Two weeks ago, we observed minimal changes in the General Sires List, with just eight stallions shifting positions among the top 25. The most significant change was made by a sire that wasn’t even in the top 25 during our last review, while the others saw moves of no more than two spots.
However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since then, with all but five of North America’s top sires reordering their ranks. Notable among the movers is Twirling Candy, who jumped an impressive seven spots from No. 14 to No. 7, largely due to Kilwin's victory in the $1 million Untapable Stakes on September 8.
Constitution also made his mark, rising two spots to secure a place in the top five. The fifth-ranked sire in progeny earnings this year, Constitution has shown remarkable adaptability to achieve this position. A son of Tapit, he stood at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, this year, commanding a fee of $110,000.
Since his debut at stud in 2016, Constitution has faced various challenges. His first crop in 2019 was headed by Tiz The Law, who propelled Constitution to the status of the No. 2 first-crop sire by progeny earnings, achieving the most black-type winners and graded stakes winners in his class, while also tying for the most overall winners.
In the subsequent year, he skyrocketed up the General Sires List from No. 115 to No. 18, thanks again to Tiz The Law, whose earnings approached $2.4 million. With total progeny earnings nearly tripling to $6,439,704, Constitution earned the title of top second-crop sire in 2020.
Constitution continued to advance in 2021, climbing to No. 12 with over $10 million in progeny earnings. His runner Americanrevolution earned close to $1 million, while his 201 runners averaged $56,539 in earnings, marking the highest annual average to date for his offspring. Once more, he led his class, becoming the top third-crop sire with the most graded stakes winners and black-type runners.
After steady placements in 2022 and 2023, finishing at No. 12 and No. 14 in the final rankings, Constitution has made a significant comeback this year. With a record year of earnings at $11,611,723, his progeny’s average winnings have surged by nearly $2,000 compared to last year. Among his sixth-crop counterparts, he currently leads in both graded stakes winners and black-type runners.
Constitution's offspring showcase impressive versatility across surfaces, having earned a record $4.78 million on turf this year, placing him fourth among turf sires. His standout performer has been Neat, who boasts three graded stakes victories, including the Transylvania (G3T), American Turf (G2T), and the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (G2T) stakes.
A promising 2-year-old from Constitution's crop is Chasing Liberty, victorious in the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs. The colt remains unbeaten in two turf starts, amassing $639,495 in earnings.
Pin Up Betty, who has come close multiple times as a 2-year-old and in the early stages of her 3-year-old season, seems to have found her stride, notching three top-four finishes this year, including a win in the Regret Stakes (G3T), a determined fourth in the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1T), and second in the Pucker Up Stakes (G3T).
On the dirt, Constitution shows no signs of slowing down. He could potentially surpass his previous progeny earnings benchmark of $7.7 million set in 2021, currently standing at $6.4 million as of September 9.
His premier dirt runner this year, classic-placed Catching Freedom, has consistently performed well, racing in graded company. Catching Freedom won the Louisiana Derby (G2) and achieved finishes of fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and third in the Preakness Stakes (G1), earning nearly $2.3 million.
Mindframe, by finishing second in both the Belmont (G1) and Haskell (G1) stakes, further enhances Constitution's potential for future success.