INCENTIVES: Black Gold, Future Fortunes, Oklahoma-Bred Program, Pink Buckle, QHRAI, Riata Buckle, Ruby Buckle, Select Stallion Stakes, Speedhorse, The Diamond Classic, TQHA Sires’ Cup

There’s good reason behind the buzz about Reliance Ranch’s Big Lew.

First, there’s his breeding: Big Lew is by AQHA Hall of Fame sire Corona Cartel, the AQHA’s number two all-time leading sire.

Second, there’s his record as a winner on the track. Big Lew had eight wins including the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Super Derby. He earned $638,878 and retired sound after three years.

“He was an amazing individual, just the picture of a horse that could do it all,” according to Bobby Mote, head of Reliance’s Second Career Program.

Then there’s his progeny. On the racetrack, sons and daughters of Big Lew have earned nearly $1 million from just three crops to reach racing age thus far.

But the buzz behind Big Lew also includes anticipation for his progeny to hit the performance arena, an anticipation based as much upon his demeanor and intelligence as his incredible athletic prowess.

All of Reliance’s trainers rave about the speed with which Big Lew’s foals learn and their retention, all signs pointing to horses that will shine behind the barrier in roping or running down a barrel racing alley.

Standing 15 hands, Big Lew can add brains to perform and speed to augment the cow breeding of many roping programs.