Lee Pokoik, a seasoned Thoroughbred breeder with over 35 years of experience, is anticipating a historic moment as he may attend the Kentucky Derby to support Commandment, a colt he bred. Commandment, sired by Into Mischief and out of Pokoik’s graded stakes-winning mare Sippican Harbor, recently won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Despite being offered at auction twice without meeting reserve, Commandment was eventually sold for $500,000 and is now trained by Brad Cox with Irad Ortiz Jr. as jockey. Pokoik praises Commandment’s talent and temperament, expressing optimism about the colt’s potential to succeed at the Derby distance.

Pokoik, who has bred other notable horses like Gunmetal Gray, has a pragmatic approach to breeding and sales, typically selling colts while retaining select fillies to expand his broodmare band. He plans to breed Sippican Harbor back to Into Mischief, aiming to produce a full sibling to Commandment. At 80 years old, Pokoik never expected to attend the Kentucky Derby but hopes to be present this year if Commandment qualifies, dreaming of seeing the horse in the winner’s circle.