To own a horse is to participate in a dream. Particularly a Thoroughbred racehorse. And when that 2-year-old qualifies for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) on “Future Stars Friday” at Del Mar, your dreams become more exciting.

Doug O’Neill is a seasoned trainer with decades of experience at the World Championships with winners such as Nyquist  (2015 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, G1), Goldencents   (2013 Dirt Mile, G1), Maryfield  (2007 Filly & Mare Sprint, G1), Thor’s Echo  (2006 Sprint, G1), and Stevie Wonderboy  (2005 Juvenile, G1). In addition, he won the 2012 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) with I’ll Have Another  and the 2016 Kentucky Derby with Nyquist. His training incorporates a team philosophy and the motto, “Why not us?”

Pali Kitten is a 2-year-old Kentucky-bred sired by Vino Rosso   out of Artemus Kitten , by Kitten’s Joy. He is a chestnut colt with three starts. He has two firsts, including the Speakeasy Stakes at five furlongs on the turf at Santa Anita Park Oct. 5, coming from last to first under jockey Kazushi Kimura as “the late danger” besting Smash it by a neck.

Pali Kitten’s ownership group is Robert A. Bambauer, James F. Cahill, Scott Knight, Richard L. Sutcliffe Jr., Robin A. Sutcliffe, and Kelli S. and Timothy H. Walsh.

Each of them has special memories of horse racing and what it means to them.

Jim Cahill lives close to Del Mar and has been hooked as a racehorse owner. He remembers when he was in college and lived at a house on the beach in Del Mar with six other guys. “In the summertime, we would hang out at the track. We all had different jobs but late in the afternoon, we would go up there. In those days, you’d bring a beach chair and a cooler full of your favorite refreshments. We would sit out next to the track and watch the races. It was such a fun time.

“There’s nothing like it when I have a horse running. There’s nothing as fun as when they’re coming down the stretch. You’re yelling! You’re screaming! You’re jumping up and down with your friends and family. It’s a thrill. It’s an exciting time for all of us!”  

As for Pali Kitten: “He’s good-looking. He’s got good markings. He’s got a great personality. When you come up to the stall, he’ll immediately come up to meet you. He’s sweet to everybody. I remember I took a friend to see him, and he laid his head on her shoulder.”

Scott Knight co-founded Pali Wine Co. in Santa Barbara, Calif. He and his wife were talking with Jim Cahill about possible names for the newly purchased 2-year-old by Vino Rosso, bought by Steven Rothblum at the 2024 OBS Spring sale of 2-year-olds in training for $82,000 on behalf of the owners. His dam, Artemus Kitten, is a stakes-winning daughter of 2004 champion turf male Kitten’s Joy, who was the pride and joy of Ken and Sarah Ramsey. This naturally leads to a play on kitten names. Thus, Pali Kitten was christened.

Scott Knight says that the reason he is into horse racing is for the camaraderie. “The life experiences with family and friends mean a lot to me. I have so many memories at the track with my family. I know that my grandmother always bet the gray. My mom always bets on the gray horse. I still remember that to this day. You forget about all your life problems for the time that you’re at the track. You’re just having a good time. It’s all fun. Imagine the excitement and the elation in the suite. I’m just hanging out with these guys and enjoying it. Everybody’s in a good mood. Everybody’s cool. It’s a fun atmosphere.”

Robert A. and Sheila Bambauer are experienced Thoroughbred horse owners, and their many partnerships ascertain their love of the sport. “For Team O’Neill (Doug, Sharla Sanders, and Steve Rothblum) to allow my wife, Sheila, and I to be part of the team is literally a dream come true. We love the sport and most of all love the people that are behind the scenes providing care for the horses.”  Pali Kitten was awarded the “best turned out” award at Santa Anita for the Speakeasy Stakes, which Bambauer pointed to as an example of the great care given the colt by his groom and the O’Neill barn.

Another member of Pali Kitten’s ownership group is a newcomer to the sport of owning a Thoroughbred but certainly no newcomer to sports. His name alone perks up any Major League Baseball fan. Rick Sutliffe won the National League Cy Young Award in 1984 and National League Rookie of the Year in 1979. The three-time All-Star pitcher won 171 games during a storied career. After he threw his last pitch, Sutliffe broadcasted for ESPN for 27 years. Living in Del Mar, he enjoys horse racing at the seaside racetrack.  

It was Jim Cahill who offered him and his wife, Robin, the opportunity to buy into Pali Kitten.  They jumped right in.  Sutcliffe said their first race at Del Mar was so much fun. “We didn’t win but we had a blast with all our friends being there.  The things that they do at Del Mar are so special.  She took the grandkids there. I would say that that the number one thing that made it all special was our trainer, Doug O’Neill. He’s phenomenal.”  

When asked how it felt to watch Pali Kitten race, Sutcliffe offered, “it kind of feels like I just turned 20 years old when I pitched my first game in the big leagues. It was Dodger Stadium. My palms were sweaty. I’m being honest. It’s a little bit like when I broadcast my first game on ESPN. It’s no different than when I broadcast the World Series. I don’t get nervous, but that’s exciting! In the last couple of months, getting to know Doug, I know that our horse is prepared, and it’s just a cool feeling.”

Breeders’ Cup “Future Stars Friday” is designed to feature the future stars of tomorrow. All the Pali Kitten’s connections will be cheering him on as he sprints “where the turf meets the surf.”  As Team O’Neill says, “Why not us?”