owned both Chapter Seven and Market Share and I put him right up there with them in terms of toughness.”
Molotov Cocktail was campaigned by U.S. Hall Of Fame inductee Linda Toscano, who trained both Chapter Seven and Market Share.
“I bred Molotov Cocktail [with T L P Stable] and have had him since he was a baby,” said Gutnick. “I always thought he had Grand Circuit potential.”
At two, Molotov Cocktail won five of seven starts.
“Molotov Cocktail had both two-year-old speed and the ability to trot smoothly over multiple size tracks,” said Joe Thomson, owner of Winbak Farm. “He is a son of Chapter Seven, who is continually a leading sire in North America and his offspring have earned over [$84 million].”
Molotov Cocktail's freshman wins included a division of the Kindergarten Stakes at The Meadowlands and New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) divisions at Vernon Downs (1:57), Batavia Downs (1:57.4) and Saratoga Raceway (1:58.3) in addition to the $200,000 NYSS final at Yonkers Raceway (1:56.2).
“When Molotov Cocktail won the New York Sire Stakes final, he triumphed over Cool Papa Bell, who would win the Hambletonian the following season,” noted Jack Burke, Winbak Farm General Manager. “Molotov Cocktail’s half-mile speed should be a fantastic asset to his future Delaware-sired offspring.”
At three, Molotov Cocktail won the consolation of the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial at Pocono Downs in 1:52.4 against King Of The North. He was second in NYSS divisions at Yonkers, Saratoga and Batavia as well as runner-up in the final at Tioga Downs (race timed in 1:51.4).
“At three, Molotov Cocktail was second by a nose in the New York Sire Stakes final to Cool Papa Bell in a blistering 1:51.4,” added Thomson. “Molotov Cocktail should be a great cross for many mares including mares sired by Andover Hall, Cantab Hall, CR Commando, Credit Winner, Glidemaster and Muscle Hill.”
At four, Molotov Cocktail returned for one qualifier and was timed in 1:53.3 at The Meadowlands.
“Molotov Cocktail had broke his coffin bone at three and had the recommended time off to heal,” explained Gutnick. “At four, he qualified in 1:53.3 but it was discovered that he had rebroke his coffin bone during the race. He always gave 110 per cent and the fact he was reinjured and still finished the mile strongly shows how tough he is.”
Molotov Cocktail will stand for $3,000 USD in Delaware. For more information on Molotov Cocktail, visit winbakfarm.com. The Winbak Farm team is available for helping pick the right cross for your mare by calling 410-885-3059 for assistance.
(With files from Winbak Farm)