Always B Miki
NZ $9,500 + GST
(AU $9,350 incl GST^)
2, 1:53.2; 3, 1:47.8; 1:46 $2,826,176
Always A Virgin - Artstopper by Artsplace
- The 2016 US Horse of the Year and one of the fastest horses of all time
- Won an incredible four races in 1:47 or faster
- From the Western Ideal sire line, out of US Pacing Broodmare of the Year, Artstopper
- The Leading North American First Season Sire in 2020 and the Leading 3YO Sire in 2021
- Sire of five US Breeders Crown winners from his first three crops
- Sire of five Dan Patch Award winners (Perfect Sting (at 2 & 3), Niki Hill, Monte Miki, Sylvia Hanover (at 2 & 3) and Grace Hill)
- Already the sire of 38 stakes performers from his first four Southern Hemisphere crops, including the Group 1 winners Cold Chisel, Franco Indie, Rubira, The Miki Taker, Tricky Miki, Taking The Miki and Joyful
*Standing in Victoria, Australia at Alabar
^Includes HRA stallion tax
Sire Line
Always A Virgin by Western Ideal from Neverhaveneverwill
Always A Virgin p3, 1:48.8 - $1,135,559.
An outstanding 3-year-old pacer Always A Virgin won over $1 million in stakes that year and numerous Grand Circuit features including the Cane Pace, Messenger Stakes, NJSS Final, Oliver Wendell Holmes, a division of the Bluegrass Stakes and a heat of the Little Brown Jug.
To date he is the sire of 244 winners of over $22 million, 60 $100,000 earners and 11 in sub 1:50.
His best progeny include:
Always B Miki 1:46 $2,826,176. World Champion. Fastest Standardbred in history.
Color's A Virgin (f) 1:49.4 $1,113,120. Dan Patch 3YO Pacing Filly of the Year.
Always About Katey (f) 1:51.6 $849,787
Always At My Place 1:47.4 $610,522
Sweet Talkin Satin 1:49.2 $501,469
Seventimesavirgin (f) 1:50.4 $491,640
Dam Line
Artstopper by Artsplace from Ain't No Stopn Me
The 2016 US Pacing Broodmare of the Year
Unraced, Artstopper has proven a broodmare gem in the breeding barn, leaving two millionaires from just six foals of racing age to date:
Dam of four winners – all 4 in sub 1:54 and 2 in 1:50 or better, incl:
Always B Miki 1:46 - $2,826,176. 30 wins. (Always A Virgin)
Yagonnakissmeornot (f) 1:49.6 - $1,517,507. 41 wins. (The Panderosa)
One Stop Deal 1:50.8 - $115,075. 11 wins. (Western Ideal)
2nd Dam:
Ain't No Stopn Me p3 1:55.2 $300,747 by Big Towner from Suave Almahurst.
A stakes winner at both two and three, Ain't No Stopn Me won the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes Final as a juvenile and the Helen Dancer Memorial as a 3-year-old.
She is the dam of four winners with all four winning over $100,000 in stakes:
Cheyenne Rei 1:51.2 - $729,933. 15 wins. (Western Hanover)
Cant Stop Me Now 1:51.2 - $191,839. 16 wins. (Western Ideal)
Aint No Stopn Us 1:52.8 - $129,889. 21 wins. (Western Hanover)
Cheyenne Tony Abbs 1:52 - $102,937. 12 wins. (Western Hanover)
RaceRecord
| Age | Starts | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Money Won | Record Time |
| 2 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 3 | $135,384 | 1:53.2S |
| 3 | 19 | 12 | 4 | - | $794,707 | 1:47.8M |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | - | - | $365,915 | Q1:48.4M |
| 5 | 18 | 12 | 5 | - | $1,530,170 | 1:46M WR |
| TOTAL | 53 | 30 | 13 | 3 | $2,826,176 | 1:46M WR |
A stakes race performer and winner of over $135,000 at two, Always B Miki developed into one of North America's best 3-year-olds the following season, in what was a very competitive crop that included the likes of McWicked, JK Endofanera and He's Watching.
In addition to dominating his local Indiana Sires Stakes racing Always B Miki claimed divisions of the Tattersalls Pace, Bluegrass Stakes, Somebeachsomewhere Pace, Reynolds Memorial and his Breeders Crown elim. He also finished a phenomenal second in He's Watching world record run Meadowlands Pace after sitting three wide the entire way.
Going into the Breeders Crown Final on the back of a five race win streak, including a Crown elimination win over JK Endofanera and He's Watching, Always B Miki was one of the favourites to take out the end of year feature but was unfortunately scratched lame minutes before post time with what subsequently proved to be a fractured hind pastern.
Off the scene for almost a year and now with multiple screws inserted in both hind pasterns, Always B Miki returned in October of his 4-year-old year to win all four starts including the elim and Final of the Breeders Crown Open Pace and the American National Aged Pace - defeating the likes of battle hardened free-for-allers Foiled Again, State Treasurer, All Bets Off, Bettors Edge etc...
As a 5-year-old Always B Miki became a cult hero and etched his name in the record books as the fastest standardbred in history. His epic battles with the 2015 Horse of the Year Wiggle It Jiggleit captivated North American audiences with huge raceday crowds and intense interest whenever the pair lined up in the same event.
Always B Miki's victories included an elim and Final of the Ben Franklin Pace, elim and Final of the Breeders Crown Open Pace, the William Haughton Memorial, the Final of the TVG Pace, Mohawk Gold Cup, Jim Ewart Memorial, Hoosier Park Pacing Derby and of course his stunning world record 1:46 performance in the Allerage Farm Pace at the Red Mile on October 9 2016.
He also finished second in the Canadian Pacing Derby and the Dan Patch Invitational.
He became the first horse in history to record four wins in 1:47 or faster and in addition to his fastest mile ever title, shares the world record for a five-eighths track and holds the Canadian mile record.
His sensational 2016 season saw him voted not only the US Pacer of the Year but also the overall Horse of the Year.
Progeny
Always B Miki's oldest down-under progeny are 5-year-olds in 2024.
As at April 2024, he is the sire of 185 Southern Hemisphere winners including:
TRICKY MIKI p2, 1:56.9; 3, 1:55.8; 5, 1:53.6 - $517,450. 12 wins to date. At 2, won Golden Slipper (Gr.1); 3rd 2YO Westbred Classic (Gr.1). At 3, won WA Derby (Gr.1), Westbred Classic (Gr.1), Western Gateway (Gr.2). At 4, won Golden Nugget (Gr.1); 2nd Preux Chevalier 4YO Classic (Gr.3). Aged, won Lord Mayorʻs Cup (Gr.3). (Modern Art)
TAKING THE MIKI (f) p2, 1:54.2 - $365,812. 12 wins to date. At 2, won APG Gold Bullion Final (Gr.2); 2nd 2YO Diamond Classic (Gr.1), Westbred Classic (Gr.1). At 3, won WA Oaks (Gr.1); 2nd WA 3YO Fillies Sales Classic (Gr.2); 3rd WA Derby (Gr.1). At 4, won WASBA Breeders Stakes (Gr.3), The Schrader (Gr.3). (Bettor's Delight)
COLD CHISEL p2, 1:54.8 - $344,763. 6 wins to date. At 2, won Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stakes (Gr.2); NZB Harness Million 2YO C&G Final (L). At 3, won Northern Derby (Gr.1), Alabar Classic (Gr.2); 2nd NZB Harness Million C&G Final (L). (Presidential Ball)
FRANCO INDIE p2, 1:51.9 - $233,110. 9 wins to date. At 2, won Sires Stakes Final (Gr.1), 2x Sires Stakes Heats; 2nd Diamond Creek Farm Classic (Gr.2). At 3, 3rd Alabar Classic (Gr.2). Aged, won Central Otago Trotting Cup (Gr.3). (Christian Cullen)
FUTURE ASSURED p2, 1:55.3; 3 1:53.1; 4, 1:50.9 - $228,244. 15 wins to date. At 3, won QLD Yearling Sale 3YO C&G Classic(Gr.3). At 4, won Be Good Johnny Sprint (L); 2nd QBRED Triad Final (L). (Art Major)
JOYFUL (f) p2, 1:55.8; p3, 1:54.6 - $203,665. 9 wins. At 2, won Vicbred Super Series 2YO Fillies Final (Gr.1); 3rd Vicbred Home Grown Classic (Gr.2). At 3, 2nd Breeders Crown 3YO Pacing Fillies Final (Gr.1); 3rd Vicbred Super Series Final (Gr.1). (Mach Three)
THE MIKI TAKER p2, 1:55.7; 3, 1:55.6; p, 1:53.9 - $226,530. 13 wins to date. At 2, won 2YO Pearl Classic (Gr.1). At 3, 2nd WA Caduceus Club Classic (Gr.3). (Art Major)
AARDIE'S EXPRESS (f) p, 1:48.9 - $219,864. 14 wins to date. At 3, won Southland Oaks (Gr.2), Sires Stakes Harness 7000 (L), Heat Nevele R Fillies Series. At 4, won Hannon Memorial (Gr.3), Northern Breeders Stakes (Gr.3). Aged, won Sibelia Stakes (Gr.3). (Rocknroll Hanover)
YOU'RE SO FINE p2, 1:54.9 - $187,930. 11 wins to date. At 2, won Diamond Creek Farm 2YO Classic (Gr.2); 3rd WA Golden Slipper (Gr.1), Kindergarten Stakes (Gr.3). At 4, won WA Marathon Handicap (L). (Falcon Seelster)
NOT TO BE DENIED (f) p3, 1:50.1 - $143,886. 10 wins to date. At 2, 2nd NSWBC Western Region Final (Gr.3). At 3, won Golden Easter Egg. (Gr.3); 2nd South East Oaks (Gr.3). Aged, won Riverina Championships Mares Final (L). (Art Major)
AARDIES FLASH p3, 1:51.7 - $153,226. 10 wins to date. At 3, 2nd Redcliffe Derby (Gr.3). (Rocknroll Hanover)
I'LLAVABUBBLES (f) p, 1:49.8 - $151,537. 13 wins to date. Aged, 2nd Sibelia Stakes (Gr.3). (Bettor's Delight)
EVER HOPING p2, 1:56.4; p, 1:54.6 - $141,236. 12 wins to date. At 2, won Southern Cross Series Final (Gr.2). (Bettor's Delight)
CHEER LEADER (f) p2, 1:53.4 - $140,596. 8 wins to date. At 2, won QBred for Life Final (Gr.3). At 3, won Redcliffe Oaks (Gr.3). (Mach Three)
MIKI MONTANA (f) p3, 1:54.6; 4, 1:54.1 - $137,598. 6 wins to date. At 3, 2nd Harness Million 3YO Fillies Final (Listed); 3rd Caduceus Club Stks (Gr.2). At 3, 2nd Nevele R Fillies Series Final (Gr.1). (Mach Three)
PAUL EDWARD p, 1:54.2 - $123,449. 9 wins to date. At 3, 2nd WA Pearl Classic (Gr.2). (Golden Greek)
MISTER SMARTEE p2, 1:53.1 - $109,670. 8 wins to date. At 3, won Western Gateway (Gr.3). (Stonebridge Regal)
COS I CAN p3, 1:56.3 - $106,050. 9 wins to date. (Bettor's Delight)
CHAP DADDY p2, 1:57.6; 4, 1:52.8 - $104,825. 10 wins to date. (Grinfromeartoear)
STAR CELEBRITY (f) p4, 1:53.2 - $101,730. 10 wins to date. (Mach Three)
RUBIRA p2, 1:58 - $100,375. 3 wins from 3 starts to date. At 2, won Diamond Creek Farm Classic (Gr.1), NZ Kindergarten Stakes (Gr.2). (Bettorʻs Delight)
NONPARREIL (f) p, 1:54.2 - $99,625. 9 wins to date. At 3, 2nd Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic Final (Gr.2). (Elsu)
DALTON SHARD p4, 1:52.4 - $96,911. 6 wins to date. (Christian Cullen)
MY SWEET SABRINA (f) p, 1:51.3 - $92,814. 10 wins to date. (Live Or Die)
ALWAYSBME (f) p3, 1:56.9; 4, 1:53.5 - $89,997. 7 wins to date. At 3, 2nd Redcliffe Yearling Sales Series Final (Gr.2). (Mach Three)
WHEELS OF FORTUNE p3, 1:58.4 - $88,914. 6 wins to date. At 4, 2nd Country Championship Final (L). (Mach Three)
JUNGLE BABY (f) p3, 1:54.9 - $88,818. 10 wins to date. At 3, 2nd NSWBC Western Region Final (Gr.3).(Die Laughing)
MIKI SHAN p2, 1:57.5 - $87,006. 6 wins to date. (Dream Away)
HES APPLES p2, 1:58.3 - $86,040. 9 wins to date. At 2, 2nd Dandy Patch Final (Gr.2). (Art Major)
KISS (f) p2, 1:57 - $84,206. 3 wins to date. At 2, 2nd Delightful Lady Classic (Gr.2). At 3, 2nd Harness Million 3YO Fillies Final (L). (Art Major)
UNCLE MIKI p3, 1:56.7; 4, 1:55.3 - $80,872. 11 wins to date. At 2, 3rd Sapling Stakes (Gr.2). (Village Jasper)
MONTANA GLORY(f) p2, 1:55.5 - $79,819. 3 wins to date. At 2, won Heat NZ Sires Stakes; 2nd Harness Jewels Diamond (Gr.1), Caduceus Club Fillies Classic (Gr.1); 3rd Sires Stakes Fillies Championship (Gr.1). (Mach Three)
MIKI NOEL ((AUS) MIKI JET) p, 1:56.3 - $77,631. 8 wins to date. (Washington VC)
ALWAYS SMOKIN p, 1:53.5 - $74,793. 7 wins to date. (Sands A Flyin)
MIKI MAGIC p3, 1:56 - $71,675. 8 wins to date. (Perfect Art)
RICH BEAUTY (f) p2, 1:57.3; 3, 1:54.7 - $69,810. 6 wins to date. At 2, 2nd Platinum Home Grown Classic (Gr.2) (Armbro Operative)
ALWAYS BE CHLOE (f) p, 1:56.4 - $68,227. 9 wins to date. (Village Jasper)
HONEYBUN (f) p3, 1:57.7 - $67,939. 12 wins to date. At 3, 3rd SA Oaks (L). (Art Major)
RIGHTAZZ p, 1:59.5 - $56,676. 4 wins to date. (Bettorʻs Delight)
(MY) MOONLITE DREAM (f) p, 1:56.8 - $54,418. 4 wins to date. (Christian Cullen)
THE MIGHTY MIKI p, 1:56.9 - $53,179. 6 wins to date. (Washington VC)
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (f) p2, 1:58.7 - $53,055. 3 wins to date. At 3, 2nd Northern Oaks (Gr.1). (Mach Three)
CHIRRIPO (f) p, 1:56.5 - $51,800. 4 wins to date. (McArdle)
SPEEDWAGON p, 1:56.7 - $50,209. 4 wins. At 2, 3rd WA APG Colts & Geldings Sales Classic Final (Gr.1). (Rocknroll Hanover)
ALWAYS B ELITE p3, 1:57.7 - $49,955. 2 wins to date. At 2, 3rd Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stakes (Gr.2).
FATE AWAITS p2, 1:55.4 - $48,106. 3 wins from 4 starts to date At 2, 3rd Nutrien Classic 2YO C&G Final (Listed). (Art Major)
ITS DOWN TO DIGGER p, 1:53 - $47,247. 4 wins to date. At 2, 3rd NSWBC Eastern Region 2YO C&G Final (Gr.3). (Badlands Hanover)
ALWAYSBEALADY p3, 2:00.6 - $42,290. 4 wins to date. At 3, 3rd Tasmanian Oaks (Gr.3). (Art Major)
AARDIE B MIKI (f) p3, 1:54.9 - $40,906. 2 wins to date. At 3, 2nd Southern Oaks. (Gr.2). (Rocknroll Hanover)
MAURLEN BOY p2, 1:57.9 - $35,911. 2 wins to date. At 2, 3rd Bathurst Gold Crown Final (Gr.1). (Art Major)
ALWAYS TICKING (f) p2, 1:59.3 - $34,894. At 2, won Leonard Memorial (Gr.3); 2nd Caduceus Club of Southland/Alabar Classic (Gr.3) (Bettor's Delight)
ALWAYS B YOU (f) p3, 1:57.9 - $26,260. 1 win to date. At 2, 3rd Leonard Memorial (Gr.3). (Art Major)
HARRISON JOHN p3, 1:56.3pl - $23,318. 1 win to date. At 3, 3rd Southern Supremacy Stakes (Gr.2). (Bettorʻs Delight)
In North America his oldest crop are 6 in 2024. As at April 2024 he is the sire of 262 winners of over $35,168,000; 5 millionaires and 28 in 1:50 or faster, including:
GRACE HILL (f) p, 1:47.8 - $1,893,906. 29 wins to date. At 2, won 3x divisions Pennsylvania Sires Stakes, Liberty Bell; 2nd PASS Final. At 3, won James M Lynch Memorial, Shady Daisy, PASS Final, div PASS, elim Breeders Crown; 2nd Nadia Lobell; 3rd Glen Garnsey. At 4, won Breeders Crown elim & Final, TVG Mares Open. Aged, won elim and Final Roses Are Red, Dayton Distaff Derby, Milton Stakes, Cleopatra Stakes, Allerage Farms Mares Open. 2023 US Aged Pacing Mare of the Year. (Western Terror)
PERFECT STING p2, 1:49.4; p3, 1:48.2 - $1,861,447. 10 wins from 10 starts at two. 17 wins. At 2, won 2x divs and Final KYSS, div Bluegrass Stks, div International Stallion Stks, elim and Final Breeders Crown. 2020 US 2YO Pacing Colt of the Year. At 3, won Breeders Crown, elim North America Cup, heat Little Brown Jug, elim Breeders Crown, div PASS; 2nd Final Meadowlands Pace, North America Cup, Little Brown Jug, Tattersalls Pace, Max C Hempt Memorial; 3rd elim Meadowlands Pace. 2021 US 3YO Pacing Colt of the Year. (Bettor's Delight)
SYLVIA HANOVER (f) p2, 1:50.4; p3, 1:48.2 - $1,742,675. 18 wins to date. At 2, won elim and Final Shes A Great Lady, Champlain Stakes, Eternal Camnation, elim & Final Breeders Crown. At 3, won Breeders Crown Final, elim and Final Fan Hanover Stakes, Mistletoe Shalee, Shady Daisy, Bluegrass Stakes, Glen Garnsey Memorial, Tompkins Geers, Simcoe Stakes. 2022 US & Canadian 2YO Pacing Filly of the Year. 2023 US 3YO Pacing Filly of the Year. (Artiscape)
NIKI HILL (f) p3, 1:48.8 - $1,444,879. 14 wins to date. At 2, won elim and Final Shes A Great Lady, Breeders Crown, Final Kindergarten Classic, Three Diamonds, div International Stallion Stakes, div PASS, 2x legs Kindergarten Classic Series; 2nd elim Breeders Crown. At 3, won Bluegrass Stakes, Glen Garnsey Memorial, Matron Stakes; 2nd Breeders Crown Final, TVG Mares Open. 2021 US 2YO Pacing Filly of the Year. (Bettor's Delight)
SOUTHWIND GENDRY p2, 1:50; p3 1:49.1; p, 1:47.8 - $1,211,974. 22 wins to date. At 2, won PASS Final, div Bluegrass Stks, div International Stallion Stks, elim Breeders Crown, Matron Stakes, div Arden Downs, div Keystone Classic, The Elevation, div PASS; 3rd Final Breeders Crown. At 3, won elim Meadowlands Pace, 2x div PASS; 2nd elim Breeders Crown, div PASS; 3rd Final Meadowlands Pace, Tattersalls Pace, elim Adios. (Cams Card Shark)
STRONG POISON (f) p2, 1:49.6; p3, 1:48 - $856,342. 9 wins to date. At 2, won div Bluegrass Stakes, 3 legs Kentucky Championship Series; 2nd Kentucky Championship Final, elim Breeders Crown; 3rd Breeders Crown Final. At 3, won Nadia Lobell, The USS Indianapolis Memorial, leg KY Championship Series, elim Breeders Crown; 2nd KYSS Championship Final, Glen Garnsey Memorial; 3rd Bluegrass Stakes.(Rocknroll Hanover)
MONTE MIKI p2, 1:50.8 - $751,796. 7 wins to date. At 2, won Metro Pace Final, elim and Final Breeders Crown; 3rd div International Stallion Stakes. 2021 US 2YO Pacing Colt of the Year.(Camluck)
MAD MAX HANOVER p3, 1:47.8 - $732,617. 8 wins to date. At 2, 2nd Governor's Cup. At 3, won Tompkins-Geers Stakes; 2nd Meadowlands Pace Final, Cane Pace, Jennas Beach Boy. (Mach Three)
MIKALA (f) p3, 1:50.2; p4, 1:48.6; p, 1:47.8 - $641,965. 17 wins to date. At 3, won 2x div PASS. Aged, won Dorothy Haughton, Clara Barton; 2nd Milton Final, Lady Liberty.(Somebeachsomewhere)
ALWAYS A MIKI p2, 1:50.4 - $586,012. 18 wins to date. At 2, won Governor's Cup, 2x div Pennsylvania Sires Stakes, div PA All Stars; 3rd div International Stallion Stks, elim Breeders Crown. (Somebeachsomewhere)
TRUE BLUE LINDY p3, 1:50.2 $433,348. 9 wins to date. At 2, won PASS Final, div PASS, Dream Maker Final. (Yankee Cruiser)
ALWAYS B NAUGHTY (f) p3, 1:48.4 - $404,844. 9 wins to date. At 3, won Adioo Volo, leg KYSS, leg PASS; 2nd PASS Championship; 3rd Breeders Crown Final. (Badlands Hanover)
INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW (f) p4, 1:51h - $392,903. 24 wins to date. At 3, won 3 legs Weiss Series; 3rd Bobby Weiss Series Final. (Ponder)
STRIKING IMPACT p4, 1:51.2h - $356,759. 15 wins to date. (Somebeachsomewhere)
BILLY CLYDE p4, 1:47.6 - $345,671. 16 wins to date. At 3, 2nd PASS Final; 3rd div PASS. (Badlands Hanover)
GRAND CAYMAN p4, 1:50.8- $328,019. 20 wins to date. (Bettor's Delight)
Mating Hints
From the Western Ideal sire line and out of the reigning US Broodmare of the Year, who is by Artsplace, the fastest standardbred of all time, Always B Miki has a terrific pedigree that should suit most Southern Hemisphere broodmares - particularly as it has an absence of Cam Fella blood lines.
With no Cam Fella blood in his pedigree whatsoever Always B Miki offers a fantastic outcross for mares from this sire line, with daughters of Bettors Delight, Fake Left, Armbro Operative, Presidential Ball, Washington VC, Precious Bunny, Four Starzzz Shark, Blissfull Hall, Pacific Fella, Camtastic, Cameleon all good options for the 1:46 pacer.
Abercrombie line mares have also crossed well with sons of Western Ideal and with Always B Miki's dam by Artsplace this should be reinforced even more so.
Abercrombie line stallions inlcude Art Major, Grinfromeartoear, Artiscape, Astreos, Modern Art, Albert Albert, Sportswriter, Life Sign, Dream Away, Pacific Rocket, Panorama, etc.
Art Major and Sportswriter mares are a particularly interesting match given the presence of Big Towner in their pedigrees.
The Western Ideal sire line (Rocknroll Hanover, American Ideal, Rock N Roll Heaven etc...) has crossed well to date with mares by Direct Scooter line stallions - so mares by the likes of In The Pocket, Christian Cullen, Mach Three, Courage Under Fire, Somebeachsomewhere, Captaintreacherous, Changeover and OK Bye are all good choices for the 2016 US Horse of the Year.
In recent years duplicating No Nukes on both sides of the pedigree has produced some outstanding pacers (Terror To Love, Bling It On) so mares by No Nukes line stallions like Live Or Die, Badlands Hanover, Western Terror, P-Forty Seven, Safely Kept, Jereme's Jet, Village Jasper etc... are more than suitable.
Always B Miki contains multiple crosses of Big Towner and it is worth noting that duplicating Big Towner through a sire and a dam has produced very good results - so mares containing Big Towner could very well be a great option for Always B Miki.