You will hear from time to time of those unique athletes who have that abstract, yet highly invaluable, intangible characteristic of it.
It is difficult to describe, but essentially it is that inherent trait, look and manner that instills confidence and energizes all around him — or her — and which enables performers to peak at just that right moment on stage.
Used in a sentence: Itsallinthegenes appears to have it.
To wit, the gelding is 2 for 2 for the Fappani stable of reiners of Scottsdale, Arizona, after the duo Itsallinthegenes and Luca Fappani turned in a best-in-show 212 in the Level 4 Non Pro Silver Spurs Equine Futurity on Monday at the High Roller Reining Classic in Las Vegas.
Itsallinthegenes, by Smart Spook and out of Electric Genes (by Jacs Electric Spark), and Fappani walked out of the South Point Event and Equestrian Center with a check of $7,019.
SLJ Dun With Voodoo (Shiners Voodoo Dr x SLJ Dun Juice x Smart Like Juice) and Jose Vazquez were reserve champions with a 210. The mare is owned by her breeder, Smart Like Juice Inc. of Markham, Illinois.
The triumph was Itsallinthegenes’ second in two career appearances. He debuted with Andrea Fappani in the Hollywoodstinseltown Futurity Open at the Tulsa Reining Class earlier this month.
That, too, was a victory worth more than $14,000. The pair turned in a 224 in the finals.
Andrea Fappani, who, with wife, Tish, own the steed, said after that debut that “we think a lot of him.’’
It’s now very evident why.
“He’s a great show horse,’’ said Luca Fappani, whose career earnings now exceed $170,000, according to Equi-Stat. “A lot of horses, they go in [the arena] and get insecure. They’re not the same as outside. But this one, if you’re doing something outside that’s exactly what you’re going to get in there. He’s honest.’’
Of Monday’s performance, Fappani said he was pleased with his turns and circles. The stops were a source of some anxiety.
“I knew there was a lot pressure coming in,’’ considering Itsallinthegenes’ debut, Fappani said. “I did what I wanted mostly. I got him turned super well. Circled super well for me. He was with me the whole time. In the stop, I came out of the first one really bad. My second stop, I stopped better, but the rollback was wasn’t very good.
“In the future, for the NRHA Futurity I definitely need to work on my stops.’’
That’s what putting in all the work outside is all about. This Fappani estimated that he has ridden Itsallinthegenes about 10 times.
He knows he has a willing partner in this horse bred by Rancho Oso Rio LLC of Scottsdale.
“When you get on him, he’s interested in his surroundings. He’s not one to just go out there and do it just to do it. He likes being out there.
“I’m excited about the future with him.’’
Level 4 Non Pro Futurity
Itsallinthegenes & Luca Fappani
16G (Smart Spook x Electric Genes x Jacs Electric Spark)
Owner: Tish & Andrea Fappani, Scottsdale, AZ
Breeder: Rancho Oso Rio LLC, Scottsdale, AZ
212 | $7,019
Level 4 Non Pro 4-Year-Old Futurity
Xtra Cee A Doctor & Kylie Robinson
15S (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Holicee x Holidoc)
Owner: Kylie Robinson, Potlatch, ID
Breeder: Sharlene Stone, Butte, MT
213.5 | $4,119
Half Arabian Open Futurity
Syndorella Whiz & Andrea Fappani
15M (Conquistador Whiz x PAF Tohotttohandle (AR) x MHR Muscatel (AR))
Owner: Buckshot Farms, Roca, NE
Breeder: Michael Miola, Scottsdale, AZ
144.5 | $5,287
Arabian Level 4 Open Futurity
Arezzona Bound & Crystal McNutt
14M (Arezzo NL (AR) x Angelina D (AR) x Apaladin (AR))
Owner: Catherine Ferandelli, Winnemucca, NV
Breeder: Lee Cary-Chase, Wendell, NC
141.5 | $5,400
