MR. MELLON [USA] (b, 1999, by Red Ransom out of Mackie, by Summer Squall).
Standing at Southern Paradise Stud Farm, Shirval, Maharashtra.
That respected journal, America's Daily Racing Form, put it succinctly: “Mr. Mellon seems to have the whole package: class, connections, pedigree, and a versatile running style”. Indeed, this $ 950,000 yearling, who was bred by Tom Van Meter and Vinery, Inc., was considered one of the very best three-year-olds of his crop in the U.S. in 2002.
An outstanding physical individual, standing 16 hands, well-muscled and with correct conformation, the son of Red Ransom (discussed above in connection with China Visit [USA]) is out of the very well-bred Gr.3 winner Mackie, who fetched US$ 5,000,000 at public auction 3 or 4 years ago.
Trained by Elliott Walden, Mr. Mellon [USA] won thrice, including the Arlington Classic (Gr.2) in Chicago, and the listed Rushaway Stakes, all over 8-1/2 fur., in USA. He also placed twice, including 2nd in the Jefferson Cup (Gr.3), earning US$ 278,580, from only 9 career starts. Equally effective on turf and dirt, he gave his true running on a variety of track conditions from “good” to “fast” to “firm”.
Mr. Mellon [USA]'s dam was a half-sister to Kentucky Derby (Gr.1), winner Sea Hero, multiple Gr.1 winner Hero's Honor, Gr.2 winners Glowing Honor and Wild Applause (dam of Gr.1 winner Eastern Echo), Gr.3 winner Coronation Cup, and Victoria Cross (dam of champion sprinter Mozart) quite a potent brew! The female family is that of La Troienne, perhaps the world's best source of quality performers, she is ancestress also of Razeen [USA] and Mr. Mellon [USA]'s barn-mate, Warrshan [USA].
